Here we go again… We have moved to the summer cottage by the coast and of course with a bunch of bare-rooted orchids in tow… A slightly larger crowd than last summer, mostly smaller young plants, but otherwise more or less the same. This year I made up a small sun shade for them though, the shade cloth protects them against the direct sun (and potential strong winds) that hits them in the early morning hours. Some of them have still gotten some rosy cheeks from the sun despite this.
The red pigment is a way for the plant to protect itself from the increased light, a natural sunscreen if you will. Too much light will however eventually lead to cellular damage and permanent, unsightly burns on the leaves. Mine are still within safe limits but I have to keep a watchful eye until they get used to the brighter light levels. Amazing how much stronger “real sun” is compared with fluorescent lamps, even as early as at 4-7 in the morning…
For those of you who are new to the blog, this has become a once or sometimes twice yearly tradition since it is hard finding orchid babysitters willing to water daily, besides any vacation can only be improved with the inclusion of orchids – of course! (Vandas on vacation: winter 2008, summer 2009, winter 2009)
