If i put the orchids ouside for first time.....

[mimigirl]

I got some great ideas here for protecting my orchids from bugs so i can put them outside. My question is if they have been inside do i need to do anything to acclimate them to the change? Or just put them out there? I m in new orleans and the temps in summer reach high 90's. It is about 90 already.

[Dante1709]

What are the indoor temps? I usually wait for early morning and late afternoon, when the colder weather matches the indoor conditions. I don't leave my plants overnight, to avoid raccoons but for some people this can be a hassle.

I don't think the plants will freak out too much, just avoid any sudden temperature changes of around 10 degrees. Keep them in similar light as they were indoors.

[vjo]

Just don't put them in full sun!

[mimigirl]

High today was 91 and at 8:30 pm it is 84. Morning will heat up quickly after a low tonigh of only 75. My inside temps are usually 76. I really think it will be too hot. I know they grow in the heat but these have never been out.

[Bulbofett]

I put mine out in the spring so the temperature change is not too much for them. I think you'll be fine keeping them in full shade at first, and then gradually introducing them to dappled light.

It really depends on the type of orchid you have to determine light and temperature needs. I keep my cymbidium in full morning sunlight along with my Catts and other high light orchids. My Paphs and Phals are shaded by the other orchids.

The heat and humidity seem to be just what my plants love. I can't give them 99% humidity indoors, but outside they get that plus rainwater, and natural air flow.

[mimigirl]

Thank you all! I m such a scarey cat. Let me check light requirements on my orchids again before i move them. I have an oncid. that is asking me to let him reach his potential! Lol so that is the first info i will check.

[LovePhals]

I put my Dens and Vandas outside for the first time for more than a few days this summer. The weather is already in the 90s and previously they were used to indoor temps of 70s. I just placed them in mostly shade with some dappled late afternoon sun. They are doing fine and I am watching for any signs of leaf burn. I also sprayed them down with some miticide/fungicide mix so I don't get any nasty pests. I just noticed my vandas are growing some crazy roots! Orchids are to tough and remember they don't need babied, just follow up to make sure you aren't getting burned leaves and leave them be!

[lotis146]

I have to admit to being a scaredy cat too! I want to set mine out but my back deck seems to get either full shade (mostly) or bright direct afternoon light in some spots. Just off my deck I have a corner of the yard (against the fence) that gets morning light and mostly shade in the afternoon because of the birch right above it. I have too many at this point to take them in and out each day but I would like to put them out at least here and there throughout the summer. Mine too are used to 70s inside but I can't say that they're "HAPPY" with these constant temps. But I can see SO SO many benefits because when it is cool outside I think it's more consistent than inside.

I have a couple of question though:
- Does anyone have issues with raccoons? Do they like Orchids? Rabbits? Squirrels?

- How do you allow the plants to enjoy rain showers but save them from crown rot?

Thanks, and thanks for letting me butt in!

[kindrag23]

I grow mine in a small open green house. Never been bugged by raccoons or rabbits deer etc and inlive in the country. Of course I have a large (65lb) dog who prob has a bit to do with that. But he does have a deer who is a friend so it evens out

But over all my biggest issue is grasshoppers and wasps eating on my leaves (mainly my phal)

[My Green Pets]

I put mine outside under this willow tree and they all seem to be fine. East side of the tree for lower light plants like my bulbo, paph, and phals, and west side of tree for cattleyas, oncids, and zygo. They all seem to love the dappled light and the few rays of early morning and late afternoon sunshine. I have noticed that they are all covered in bugs: tiny bugs, ants, and spiders too. Haven't noticed any serious damage so far but the bugs have definitely moved in. Hopefully the air, humidity, and sunshine will outweigh the negatives from the pests.