Growing Orchids in St. Augustine -
Orchids in August
General Growing Tips. August is the hottest month so be prepared to work diligently to ensure sufficient humidity and air circulation. Spray water on the floor, benches and outer surface of clay pots one or more times every day during the hottest times. Summer's higher temperatures, brighter light conditions and longer days induce orchids to manufacture the greatest amounts of carbohydrates when provided with enough fertilizer. The warm temperatures also cause insect populations to increase. Observe your plants carefully and spray for both insects and disease when first noticed.
Cattleyas. Growers should be enjoying many of the advance yellow hybrids from C. dowiana. Some of the large-flowered hybrids of C. bicolor may open this month. Continue to use a dilute fertilizer (1/8 strength) on cattleyas with every watering. As new growths mature, tie them up carefully to promote upright development of the pseudobulbs.
Cymbidiums. Use high potassium fertilizer in late August. The potassium level should be at 250 to 300 ppm potassium (K) and zero to very low N. Do this only two times at a two week interval. Wait a month then resume your normal fertilizer schedule.
Dendrobiums.The nobile-type dendrobiums are popular though some growers find them difficult to flower. In order to promote the gradual shift from active growth to the flowering cycle, start withholding nitrogen now. Some growers report using a bloom booster this time of year on winter dormant plants helps prepare them for their dormancy.
Phalaenopsis. Current high temperatures are particularly stressful for phalaenopsis. Excess heat and humidity promote bacterial Pseudomonas infections on the fleshy leaves. Keep light levels subdued, promote sufficient air circulation and do not splash water from one plant onto another. Keep using a dilute (1/8 strength) fertilizer with every watering to develop the strongest roots and largest leaves prior to the winter flowering season.
Vandas.
Summer growing conditions are ideal for Aerides, Ascocentrum, Rhynchostylis and Vanda hybrids. Feed aggressively and provide high humidity. Try placing a rubber-topped plastic flower tube containing stale beer on a rigid, emerging new root. Rather quickly, the root will consume the beer and utilize its carbohydrate content, producing some remarkable growth responses.
More Monthly Advice
Dr. Courtney Hackney Tips:
Summer Pests
Insects are cold-blooded, which means they grow faster when greenhouse temperatures are warm. This is true for both scale insects and mobile pests such as roaches....continue reading
Dr. Martin Motes Notes:
Progress of the Season
June has been exceptionally warm and dry. This drought and warmth has given our sympodial...continue reading
Orchids in August
July and August are the two most similar months in South Florida. Most of the advice on watering, disease and pest control in last month's calendar still apply but subtle changes...continue reading
AOS Beginners Newsletter:
Balancing Act You must balance light, water, nutrients and air. The best orchid growers instinctively know...continue reading
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August 3 Monthly SAOS Meeting
We meet on the first Tuesday of each month at Watson Realty, located at 3505 US 1 South in St. Augustine. The meeting begins with a plant sale at 7 pm followed by a presentation by an orchid expert at 7:15. The meeting closes with a plant raffle and auction where members can expand their collections. It's fun and informative for beginner and experienced growers. Here's a membership form if you want to join. Visitors and guests are always welcome! |
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August 3rd Meeting - Water Quality and Orchids
Our Go-To Guy Dr. Courtney Hackney will discuss water quality and orchids, how to compensate for the high alkalinity and dissolved salt content of Northeast Florida water. He wrote the book American Cattleyas which describes cattleya hybridizing in the United States, an Orchid Digest article about cattleya hybrids and hybridizers and writes the monthly ‘Growing Tips’ column that appears in the SAOS and other orchid society newsletters around the Southeast. |
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Keiki Club for Beginners
The Keiki Club is for our beginner orchid growers. We meet at a member's home on a weekend afternoon in an informal environment. While designed to meet the needs of our beginner growers, the Keiki Club meetings are enjoyed by all members. Visitors and guests are always welcome!
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See You in September!
The Keiki Club is on hiatus during July and August because of the summer heat. We'll resume our monthly get togethers in September. Email us if there is a topic you would like covered at our Keiki Club meetings. |
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St. Augustine Orchid Society Happenings
Membership Chair Gail Marshall puts together the SAOS Happenings each month so you can easily find all the orchid events around town sponsored by the St. Augustine Orchid Society. |
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August 7 Plant Clinic at Ace Hardware
The first Saturday of the month, Master Gardeners and St. Augustine Orchid Society members will be available to talk with you, answer questions and help you repot orchids. We will be at the Ace Hardware at 3050 US 1 South in St. Augustine from 9 am until 1 pm.
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Orchid Culture - Growing Orchids in North Florida
Articles about growing orchids in North Florida. There are articles about general orchid culture, orchid culture by genus and water quality and fertilizer. |
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Monthly Checklists and Newsletters
Monthly orchid growing tips including Growing Orchids in St. Augustine Month by Month (adapted from Robert Scully's articles in the AOS Bulletin), Courtney Hackney's Monthly Tips and Martin Motes Notes. There is also the AOS Beginners Newsletters for new growers.
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Questions and Answers
Questions and Answers from the SAOS Newsletter, where members share experiences. Q and A from this month, from 2010, from 2009 and from 2008.
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Orchid Photographs
Terry Bottom photographs all the orchids brought to the Show Table each month. The photographs are categorized by alliance and are provided for your viewing pleasure. There is an interactive form to identify your plant on the show table and a photo archive of pictures from all the SAOS events.
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Donate to the SAOS
Your source for information for growing orchids in North Florida. The SAOS is a Section 501(c)(3) not for profit organization for the development, improvement, preservation, cultivation and hybridization of orchids.
All donations are tax deductible. |
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