Which are safe outside in hot summer?

[mimigirl]

I am so confused. I thought that the majority of orchids like to summer outside. Our temps in new orleans can be mid 90's in the day. I see that many of mine are not listed for that high. Some say 85-90 degrees. How will I know which ones will be OK?

[WhiteRabbit]

I think most (outside of non-heat tolerant cool growers) should be ok. I have a number of orchids outside (Cyms, Oncidium alliance, Catt alliance, Dens, a couple of Vandas; in the past, also: Neofinetia, Neostylis, Phals) - summer day time highs here are usually upper 80s - low 90s, but higher is not uncommon.

Morning sun is best, so as to avoid being in hot afternoon sun. Definitely avoid mid-day sun, tho I have a few that take mid-day sun. My orchids that get afternoon sun can burn if there is a sudden spike in temps (this usually happens in spring, when highs may be mostly in the 70s, then suddenly it's 92), or, when temps are very high (upper 90s or more). I try to watch the weather forecasts, so I can move those plants when it will be extremely hot. In my experience, the temps are only an issue if they are also sitting in the sun. (Non-heat tolerant cool growers being an exception).

Any that have been inside for the winter, that I wish to put outside - I try to do so when outside temps aren't drastically different from my inside temps. Try to get them out before the hottest and longest days of the year, so they gradually acclimate.

But, if in doubt, leave them inside (less worries about pests inside!)

[mimigirl]

Thanks so much, Sonya! I have been anxiously awaiting the move!

[WhiteRabbit]

Watch out for the afternoon sun, especially at your more southern latitude - and keep on eye on the high temps. I just read your comment on another thread that temps are often mid-upper 90s ? We get those temps here, but less often than it being upper 80s-lower 90s - I definitely move the afternoon sun orchids to shade when temps are 95+. I'd hate for my advice/opinion to cause you problems Tho, as I said, my experience has been that it's the sun during the heat that causes problems.

[AJW]

If you can get along side someone with Orchid Wiz and enter your plant details. Look for the species in the hybrid and under the profile links you can get an idea of temps. Takes away some of the hit and miss.

Good luck

[mimigirl]

I looked on AOS and googled each one. The max on most was 90. Some of them the sites differred. Let me look on orchid wiz. Thanks AJW.
Yes Sonya, i am thinking shade.

---------- Post added at 08:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:30 PM ----------

I just looked at orchid wiz. That is a site where you buy books, etc?

[AnonYMouse]

Orchidwiz is a software/database you purchase.

[isurus79]

Orchids that can take 90 degrees will handle your summers just fine. However, joining your local orchid society will allow to see what grows best in NOLA.

[tarev]

I find Oncidiums, Vandas, Cymbidiums, Maxillarias, Epidendrums. Dendrobiums can take the hot summers, but to any extent, as temps go higher than 90F, got to really prepare and provide them some shade from the hot afternoon sun, since it is longer in duration too.

In our area where it is very hot and dry I have to really monitor temps and humidity, there are days our humidity goes down to 0%, terribly dry and our temps go to triple digit. No rain at all here for almost 6 months.

In your area, maybe it is a bit better humidity-wise, but still got to help them with shade and extra watering to help them cool down. Plants do get fried with intense heat, so they tend to slow down in growing too as temps go higher than 90F.

There are times when I have to deliberately sit the Oncidiums in water for a couple of days to really get moisture it needs, or my Vanda coerulea, which is more of a cool loving one, I let it float in water for an hour or so. Even Cymbidiums which really are toughies, got to watch the leaves as it can also bleach in the hot intense sun.

So get a good weather sensor, so you can monitor what is happening out there, find them some good afternoon shade and be ready to water often as needed.

To know visually which ones are okay, watch those with pseudobulbs, observe if they are shrinking fast, or the leaves, are they curling, going accordion, bleaching, browning. Pretty much for me, summer is their active growth time, I like that I can freely water them outdoors and there is more air circulation, but the intense heat and too much direct sun something to watch out for always.

[jai_star]

All orchids appreciate some shade having said that I allow my Cyms and Catts receive direct sun. However this was a gradual process and yes they did have some burn. The rest gets bright but shaded light outside all summer.