growing outdoor orchids in SW Florida

[mlw]

Greetings--I've just joined because finally I've been able to keep orchids alive and happy by mostly keeping them outside and not fighting the climate. We'll see what happens when winter comes. People keep giving me orchids--phalanopsis, dendrobiums--and living where I do it's tempting to pick up a new one at the Selby Gardens in Sarasota. But in the house the cockroaches just love potted plants, esp. those in orchid bark mixes, so I just gave up. I stuck my last oncidium outside to get rid of the bugs and then forgot about it--thought it was dead. Lo and behold--this fall it bloomed. The pot was sideways under a lot of pineneedles, buried in ferns under some old and large pines. So I left it alone until it was done, and then read up online and checked it out. The plant didn't look so hot at the base and the roots were down in the soil and tangled up with fern roots, so I dug it up. I actually cut it in two--it was long and leggy with the best roots pretty high up on the stalk. I figured the base might not make it, but the new baby is really happy, growing in some bark in side a hollow log from the fireplace.

[IMG]//Users/miriamwallace/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2008/Roll 172/P7150009.JPG[/IMG]

The base has recovered too since repotting and has new leaves (only 3 pseudopods, but all healthy and plump). I'm experimenting with using a funky old metal birdcage hanging in an oak for a possible planter. If either or both oncidium & phal like it, I may simply fill the bottom with moss and bark and plant them in it--now they are in pots inside and seem happy.

I've got a Cattelya & a Vanda in hanging baskets, and have acquired 4 Phalenopsis, 2 dendrobiums, and 2 Spathoglottis. Nothing special, but all seem to be doing well as long as I leave them outside and protect esp. the phals. from the sun. I've found that moving spanish moss around to provide more filtered light where the tree shade is inadequate seems to work.

I've also been babysitting a couple orchids for a friend. She has an ENORMOUS Vanda, and I think the funky looking little green appendage may be another plant coming?

[IMG]//Users/miriamwallace/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2008/Roll 172/P7150001.JPG[/IMG]

Is anyone else having good luck w/outdoor growing? The oncidium clearly can handle winters having been outside for about 2 years now, and I think the dendrobiums will too--though they may drop leaves. But I'm assuming I'll have to bring the phals and vanda inside at least some nights.

Thanks,
Miriam
Sarasota, FL

[Swamper]

I think the funky looking little green appendage may be another plant coming?
Thats very funny LMAO..Welcome aboard Miriam. I grow 90% of my plants outside and until recently with a lot of neglect. They have done amazingly well. I was told by some that with the added care I would have great orchids so I am now taking better care of them but not forgetting how well they did with my neglect.
I live in a little bit or sometimes a lot warmer area on the south end of miami, cutler bay. So things may be a little diff. But ill be happy to share with you whatever I can, and so will many others here.
Oh yeas, the green appendage is a good thing

[Chubidubi]

Miriam to the OB

[Roly0217]

Miriam !!!! and to the OB Even though I'm a little farther south I grow most of my plants expect for the miniatures and some of the Phals outside and they all love it. I did learn that the Phals don't really like the sun because it burns their leaves easily but all of the Catts, Vandas, Oncidiums, Epidendrums, etc, etc are being kept outside and they are growing like weeds

[JennS]

Miriam! Welcome to the Orchid Board. I have only been here about a month, but I love it. Everyone is very nice a helpful.

I live in Orlando, Fl, a little further north and grow all but my Paph's and a couple Phals that need extra attention outdoors. I am planning on moving the Phals outside though after the heat of summer passes and maybe the Paphs too. I have read that they really like a drop in temperature (not too cold, but a good 10 degree difference) to set their spikes.

I think you probably have great outdoor growing conditions in Sarasota. I have a familiy friend that lives in Venice, FL which is a little bit south of Nokomis probably 30 minutes south of you. He grows his outdoors with very little attention and they do great. He barely even repots.

You should be able to do well with your current conditions. My suggestion would be that when there is a possible frost approaching (or anything below 50) that you either bring the orchids in that night or you can bunch them together and cover them (using a tent type of setup so the blankets don't crush them). Other then that outdoor Fl growing is great. If you keep them for getting overly dried out and fertilize weekly weakly you should see good results.

Oh, and IMO that vanda of your friends looks like it is producing a new root. That is my guess at least, at it is a very good sign!

[mlw]

Thanks for the suggestion about just covering them when it chills down--that worked w/tomatoes so long as the cover didn't touch, and will probably work here rather than bringing in just the ones in pots.

I think this thing's too big to be a root, but that's hard to tell from the photo. It's about 10X as wide as any of the roots and a different texture. I guess time will tell.
-Miriam

[peggypugsmom]

Welcome Miriam..I just joined myself last night...I am so new at this orchid business, but with my first one of Mother's Day..I'm hooked. I must say I kind of envy of you orchid lovers who live in southern climes!...to grow them outdoors..must be wonderful..I only recently learned that a cousin of mine in Sarasota has been collecting orchids for several years and they enjoy life on her lanai!...But I would reach out to members who live in New England, esp. Vermont..to share with me their growing experiences...I guess I should start a "thread" on that note!..Your orchids must be happy growing in those empty fireplace logs!...more natural than a plastic pot!...good luck...Eileen ....up North!

[mlw]

Thanks for the note--in return I envy you up north the english garden flowers, bulbs, and fruit trees that you can grow so easily. But now that I've been in FL for 13 years, I've learned to go native or stick with what works in the climate I live in. It's cool that that that includes orchids, but it doesn't seem to include all--I wouldn't try a cibidium here, but in northern California where I lived for a while folks have huge pots of them on the porches!

[Royal]

Originally Posted by mlw

But now that I've been in FL for 13 years, I've learned to go native or stick with what works in the climate I live in. It's cool that that that includes orchids, but it doesn't seem to include all--I wouldn't try a cibidium here, but in northern California where I lived for a while folks have huge pots of them on the porches!

Smart. Here in TX, you can't fight the heat either. It took me a while to realize that if I just stuck to the warmer growers, I wouldn't need to do much but protect them from the cold. I grow outside too, and bring mine in over the winter.

With that said, don't be too quick to rule out an entire genus merely because of the general cultural requirements. There are warm growing (or heat tolerant) Cymbidiums, and there are species of warm growing genera that prefer lower temps. Heck, in FL you may be able to keep a Cymbidum outside most of the year, then bring it inside for the dog-days of summer. Just a thought.

[peggypugsmom]

I have much to learn about these lovely 'creatures' especially which ones prefer warm, cool or in between! I think daytime temps in South Central Vermont are good for the chids if outside out of direct overhead sun. Summer is short, so will be thinking and planning about where they will be ultra comfy inside...thanks Eileen