When do you put your Orchids outside in the UK

[richardb]

I am in Nottinghamshire and the only planys I put out are Pleionies, otherwise NEVER put anything outside. Our weather is far too unpredictable, so unless you are around to whip them in again in cold spells I would say don't risk it. Even my Cymbidiums stay in all year, but that greenhouse is never shut April to end September. Putting them out also risks critters making their home in the compost ready for a nice warm protected winter indoors so they can multiply and spread indoors.
Richard

[Triffid]

richardb
I agree that most of this country has very unpredictable weather, just not always as extreme conditions as elsewhere round the world. Apparently we have more tornados per sq mile than anywhere else in the world, there just really small (usually) and of no real bother.

I may live in Lancashire, but I have seen a few really nice gardens where I am, with what can only be described as warm weather specialists plants. Plants that I would have never been able to grow where I used to live.
But about 30 miles or so down the road.... Rain... More rain.... even more rain.

It really does depend on which part of this bizarre little island you reside in. Some places have much more predictable weather patterns and variances. With extreme fluctuations happening every 10-15 years or so, from what I can tell.
It snowed here this winter and actually settled, hubby said the last time he saw actual settled for more than hour snow was over a decade ago. But where the rest of the country suffered for a few days, here it started to go after a couple (Sea side air I suppose)

The far south coast of this island can also grow coconut palms, the seeds actually get washed up and occasionally manage to grow.

This will be an experiment for me, but I wont be leaving the tropical plants outside over winter or over night, even if there are a couple of palm type trees dug into the ground round here.
But with temps getting to up around 25-30*c at times, I may just be lucky with my location.

But there are Orchids out there that may just be suitable for your garden and environment.

[Triffid]

YAY! Found it again! (Bookmarked now)
This sites has some records from years back, so should prove some use.

Great Britain History - WeatherOnline

Remember that the info is usually from the nearest weather station to where you live, so may not be completely right for your particular spot. But at the very least should give you an idea of what to expect in your patch (there are always exceptions though, such is life).

[Sotetsu]

Originally Posted by Triffid

I will not be putting any out until maybe June and I wont be leaving them out over night.

Hi Triffid,

I was reading that Phalaenopsis is a CAM (Crassulacean Acid Metabolism) plant. I haven’t yet checked all the other orchid genera. CAM plants absorb CO2 during the night; this is stored in the vacuoles and used in the day. Would they not benefit from more air circulation at night outside, than inside?

Years ago I used to grow lots of tropical and subtropical plants, and I remember the succulents and cacti (which were all CAM plants) used to grow much better when they enjoyed some time outside, even if the temperatures were a bit lower than a greenhouse. They also seem to love the rain as well as the fresh warm summer air.

Later I learned about how CAM plants uptake CO2 at night and store it until the daytime for processing. I realised then how much better the process is when there is good air circulation—like being outside at night—which is rarely the same in a greenhouse or home unless you have a small fan running.

Anyway, it’s an interesting subject. Anything is good as long as it makes our little ones grow and thrive all the more.

[richardb]

The big danger of putting Phals outside is that when it rains water will undoubtedly rest in the leaf joint and cause rot. In the wild these plants grow on branches and have evolved with their leaf rosette pointing downwards thus preventing that porblem. If you do put them out, make sure they have rain protection.

[Triffid]

Hi Sotetsu

Probably, I just have to watch out for the wind.... Oh and the slugs and snails (Though used coffee grounds is effective there)
Which one would I risk out all night!?.... Phal Mutant 4!

Not much good shelter in the garden and I am currently without a greenhouse and or cold frame. Currently make makeshift shelters when needed. Working on getting something more permanent though.

But you've given me something to think about. If I don't risk it this year I may try it next year

Perhaps I should see about moving my plants into the bedroom for now, after all we humans breath out CO2.

[Triffid]

richardb, Good point! And definitely something to remember!

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by richardb

The big danger of putting Phals outside is that when it rains water will undoubtedly rest in the leaf joint and cause rot. In the wild these plants grow on branches and have evolved with their leaf rosette pointing downwards thus preventing that porblem. If you do put them out, make sure they have rain protection.

Hi Richard,

I think the thing is WHICH orchids you put outside. I have NO plans to put my Phals outside which as you say would hang upside down in the wild. Some of the ones I want to put outside are terrestrial. One of them is a large Cym and I know my Gran grows them outside in the summer and has similar weather to us (actually she is near nottingham like you).

I will have an area with rain protection as well which is where the Dens will go.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Triffid

YAY! Found it again! (Bookmarked now)
This sites has some records from years back, so should prove some use.

Great Britain History - WeatherOnline

Remember that the info is usually from the nearest weather station to where you live, so may not be completely right for your particular spot. But at the very least should give you an idea of what to expect in your patch (there are always exceptions though, such is life).

Thanks Triffid. I've bookmarked it as well, some great info there.

[Nic100]

I'd love to put my Dens outside, but I'm not sure I'm ready to try it this year - neither of my Dens are doing very well. But I'm looking forward to hearing how you get on Rosie - keep us posted, won't you!