Super hot days

[Willc73]

Hello,
I have several types of orchids, Phals, Dendrobiums, and others which I can never remember the name of. They are all in a semi-enclosed outdoor garden. The top is acrylic. There is a misting system and I have a fan circulating air. Lately it has been hotter than haites outside and in the garden. My thermometer shows 100plus degrees as high through the day. As of now they get misted 4 times a day to try and cool them down. The orchids planting medium gets more water than I usually like, but its hot so I think it may be ok. I have made a purchase of a aquafog 400 fan which atomizes water and should help to cool things down.
I do have a Phal blooming currently and one of my bromeliads are also blooming. I did have to move my Phals to the very bottom because of burn. The leaves were becoming splotchy with yellow. Any other suggestions you can give me? Also, is it still a bad idea to overwater in that heat?

[jerrymeola]

Air circulation is the best thing to avoid fungus and bacterial rot in that heat. You are doing it better than most.

It is over 90 for months at a time in Florida and the orchids never complain. I usually do not even notice when it gets over a 100.

With that much air circulation and heat the plants should be drying out well.

[Willc73]

Thanks, that sounds good.
I have recently installed a misting fan which is on all day to keep temps down. The record heat has brought the high in the shade house to 112 F. OUCH. and that is in the cool area that I have my paphs in.
There is air circulation but also plenty of moisture. While I was on vacation my sitter didn't see one and it got scorched, but most are holding up. 18th day in a row with 100+ days.

If you have a solid top you might consider some shade cloth while the temps are so hot.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Yes, add shade cloth or heavier shade cloth during the hottest weather. This should be standard practice. Cynthia, Prescott, AZ