How To Take Care Of Orchids In Arid Environments?

Growing orchids in dry climates can present unique challenges, such as dry air, low humidity, and extreme temperatures. However, with the right care, orchid health can be maintained. To ensure proper orchid care, follow these five tips:

1. Check your natural humidity setting indoors. Most households range around 33 relative humidity (rH), but this can drop drastically if you have a full-time air conditioner or heater running.
2. Water your orchid every 7-10 days by submerging the roots for 15 minutes or giving it a few ice cubes. Cut off any dry leaves, shrivelled flower stalks, and dead roots growing out of the pot.
3. Repot your orchid if your home is especially dry, as this can affect your skin’s reaction to winter. A tried and true method is to set orchid pots on trays filled with pebbles.

Orchids thrive in warm, humid conditions, but air-conditioning and heating can dry out the air. To combat this, create a humid mini-climate for your orchid.

1. Mist your orchid in the morning when humidity levels are always low.
2. Avoid spraying your plant too late in the evening as temperatures drop at night. Lower temperatures mean less drying capability and more moisture, which can encourage fungus growth and spread.
3. Keep your orchids wet enough to go 5 or 6 days between watering by soaking for 15-30 minutes. Use a humidifier to increase room humidity or place orchids near a tray of wet pebbles.
4. Avoid placing orchid pots directly in the soil to prevent root rot.
5. Pot plants that require more water in sphagnum moss or coconut chips, and those that require a drier environment in bark.