Brits have been advised to move their orchids inside as one key weather change looms in the UK. Orchids are a beautiful flower, and it is no surprise that many gardeners across the UK decide to grow them. They really add a lovely vibrancy to a garden, especially in spring and summer. However, as the weather changes and Britain braces for a chilly winter, you might want to think about moving your orchids inside this month.
Experts have shared the reasons for this and how you can do it to make sure your orchid remains healthy throughout the colder months of the year. It is “crucial” to adjust your orchid care routine, according to expert William Robinson at Waldor Orchids. Orchids are tropical plants, he explains, so you shouldn’t leave them outside in the bitter winter temperatures that sweep across the UK in the latter months of the year. These plants are sensitive to cold, so you need to monitor temperatures outside. Once they dip below 13C, it’s a good idea to bring them inside.
Before moving them, you should check if any pests have made a home on your orchids, such as spider mites or aphids. Once you are in the clear, you can move the plant indoors, but make sure you find the best spot for it.
You should place them in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. The brighter the room, the better. Meanwhile, humidity is important. To provide the plants with humidity that would normally be lacking in your home, place water and rocks in a shallow tray and position it under the orchids.
When it comes to growth, don’t expect your orchids to shoot up like they might in spring and summer. Instead, think of this period as a time for maintaining your orchid’s health. Simply keeping them alive is enough.
With that in mind, you do not need to water your orchids as much. William suggests that a good rule of thumb is to water them once a week.
Autumn can also be a good opportunity for repotting your orchids if you need to. Use a well-draining orchid mix, William instructs, and make sure the pot has draining holes. Making sure that roots have enough room to grow can help steer off root rot.
Finally, you can give your orchids air flow while they are indoors by leaving a fan on a low setting. Indoor air can be stifling for these plants, so allowing proper air flow will help them stay healthy in autumn and winter.
