Hurricane Mathew – Preparations

Here we go again – Round 2!

I spent this evening preparing my orchids for the coming storms. Again, it bears repeating Hurricane Preparation Guidance we posted on the JOS Facebook Page.

Hurricane!…? Maybe not, but…
Yes, we do live in Florida, and that means we occassionally get visited by Hurricanes. This week’s coming event will be wet, but probably that’s about the size of it. However, it also pays to be prepared – especaily if you have Orchids gowing outside.

Tomorrow is your last opportunity to get ready. With that in mind, and especially if you are new to Florida (or missed out on the last Major Rain Event), consider preparing your orchids and growing spaces now!

A couple of recommendations:

Loose items – Move any loose items inside a protected space. That means Orchids, but it can also include grills, chairs, and anything that can become a projectile.
Hanging Orchids – If you have hanging orchids (like myself and others), make sure they are secure and won’t get blown loose. If there is any doubt – move them inside!

Saucers – If your orchids are sitting in saucers, empty the saucers at least once a day. Orchids don’t generally want to be wet, and although they love Rain, they aren’t aquatic plants. Give those roots an opportunity to dry out. (Thanks Cammy!)

Salt Spray. Noted orchidist, grower, and friend of both the Jacksonville Orchid Society and the St. Augustine Society (SAOS), Roy Tokunaga mentioned during his 4 October 2016 presentation to the SAOS that Salt water is carried long distances by wind accompnaying Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. What to do? After the Tropical Storm or Hurricane has passed, rinse down your orchids, and then LET THEM DRY OUT as they’ve already seen more than enough water with the tropical storms.

Anti-Fungal. After the blow passes by, treat all of your outside orchids to a dose of anti-fungal. It can’t hurt and may help to control fungal blooms that are common after long periods of wet.
You can probably come up with your own thoughts and recommendations. The point here is that don’t just let the wet weather happen; plan for it before hand, and take action before, during, and after!

The Editor…