Temperature for orchid: Is it too hot or cold?

When it comes to orchid plant care, temperature is a very important element, and being able to regulate the temperature for your plant is vital for your orchid’s success.

If the temperature is regularly above what is recommended for each type of orchid then this could cause the plant to slow, or even stop, growing.

Temperatures that are too hot for your orchid can also cause the flowers to wilt and can dry up the leaves and spikes. Humidity is also another important consideration, as is how much light your orchid needs.

Likewise, if the temperature is regularly below what is recommended, this could cause mold and bacteria to produce which will cause the orchid to become sick.

If your orchid is displaying any of the above symptoms you should check the orchid’s environment to ensure that it is not receiving temperatures above or below what it should be. Checking the minimum and maximum temperature in your orchid’s growing environment can easily be done with a thermometer.

Different types of orchids have different temperature requirements. Temperature ranges are grouped into three different temperature categories: warm temperature growers, intermediate temperature growers, and cool temperature growers.

Here are a few of the basic temperature guidelines as well as a few examples of orchids that fall into each category:

Warm Temperature Orchids

The first of these categories is the warm temperature orchids. A few different types of orchids included in this category are Angraecum, Phalaenopsis (the most popular type of orchid), and Vanda.

The minimum temperature at night is 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and the temperature in the daytime should not exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

It is important to note that many different orchid varieties, such as Phalaenopsis orchids, need lower temperatures during the fall nights for a few weeks in order to start the flower spike production.

Intermediate Temperature Orchids

The second category is the intermediate temperature orchids. This category includes orchid types of Aerangis, Cattleyas (hybrid), Cymbidium, Epidendrum, Maxillaria, Paphiopedilum, as well as several others.

Their minimum temperatures should not fall below 55 degrees Fahrenheit at night, and should not exceed 75 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime.

Cool Temperature Orchids

The third and largest of the three orchid temperature groups is the cool temperature orchids. Cool temperature orchids include Cymbidium, Dendrobium, and Odontoglossum.

For cool temperature orchids, the night temperature should not drop below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and the highest temperature in the daytime should not exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

By understanding what your specific type of orchid’s temperature requirements are, you will be able to find the ideal growing environment in terms of air temperature. This will encourage your orchid to successfully grow to its full potential and will ensure that your orchid remains healthy and that you remain happy.