Indoor or outdoor?

[Vanessa]

I have a bunch of newer orchids in an empty bedroom with a bright southEast rather large window. There is a ceiling fan. They are mostly catts, minicatts a paph, a few phals and an oncidium. They have been thriving so it seems for the past 45 days and several catts have bloomed. I hand mist a few times a day. I also have an area on my lanai where I was growing Phals and Dends. It was time to repot the old buggers (the orchids are 10 years old or older and have been repotted every year or two as needed) and to my surprise I had some severe insect infestation on quite a few. also lizards and frogs hopping around partying in them. So I salvaged the best of the lot repotting in fresh new medium and new pots. My debate is whether to grow my orchids inside or to risk my new plants to the outdoor problems. My exposure in the summer on my lanai is shade for most of the day with killer sun in the late afternoon. So indoors it's no bugs or critters with less humidity but pretty good light..........outdoors it's optimal humidity, spotty light exposure in the summer and the above mentioned guests. Thank you for any feedback.

[Ross]

I'll just give you my vote - not as advice - but as personal experience. I used to grow mine outside during summer (made the deck look great but each time I moved them back in for winter (yes we do that here ) I had to clean the bugs off them and out of the mix. Last summer was the clincher - we had a hail storm that wiped out my Phal collection, except for one salvageable keiki, and despite the fact I got them all moved back into house with an inch or more of hail in the pots, many have been sulking since then. The Encyclia especially didn't like being pounded. The Phals looked like someone shot at them with a shotgun (so did the waterlilies in my pond). If it were me making this decision in Florida and if I had some solid cover like over a patio, I'd move 'em out - heck, I'd probably grow them outside year 'round But if you need to move them back and forth for whatever reason, I wouldn't do it. Mine have been lovin' the indoors thing all this summer, so far and my plan is to stay that way. I'd be happy to hear from others who grow them outside all year down your way.

[marysqd2]

I live in Virgina and move the orchids outside in the spring/summer and fall, the paphs and phals on a covered porch and the cats, encyclias and phrags in the brigher to full sun. Outside seems to help this is to ensure the plants receive the temperature variances needed for blooming. I can't seem to get them to bloom otherwise. I have several cool weather plants (zygos and miltonias) that stay indoors suring the hot summer months, but like it outside during the cooler spring and fall times. Don't foget, life is tuff in the rain forest, bugs and lizards live on them and in them in their natural environment. That said, I can understand that you would not want bugs and lizards in yuoru home, unless of course, you like a real "natural" home enviroment...

[D&S Mabel]

I have been growing orchids outside in Florida for a number of years and, although no expert and still learning, can offer my $.02 worth -

Most orchid growers would envy your natural growing conditions. Make full use of those conditions where you can. My father lives in your area and has plants hanging from his trees year round. In a number of instances, he has them actually attached directly to the trees.

The biggest disavantage for the grower here is the summer heat, I think. I find that I have to get my orchid work done early outside before the heat builds up or I just won't do it. Just no fun and can lead to plants getting away from you.

I have less insect issues if I keep my plants hanging or from direct contact with the ground/floor. Proabably has as much to do with bugs having more difficult access to the plants (for ants, snails and roaches) as it does with having healthier plants through improved air circulation (mealy bugs and scale). Bark, etc. does not breakdown as quickly either.

Three years ago, I moved to a house with a screen enclosed area and now find that it seems like less work caring for my plants then it did when they were "outside". Again, in my case, I think that has to do with it being more comfortable for me and thus I spend more time with the plants.

Some well placed shade cloth can help with those too sunny areas.

Don't sweat the lizards, toads and frogs as they are part of Florida living. They are natures pest controllers, won't hurt the plants and help keep down nasty chemical usage.

I would have far less plants if I only limited myself to the indoors only.

Good luck with your growing!

[Vanessa]

Thanks so much for the input! I think I will try all the new repots inside and see if they thrive. Vandas I will keep hanging under my pool cage where they love the light. I'll keep the bakers rack ready on the lanai in case some of my chids tell me they liked it better there......if they don't fuss I'll use the rack for Bromiliads...good golly another obsession i can get into! I'll keep ya'll posted on what happens.