Keeping orchids outside - Orchid Board

clusty · #1 06-02-2013, 11:53 AM

Hey,

I was curious if I could keep 2 orchids outside during summer. At this point ambient humidity rarely drops under 50% and temperature is between 15-35 deg. They get about 4h of afternoon direct sun.

The orchids I was considering were:

laelia intermedia coerulea
psychopsys

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #2 06-02-2013, 12:42 PM

Both orchids should be fine if those temperatures are really what they range throughout the day, (which means, the temperatures should be within those temperatures you mentioned during the day and during the night). Should night temperatures be lower than the temperatures you mentioned, I recommend you find out what the night temperatures are before you place the orchids outdoors.

Lighting could be ok. Not sure. If the temperatures check out, and you do place the orchids outdoors where you intend to put them, then monitor the orchids' progress with the lighting. If the Laelia starts turning darker green, it needs more light. If the Psychopsis loses it's brown mottled markings, it needs more light.

MattWoelfsen · #3 06-02-2013, 09:31 PM

I live west of you in Fort Wayne, Indiana...cold weather is heading your way. Last Sunday I put all of my Oncidiums, Catleyas, Maxillaria out on my back porch, north facing, under the eaves. We had a tornado watch this past Friday with heavy torrential rain. Saturday, it was overcast but every body dried out and looks really good. Tonight I had to bring all of these plants back inside as for the next three days the day time temperature will be almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Normally I wouldn't care but most of this lot is repotted and all of them have tender young growth. Normally, by this time of year, we do not see such low overnight temperatures. Lately, there doesn't seem to be anything normal, weather wise. Who said there is no such thing as global warming?

clusty · #4 06-02-2013, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

I live west of you in Fort Wayne, Indiana...cold weather is heading your way. Last Sunday I put all of my Oncidiums, Catleyas, Maxillaria out on my back porch, north facing, under the eaves. We had a tornado watch this past Friday with heavy torrential rain. Saturday, it was overcast but every body dried out and looks really good. Tonight I had to bring all of these plants back inside as for the next three days the day time temperature will be almost 60 degrees Fahrenheit and 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night. Normally I wouldn't care but most of this lot is repotted and all of them have tender young growth. Normally, by this time of year, we do not see such low overnight temperatures. Lately, there doesn't seem to be anything normal, weather wise. Who said there is no such thing as global warming?

Thanks for the weather update

I just noticed that for next week we are expecting around 45 at night. I am always on the lookout for weather, but was mostly curious generally about the tolerance to dry harsh summers.

silken · #5 06-02-2013, 11:24 PM

Many growers in our society say their orchids just thrive outside in the summer. Of course you would need to take care not to let them get sun burned when they first go out.

I put my Cymbidiums out in spring. They love it and bloom pretty well in winter for me. Last year I put out a lot of my cattleyas and some Oncidiums into the back yard. There are trees so many of them got some bright sun in the morning and then filtered after that. They did well. Only trouble for me is we go away a lot in the summer and I was dragging them back in every time. So they didn't get all summer out of doors since I was afraid a nasty storm or hail would damage them when I was away.

Paul Mc · #6 06-02-2013, 11:34 PM

I live in STL, MO. I put almost all of mine outside, but I have them protected from noon and evening sun, as well as from hail and rain so I can control the watering a bit better.

If you put them outside, just get a light meter and measure throughout a day to measure the foot candles. Research the appropriate range for lighting, and feel the leaves for warmth. If they are warm then either they haven't acclimated yet to the light or they are getting or it's too much light.

Honestly, most of my orchids go outside except for the cool growers and the ones that need a more balanced environment. I have lost some, but its a learning experience. Grow and learn, enjoy the experience and try, try again!

WhiteRabbit · #7 06-02-2013, 11:41 PM

Laelia anceps is quite cold tolerant. I grow mine outdoors year-round, going down to freezing for short periods, but is sheltered. Anceps is also tolerant of heat and dry weather. Keep shaded during extreme heat.

I grow many outside in quite low humidity in summer (yesterday daytime humidity was 18% - but does go up quite a bit at night)

clusty · #8 06-05-2013, 01:40 PM

Was curious also if a Cattleya(sophronitis) coccinea, would be happy at 10C at night.

This would allow it to get a little more light/keep cooler during the day and have more ambient humidity.

silken · #9 06-05-2013, 06:24 PM

I don't have a C. coccinea but none of my Cattleyas (species and hybrids) seemed to suffer from being out for the nights here on the prairies. However in summer, we do have warmer nights than 10 celcius most nights. Maybe your yard is more sheltered. I find our temps are taken at the airport and its always warmer right in the city.

clusty · #10 06-05-2013, 06:32 PM

I picked up this orchid at an exp and it was in a pretty crappy shape. Since then it is growing roots like mad and 2 small leaves ( still in sheaths ).

Was wondering if maybe it will not benefit from the outside moisture and perpetual breeze compared to my windowsill .