Question: I have several orchids in the greenhouse attached to my home. The greenhouse gets afternoon sun from 1pm until 5 pm. Is this too much sun for the orchids now that it is springtime? How should I protect the orchids in summer? They are doing well and have flowered over the winter.

Answer: Since the sun is strongest in the afternoon hours, I recommend providing some partial shade to your orchids. If you have taller potted plants, like palms, bamboo, or ficus, the orchids will appreciate the dappled shade they would provide from the hot sun. You can also use a light shade cloth over the section of the greenhouse where the orchids live.