By the time August arrives, moth orchids often look worse for wear. Their summer display concludes, leaving behind tired stems as they prepare for a dormant fall.
Orchid care requires precision, but less is often more. The late summer heat demands careful watering and shelter from harsh afternoon sunlight.
A strategic combination of targeted pruning and humidity management will guide these sensitive houseplants safely through the end of their active growing season.
Pink orchid flowers.
1. Cut Back Faded Stems
It is entirely normal for orchid stems to turn yellow as July bleeds into August. Leaving dead foliage attached drains the plant’s energy.
Where you make your cut depends on the stem’s condition. If the spike is still firm and green, prune it just above a healthy node to promote late summer or fall branching.
If the stem has completely browned, cut it away at the base. This forces the orchid to channel its energy into producing a brand-new spike later in the year.
Potted white orchid on a side table in a living room.
Precision matters when pruning. Sharp, clean tools like Fiskars’ six-inch non-stick micro-tip pruning shears ensure a safe cut that avoids crushing the stem tissue.
Fiskars six-inch non-stick micro-tip garden pruning shears.
2. Read the Roots Before Watering
Improper watering is the leading cause of death for indoor orchids. They despise extended drought, yet are highly vulnerable to fatal root rot.
During August, warm air and active growth cause orchids to dry out rapidly. The secret to perfect hydration is watching the aerial roots.
If the chunky roots appear silver, the plant needs water. If they are green, leave the orchid alone. Use a small gooseneck watering can to soak the roots thoroughly without leaving them sitting in pooled water.
Orchid resting on a set of drawers.
3. Manufacture High Humidity
Summer heatwaves strip moisture from the air and rapidly dry out orchid bark. This leads to severe dehydration and damaged tissue.
Tropical orchids thrive in 40 to 70 percent humidity. If your home air is dry, temporarily relocate your plant to the bathroom to absorb ambient shower steam.
An orchid placed in a bathroom setting.
Alternatively, set the pot on a pebble humidity tray. You can also manually boost moisture by spritzing the foliage with a tool like Target’s amber plant mister, which prevents the leaves from wrinkling.
An amber-finished plant mister from Target.
4. Continue Strategic Feeding
Even if the flowers have dropped, your orchid remains in its active growth phase. Supplying essential nutrients now guarantees glossy foliage and robust future blooms.
Apply a liquid orchid fertilizer every two weeks throughout the summer. Organic alternatives, such as rice water or diluted coffee grounds, are also highly effective.
An orchid sitting on a windowsill.
Do not over-fertilize, as excess nutrients will burn the plant’s delicate root system. Flush the pot with plain water once a month to wash away residual salt buildup.
Bottle of liquid orchid plant food fertilizer.
5. Inspect for Late-Summer Pests
Dry August conditions create an ideal breeding ground for mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, and aphids.
Examine your orchids weekly for yellowing leaves, spotting, or fine webbing. Pay special attention to the undersides of the leaves where pests congregate.
White moth orchids planted in pots.
If you discover an infestation, immediately isolate the affected orchid. Treat the foliage with an organic neem oil spray to eradicate the bugs before they spread to your other houseplants.
