Phalaenopsis Orchids Happy Inside When Hot Outside

In the peak of the summer, hot weather has many garden enthusiasts heading for the air-conditioned indoors, where their garden fun may be limited. We think a great option is an orchid plant…or maybe several!

The Yuma Sun, a paper from Arizona, featured an article from desert gardener, Georgia Bolton, who recommends, “When Yuma's hot weather comes, think orchids”. While they get easily sunburned if they’re outdoors in dry summer heat, they’re great indoor companions because they prefer the same temperatures that most people do – between 70 – 80 during the day and about 10 degrees cooler at night.

Later, she devotes an entire paragraph to our beloved Phalaenopsis orchids. “Protect your plant from drafts and direct sunlight to ensure a healthy orchid. A temperature between 65 degrees at night and 80 degrees during the day will encourage good plant growth. A spot in your home with indirect sunlight will be perfect. In three to four months, your Phalaenopsis orchids will reward you with beautiful blooms.”

And an extra tip: “Your orchid’s leaves should have a grass-green color. If they turn yellow, more shade is needed; and if they turn a dark-green color, more indirect light is required. The correct amount of light is necessary for your orchid to bloom”

Maui Orchids.com answered the question of Phalaenopsis orchids and heat this way: “Like most plants, orchids prefer a middle range of temperatures, neither too hot nor too cold. Some warm-growing species can take hot weather; some cool-growers are not harmed by subfreezing temperatures. It depends on the plant. Generally, however, the climate in the home favors the intermediate species. Orchids from more severe climates that are accustomed to cool or warm temperatures year-round do not do as well.”