How to make blooms last longer?

[got ants]

Not sure this has been addressed before, as I couldn't find it....

I have Blc Terri Henderson "Paul" that just started openening up on friday, and is already wilting the first of four flowers. I doubt it will make it to the next local orchid society (next monday).

I grow outside, and keep outside, in a pergoal with about 40% sunlight. It get a good breeze being high in the pergola, but maybe still too much heat. Should I be bringing my flowering catts inside? They would then be in low humidity, no air movement, and about 75% f.

[tucker85]

I live just a few miles from you and I know exactly what you mean. My winter blooming orchids last a long time but the flowers on summer bloomers wilt quickly. I experimented with bringing them inside and, in my opinion, they wilted even faster. I think it was the sudden change in temperature and humidity. The best approach I've found so far is to move them to a shaded spot where they don't get any direct sun but open enough that they can get good air circulation and a breeze whenever we have a breezy day. Good luck.

[zxyqu]

Agreed, bringing them inside has, generally, caused them to wilt faster. Also occurs if I buy plants from local greenhouses, and bring them inside. It's especially bad if humidity is low, or if there is a fan nearby. Outside though, they seem to last longer for sure. I think Tucker hit the nail on the head with moving them to a little bit of shade, but otherwise the same environment.

[glengary54]

I really think it is a tempurature issue, The following info comes from Orchid Wiz: "Rlc. Terri Henderson is composed of species of which 94% take intermediate temperatures, 82% take cool temperatures and 25% take hot temperatures. Grow this hybrid in cool to intermediate conditions, or 58°F to 75°F at night. It may be tolerant of hot (75°F to 85°F) night temperatures."

While it is in bloom I would move it to a shady area that has some air movement.