FULL SUN ORCHIDS

[epiphyte78]

So far the only epiphytic orchid that I've seen growing in full direct mid-day sun in my area is a generic Dendrobium nobile hybrid that my neighbors have growing in their front yard. If it can take our mediterranean sun then it should have no problem with your subtropical sun.

[CoolPhrog]

I have most if not all of my epi's and catt's in mostly sun. My Brassovola aristocrat LOVES full sun. Most of these plants are doing better than they were since I started adding Pro-Tekt to my normal weekly feedings....

[Ross]

I really think the thing not being discussed here is that moving any high-light seeking plant to high light requires a transition. If you move a Brassavola (a high light plant) into high light quickly, it will turn reddish-purple. Even if the light is not full sun. If you move almost any orchid to full sun that is not used to it, it will turn purple, then slowly lose the purple and turn back to light green.

[luckygrower]

I grow only 2 orchids in full sun, and by full sun I mean 8-12 hours in full So Cal. sun, they are Oncidium flexuosum and Laelia anceps, both purchased from Andy's Orchids. I try to water them every day in the am, they are both mounted and bloom for me every year.

[gixrj18]

I have a neighbor (in Holiday, Fl.) that has two big Cattleyas and a Dendrobium growing in his south-facing front yard. They get full sun all day long. They are all a little yellow and rough-looking, but man do they get some blooms! I keep my Gramm. scriptum in full sun.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Ross

I really think the thing not being discussed here is that moving any high-light seeking plant to high light requires a transition. If you move a Brassavola (a high light plant) into high light quickly, it will turn reddish-purple. Even if the light is not full sun. If you move almost any orchid to full sun that is not used to it, it will turn purple, then slowly lose the purple and turn back to light green.

All high light orchids definitely need a transition period whereby they slowly get acclimatized to higher light levels. Like Ross said, some species will also turn this brilliant red/purple that is really cool looking. I try to grow all my plants so that they can get as much purple as possible. Unless light levels change, Ive never seen them turn back to light green though....

[Ross]

Originally Posted by isurus79

All high light orchids definitely need a transition period whereby they slowly get acclimatized to higher light levels. Like Ross said, some species will also turn this brilliant red/purple that is really cool looking. I try to grow all my plants so that they can get as much purple as possible. Unless light levels change, Ive never seen them turn back to light green though....

I have

[Weebl]

All good suggestions so far, also add Oncidium sphacealatum to the list, it grows to a beastly size and blooms best when exposed to almost a full day of full sun. As with anything though, acclimatize it to the brightness.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Ross

I have

Good to know! I sense a personal experiment coming on.......

[gixrj18]

I almost forgot, I have a huuuuge C. intermedia 'Boca Grande" hanging outside. It gets full Florida sun from about 1pm-sunset, and it isn't even yellow-colored.