Overwintering Cattleya, Vanda, Dendrobium: Fertilizer, Bloom Feeding, and Pest Prevention

Virginia Garage-to-House Transition: Feeding and Pest Control

Orchids summer outside, move to insulated garage (insecticidal soap), then indoors for winter.

Fertilizer

• Continue at half strength.
• Mind watering—indoor heat slows drying.
• Feed blooming plants—they need energy for flowers.

Pest Prevention for Next Summer

• Slugs/snails: Iron phosphate bait (safe for kids/pets).
• Chewing/sucking insects: Systemic insecticide labeled for orchids.
• General creepy-crawlies: General-purpose product.
• Soak pots pre-move to evict soil pests.

Key Insight

Prevention outdoors = fewer problems indoors. Treat before the move.