Checklist for July and August

Cattleya

Cattleyas this month call for careful attention to their watering and fertilizing needs because of characteristically high temperatures. Evaporative cooling is a must in areas of the country where it is effective. Where it is not (the more humid regions), care needs to be done to proper venting to keep temperatures within reason. Bottom vents being used with top vents provide enough more important airflow to help keep plants cool. Increased air flow reduces humidity and dries plants out more fast, necessitating more often damping down and watering, in areas where high humidity is not a problem. Higher light and heat is the sign of more fertilizer. The growths your plants are making now are the source of this autumn, winter and spring’s blooms, so applying sufficient fertilizer this month is the best way to make sure future blooms. Higher temperatures and humidity may also lead to fungal or bacterial rot trouble, so it is important to watch your plants carefully for any early sign of problems. Pests are also at a high point this month for the same reason.

Paphiopedilum

Cooling and air circulation are especially crucial in these two months to prevent stress and avoid disease problems. Watering needs to be closely watched and checked to ensure that plants do not dry out. Warmer-growing hybrids will be at the peak of their blooming, with attention needing to be paid to staking of spikes. Look for water lodging in growths, which can rot coming out spikes and lead to the loss of the whole growth.

Phalaenopsis

Most, if not all, potting should be finished by now. This month and next are when these plants achieve their maximum growth. This growth will be that from which they set their spikes for the coming season. The more foliages the plants grow, the better potential for spiking will be achieved. Growers in cooler areas such as the Pacific coast have the advantage this month, should they choose, of cooling for early season spikes. Lots of heat and light need liberal applications of water and fertilizer.

Cymbidium

Summer can be the most rewarding season for cymbidiums. Now, growths should be coming very strong. The leaves of the new growths are the best when they are wide and fairly stiff. The color should be a light green to nearly yellow.

High-elevation Plants

For the cooler-growing plants,like the masdevallias, it would be very challenging for the next few months. Keep your plants more shaded, all through the hottest times, and make sure to keep the humidity level much higher. Don’t t let the plants dry out. Delay any potting till the weather cools.

Oncidium intergenerics

Many of the intergeneric crosses between odontoglossums and oncidiums, such as Odontocidium, Wilsonara and Colmanara, will be blooming now. Take particular care to train the spikes for the best orchid show. Keep plants under fairly shady conditions. Watch out carefully for snails and slugs.

Vandaceous

Plants will be growing quickly now and really getting pleasure from the hot humid days so similar to their native habitat. Watch out carefully for pests although, because many of these also enjoy the same conditions as the plants. Check flower spikes so that they can extend unimpeded for the best orchid performance later.