Orchid Temperature - Why So Hot and Humid?

Knowing where, or more importantly what type of environment your orchid originally comes from, will help you understand and choose the most suitable plant ensuring you have optimum orchid temperature and humidity levels.

Why are Orchid Temperature and Humidity levels so Important?

Orchids come from rainforests where temperature and humidity are high most of the year. When we buy an orchid it is advantageous to choose a plant that matches our growing environment as much as possible. This may mean adjusting the habitat to match the orchid temperature and humidity requirements as much as possible. Humidity often goes hand in hand with high temperatures and orchids in the wild rely on humidity for water absorption.

We have 3 basic categories of orchids as far as temperature in concerned.

COOL Growing Orchids

Many of these orchid species come from more temperate climates where orchid temperature is relatively cool, especially at night. Some examples are Cymbidium(Pearl Balkis and Vieux Rose) and Odontoglossum (crispum and grande) that prefer peak temperatures during the day of about 75F / 24C and night-time lows of around 50 degrees F (10 C).

MODERATE or Intermediate Growing Orchids

Examples areCattleya (Bow Bells or bowringiana) as well as Paphiopedilum (callosum or fairieanum). These plants prefer an orchid temperature of around 80F / 27C in the peak of the day then night-time lows above 55 F (13 C).

WARM Growing Orchids

Orchids that enjoy a warmer climate often come from the tropics and more than likely originate from a rain forest environment. Some examples are Phalaenopsis(aphrodite or lueddemanniana) and Dendrobium (phalaenopsis) preferring temperature highs or about of 85F / 29C and lows at night to be above 60 degrees F (15.5 C)

Note: Orchids growing outside of their respective temperatures will probably survive but may have problems flowering.

When considering your orchid temperature requirements you need to also consider humidity. As mentioned, many orchids, especially epiphytic orchids, come from rain forests where both temperature and humidity are high much of the year.

Humidity can be enhanced by many methods, if not naturally present in your growing area. Most common are

Humidity Trays

These can either be purchased or easily made using a bowl or tray to hold water and placing the orchid pot above it making sure it is not sitting in the water as this may cause the roots to get soggy and rot.

Spray Bottle

Water sprayed around your orchid plants in the morning and again in the evening (depending on the heat and season) will increase humidity. Also, keeping your plants fairly close to each other will help hold in the moisture.

Humidifier

You may even have one of these lying around.

Any or all of these will help you recreate the best temperature and humidity levels.

As always do a little research to make sure you provide well suited orchid temperature and humidity conditions for your particular plant. Also make sure you cover the other aspects of orchid care including watering, air circulation, fertilizing, lighting etc of your orchid.

It's NOW time to get your hands HOT and dirty! Enjoy!

Initially I became interested in orchids when my mother, a gardening enthusiast, seemed to constantly be having problems. I read books and searched forums and blogs to find out how I could help. Unfortunately mum is no longer able to care for her orchids on her own so I help where I can.

I also realized that I had a lot to offer other orchid growers from my research and started off a small site that just keeps growing and growing. You can find more information on orchid humidity there.

While checking out my site get your hands on my free Orchid Care Mini Course.

Anne Pinter