Orchids outside?

[butterfly_muse]

Morning, everyone! I was wondering about putting my orchids outside. It's supposed to be in the low 80s today and stay around the high 70s low 80s for the remainder of the week. As tropical plants, I figured my orchids could appreciate this.

I was wondering, however, how they might react to this? Do orchids need hardening off? Since it's supposed to be in the high 50s low 60s at night, I was figuring I'd bring them back in at night, but thought they might like it outside during the day. I know it's far more humid outside than in my house (and since it's Maryland, at some point in the next couple of weeks we will be staring 80-100% humidity square in the face). Will bringing them back in to less humidity after being in more humidity shock them in any way?

Would I need to adapt their watering plan to being outside? I figure since it's warmer they might dry out easier?

Any advice on making them happy would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

[FSUOrchids]

It sounds to me like they will be fine outside, that's not really cold enough to cause an issue for most plants.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Orchid seedlings under 2" need to be hardened off.

Other than that, no, orchids do not need to be hardened off in order to be grown outdoors.

You have to mind the temperature range where you plan to grow, and what kinds of orchids will tolerate the temperature range you will be providing. Some orchids are also sensitive to low humidity. So if you have orchids that must have high humidity to survive, let alone thrive, it's advisable to not grow these kinds of orchids outside of a terrarium habitat.

Since the majority of your orchids are Phals, as long as it doesn't dip below 60 F at night, growing outdoors is fine.

[butterfly_muse]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Orchid seedlings under 2" need to be hardened off.

Other than that, no, orchids do not need to be hardened off in order to be grown outdoors.

You just have to mind the temperature range where you plan to grow, and what kinds of orchids will tolerate the temperature range you will be providing.

Awesome, thank you! I wasn't sure, some plants are very sensitive to being moved outdoors or back and forth, so I wanted to make sure I didn't shock them. They're out on my patio in some indirect sunlight, probably quite liking the warmth and humidity.