We are currently experiencing some unusually warm weather and we have been asked how we keep our cool sections cool in these conditions. At lunch time the temperatures ranged from 34.4C in Cool Americas to 38.6C in Warm Asia. While some of our lowland species are clearly relishing the heat most of our orchids would prefer lower temperatures.

From experience we don’t panic. If plants have plenty of water at the roots they will keep themselves cool through transpiration – we water morning and evening when it is this hot. Some plants we know suffer in high temperatures and so we ensure that these are in amongst other plants that will provide extra shade and protection from extreme leaf temperatures..

Good light and high temperatures are also a good time ti increase feed level as nutrients and water availability are the most likely limits to photosynthesis at this time of year.