A case for growing under lights YEAR ROUND . . .

[blackvine]

So, every time I turned around, someone was telling me "Oh, you HAVE to summer your chids outside! They grow soooo much better." So, this year, I did. I brought most of my 30ish orchids outside and left about 7 inside under my lights. Before I list my observations, here is a bit of info about my "inside" and "outside" setups:

Inside: 2 - 4', 4 bulb (2 white, 2 red) T5s. Humidifier for winter, which keeps room at 60 - 70% humidity. 2 open windows in summer

Outside: 2 bins with holes drilled in bottom for drainage, sitting on ground on top of little 2" wide X 1/2" high boards so water drains faster. One bin is in 6 hours midday sun, other bin is in somewhat high shade (no direct sun, but clear sky above, partially covered by tree leaves).

Observations:

1. Of 4 blooming size Phals inside, 3 spiked in June and July and bloomed 6 weeks after spiking.

2. Of 5 blooming size Phals outside since May, 5 have spiked about 4 to 5 weeks ago, but buds are only developing properly on 1. The others do not yet have buds.

3. Of 1 blooming size Cat type (a Potinara) inside, 1 - the Pot - spiked in June and bloomed 4 weeks later.

4. Of 4 blooming size Cat types outside, only 1 sheathed and the sheath blasted.

5. Of 1 Onc types inside (an MTSSA), 1 - the MTSSA - spiked in May, bloomed in July and is in spike again.

6. Of 4 Onc types outside, none have spiked.

Conclusion: I don't know why outside has not worked so well, but I will now grow inside, exclusively.

Just thought I'd share my experiences!

[silken]

I think the results might suggest that you were already providing really good conditions inside that were more reliable than the changeable weather. Also not all Catts (as an example) bloom at the same time so that may have some bearing. But the results of your few indoor ones really seemed good.

As has been said before, what works for others, doesn't necessarily work for you. Do what works best for you.

[blackvine]

Originally Posted by silken

I think the results might suggest that you were already providing really good conditions inside that were more reliable than the changeable weather. Also not all Catts (as an example) bloom at the same time so that may have some bearing. But the results of your few indoor ones really seemed good.

As has been said before, what works for others, doesn't necessarily work for you. Do what works best for you.

Silken, I agree. In thinking this over, I've concluded that while there are merits in outside growing, namely, RAIN water, if one can provide really good inside growing, inside is MUCH more reliable and - really important - CONTROLLABLE!

[MattWoelfsen]

At your next orchid society meeting you can say that you tried growing outdoors but it did not work for you. You will likely get others responding on the contrary. Like me. I would opine that this summer has not been a good warm summer outdoors for my orchids. There were nights in July where the temperature dropped below 50*F preceded by a cold rain. That combination resulted in many of my orchids developing cold related pock marks and black dots on leaves. If this was my first summer with orchids outdoors, I would agree with you. But it isn't. Overall my orchids are healthier spending the summer outdoors.

[blackvine]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

At your next orchid society meeting you can say that you tried growing outdoors but it did not work for you. You will likely get others responding on the contrary. Like me. I would opine that this summer has not been a good warm summer outdoors for my orchids. There were nights in July where the temperature dropped below 50*F preceded by a cold rain. That combination resulted in many of my orchids developing cold related pock marks and black dots on leaves. If this was my first summer with orchids outdoors, I would agree with you. But it isn't. Overall my orchids are healthier spending the summer outdoors.

I get what you're saying, Matt - an excellent summer would be ideal. But, I worried too, on those couple of nights hovering around 50. So, why drag them all out on a chance we'll have a good season? I don't know . . . I would rather just stick with the sure thing. Thanks, though, for the feedback!

[Orchid Whisperer]

Not discounting your results, and you have to do what is most comfortable for you, but Matt has a good point. On average, my plants do best when summered outdoors, but I do experience bad years (like last summer, which was way too wet, not enough sun).

Also, there is the "apples to apples" factor. For example, are your Catts all the same age? Do they normally bloom at the same time of year? Blooming size does not necessarily mean that they will bloom this year: more of a guideline, saying that they are close to blooming.

Good luck with them wherever you grow them.

[orchidsarefun]

I always summer most of my orchids outdoors and have good results in terms of blooms and growth. I'm not sure if you have brought all yours indoors yet. If so, then imho you are a bit hasty with your results. They generally need to experience the drop in average temps that Sept and part Oct brings to trigger spike development.
This year I am trying my own experiment. I have never placed phals outdoors in Summer until this year. All of my phals that hadn't bloomed for at least a year are outdoors in a North-facing, protected site. Some of my phals bloom regularly indoors, others need something to prompt them and I am hoping being exposed to widely fluctuating temps gives them that.
If all your orchids bloom successfully indoors, then I would agree that in your cultural conditions you needn't outdoors any.

[ALToronto]

I know people who keep their homes at the same temperature year round - the moment the furnace is shut off, the air conditioner comes on, and vice versa. Those people will do well putting their orchids outdoors in the summer.

Those of us who eschew air conditioning and love 70% plus humidity regardless of temperature do just fine keeping them indoors and not giving the squirrels something tasty to eat (orchids are very sweet).

[nikkik]

Interesting results. I say, grow how you grow best. It doesn't matter how others grow, if it doesn't work for you, try it a different way. Kudos to you for finding out how you grow best.

[The Orchidist]

Your results are interesting , I moved my orchids outdoors , all of them in mid summer after i got my greenhouse , but with the yucky summer we are having with more rain and less sun , its hard to see whether or not its better indoors or out for me , all my plants are at different stages , but i am thinking of moving it all back indoors at end of September or earlier , like most folks mentioned its all about your routines and habits with the plants and what works best for you is most important . have a good day .