Phals outside?

[Phal grower]

Do any of you put your Phals outside in the summer?
If so, what about bugs, squirrls and birds. Any problems.
Also what conditions do you try to provide. Thanks

[Angurek]

I don't grow Phals but, like pretty much every orchid in cultivation, they can be put outside (weather and conditions permitting). In fact, doing so would probably be of benefit to the plants.

Phals are warm-growing shade lovers, so if you plan to put them outside, put them in a place where the sun won't shine on them directly. When you finally decide to go ahead, acclimatize the plants slowly, or they'll burn up. And be sure to bring them in before the temps drop too much in the fall.

Keep in mind that outdoor plants need to be watered more often, since the medium dries out quicker. You'll have to be vigilant about watering, since Phals like to stay evenly moist.

[Paul Mc]

I always put mine outside, and bugs and such can be a problem. Be sure it's elevated off the ground to help keep snails and slugs out. On another nite, be sure that no water, rain or otherwise can get into the creases of the leaf toasted the base. They are prone to rot and grow almost upside down in nature to prevent this. Be sure they are covered by something to prevent this from happening.

[beezermommy]

My phals are all grown outside, but in a screened pool enclosure. They also are on top of a large hot tub that's covered that we do not use. They do not get rained on. I water carefully.

[Junebug]

QUOTE=Phal grower;418942]
Do any of you put your Phals outside in the summer?
If so, what about bugs, squirrls and birds. Any problems.
Also what conditions do you try to provide. Thanks[/QUOTE]

Phals can be grown outdoors and they do quite well if the climate is right and if they're planted sideways. This position allows moisture to flow away from the leaf crown and eliminates the possibility of crown rot. A gradual transition to sunlight is very important. My phals are grown at the mid level of the shadehouse in a NE corner. I protect some of them from direct sunlight with strategically placed spanish moss. Dappled shade is provided by the foliage and roots of other nearby plants. During the heat of summer they get spritzed with water 2 or 3 times a day, tapering off to once or twice a day as the weather cools. I bring them indoors whenever the temperature drops below 48 degrees. Birds and squirrels have not been a problem for me. Squirrel damage is usually a result digging/uprooting as they try to bury their goodies in the potting medium, although they have feasted on the bulbs of two of my chids, a bulbo, and an encyclia. Insects are not usually an issue, but on occassion I've seen minor thrip damage on the blooms. Snails and slugs can be a problem if left unchecked.
Other plants shield the phals from sunlight. In the photo the phals are near the back corner, surrounded by other chids.

[tucker85]

I agree with everything said so far. I grow all my phals outdoors in Florida. Like the previous posts said, keep them in a covered area where it won't rain directly on them and keep them out of direct sunlight. They will probably appreciate the increased air flow that they get outdoors. I find snails are the biggest problem. They can eat a pretty big hole in a leaf overnight. Good luck.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i put mine outdoors in summer. under some trees. i dont really worry about water getting in and rotting. usually dries up. if it rains constantly for a few days i have things to worry about though

[Wrebbitrocks]

i put all orchids outside during summer, but they have to be acclimated or they WILL fry in the az desert heat. i place them in amongst other plants to maintain humidity and it in a garden setting. so long as theyre not watered past a certain time and again bring them in before any threat of frost. other than the heat, i dont have any problems disease/pest wise. the occasional aphid if there happens to be a plant nearby that had them or and not watering ENOUGH lol

[Eyebabe]

My neighbor has a covered porch and puts hers out every summer. They do well.