Critical Preparations for Orchid Growers Facing Storms and Hurricanes

When hurricanes or severe storms threaten, protecting your orchids should be a top concern. Orchids are fragile and susceptible to damage from strong winds, heavy rainfall, and sudden changes in their environment. However, with the right precautions, you can shield your plants and give them the best chance of surviving the storm. Below is a guide to preparing your orchids before, during, and after a hurricane.

1. Pre-Storm Watering: A Counterintuitive but Effective Strategy Water your orchids thoroughly before the storm hits. Although the idea of soaking them ahead of rain may seem odd, it serves two key purposes:

• Added Stability: A well-watered orchid is heavier, making it more stable and less likely to be knocked over or blown away by strong winds.
• Preparing for Potential Water Shortages: If your water source depends on electricity, a storm could leave you without it for days. Well-hydrated orchids will handle the temporary lack of water better. Even if you move your orchids indoors, give them two or three generous rounds of watering to ensure they’re fully hydrated. Store water for them.

A deep pre storm watering means your orchids can go without additional water for a few days, giving you one less concern while managing storm cleanup.

2. Strategic Placement: Keeping Orchids Safe from Winds and Water High winds pose a significant threat, especially to orchids placed in elevated positions. Reduce the risk by lowering your orchids as close to the ground as possible, but be sure to keep them slightly raised off the ground to avoid flooding. Standing water after a storm can lead to rot and fungal issues, so ensuring your orchids stay above pooling water is crucial.

3. Avoid Using Covers or Tarps While it might be tempting to cover your orchids with a tarp or shade cloth for extra protection, this can often do more harm than good. High winds can tear loose coverings and cause more damage to your plants. It’s best to leave your orchids uncovered, allowing them to weather the storm naturally.

4. Managing Shade Cloths and Tree Canopies If your orchids grow under a shade cloth, take it down and store it securely before the storm. You’ll likely need it once the hurricane has passed, as intense post-storm sunlight can burn your orchids. Keep it safe during the storm so it can be quickly set up again afterward.

For orchids grown under tree canopies, be prepared for possible damage to the trees. Without the natural shade, your orchids might be exposed to harsh sunlight, so have a backup plan to provide shade in case the canopy is lost.

Conclusion Preparing orchids for hurricanes and storms involves taking proactive steps to minimize damage. Watering your orchids ahead of time anchors them against wind and keeps them hydrated in case of water outages. Keeping them low but raised above potential flooding will reduce both wind exposure and water damage risks. Avoid using loose coverings that can become hazards in high winds, and ensure your shade cloths and trees are protected for post-storm recovery. With these steps, you can increase your orchids' chances of surviving the storm and thriving afterward.

By following this guide, your orchids will be ready for the storm is coming your way! Be Safe!