Things to do in the Fall

Like spring, fall is an significant transitional season and orchid growers should be making preparations for the coming winter. As days get shorter and cooler, orchid growth will slow and in some cases, stop altogether. If a plant is not in a crisis situation, delay any repotting until the lengthening days of spring coming. For many orchids, it is this change of seasonal conditions that starts flower initiation. When we move into November, keep a lookout for developing inflorescences on Phalaenopsis, Cymbidium and certain hybrids and species in other genera, and start staking when spikes reach 6-8 inches.

If you have been spending summer for some or all of your orchids outside, now it is a good time to get your indoor growing area cleaned up and ready to accept the returning orchids. Whether it is windowsill carts, a basement light setup or greenhouse, use diluted chlorine bleach (1:10) or Physan to clean off any accumulated algae. It is easier to make repairs when there are no plants, so ensure that your growing area is in the best condition for the trying conditions of winter. Ensure that heaters are functioning and that you have a large amount of fuel. If you use backup devices or alarms, also test them. Be sure to check the plants carefully for pests before putting them back to the close quarters of your indoor growing area or greenhouse.