Can I Grow Orchids in a Hot Sunroom?

Temperature

• Since the word "hot" is relative to the person or plant in question, many orchids thrive in temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, gardeners should avoid extreme temperatures when possible. If the sunroom gets too hot, it will bake the plant and rob it of moisture.

Humidity

• Most homes have about 35 percent humidity. Traditionally, sunrooms have a higher humidity, and more potted plants, than other rooms in the home. Although the area might be a higher natural humidity, keep in mind that orchids flourish in humid climates where rain and humidity is prevalent. Orchids grow best when exposed to 40 to 60 percent humidity.

Care

• If your sunroom doesn't have many plants, or if the humidity is lower than the suggested 40 to 60 percent, place your plant on a saucer of water-saturated gravel or mist the plant daily. Use room temperature water and mist the leaves, stem and potting soil of the plant only. Don't spray the flower petals directly or the plant won't bloom as long. If your sunroom doesn't have good circulation, avoid misting the orchid leaves at night when the temperatures drop because fungus may begin to grow on damp leaves. Water your orchid only when the soil itself is dry. Orchids tend to do better with slight dry spells between waterings. Consult the care instructions for your particular orchid for specific watering questions.

Considerations

• Regularly inspect your orchids for health issues. For example, most healthy orchids have medium-green leaves. If your plant is browning, drooping or beginning to wither, it could be a natural part of the life cycle or it could indicate problems with too high of heat, too little water or too much water. Inspect the roots for root rot -- indicated by brown mushy roots and standing water in the pot -- and treat it appropriately with dry soil.