what orchids can i have outside

[Shawna]

That would be awesome to have some actually growing outside. I know Bath's Nursery in Ft Collins has an orchid that is referred to as ground orchid but I didn't really pay alot of attention to it probably because it was not in flower but a lady I work with has hers planted in the ground outside. Guess I need to get more info on it. I've got a great orchid book probably in it even with a picture.

[Izzie]

Cypripediums would work here- they're basically alpine Paphiopediliums, but they're rather expensive.
Bletillas (striata, ocrachea) are cheap though, and lovely.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Cyps are only easy to grow if you know where they come from and what kinds of soil they grow in in the wild. If you just plant them in any old soil, you're only counting on luck. And they don't all grow in the same kinds of soil. The Chinese ones all looove limestone (I mean every single species of Chinese Cyp grows very well in a limestone mix). Cyp acaule would die in a limestone based mix, it loves peat (the most acidic growing Cyp there is).

See what I mean?

Bletilla spp. is great for beginners. Practically idiot proof if you follow a few simple guidelines. Limestone, okay. No limestone, okay. Just well drained woodland potting mix, maybe with pumice or perlite added, will do.

Even the Fairy Slippers (Calypso bulbosa var whatever you want), is easy to grow. But again, not any old soil will do. They grow in topsoil (aka duff). This would be recommended after you grow something like Bletillas.

Why?

The leaves die back and the little garlic shaped tubers lay underground and starts growing a new lead during the summer months. They grow in the fall/winters. Blooms in spring.

If you goof up on the watering regimen during dormancy (which is nill, don't water them during summer, the roots die back), the tubers rot.

With Bletilla, sure, the leaves die back during the fall, but the tuber will have a teeth that protrudes out of the top of the soil so you can see if it's alive or not. You won't get that with many of the hardy terrestrials (Cyps are the exception, they have teeth too).

For you Shawna, Bletilla (name the species). Guaranteed happiness. Then you can move on to more specialized terrestrial hardy orchids.

[Shawna]

Thanks. I might be too scared to try it though.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Shawna

Thanks. I might be too scared to try it though.

Hey Philip- what's the best time to plant these guys? aka- best time to buy?

Shawna, maybe later this year or next year we could both get one (Bletilla) and kind of have a 'support group'.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Early spring. Towards the tail end of dormancy and the start of growing season.

Won't have to wait long for growth to occur. Sometimes they'll bloom when you first purchase them. Sometimes not. Don't expect too much in terms of flowers.

Plant growth is much more dependable on the first run.

[peterson]

you can grow many types of orchids outdoors. If your weather is hot and humid, you can grow Vanda and Epidendrum outside. Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium and many other orchids that like intermediate temperatures can be easily cultivated outside.

[Cyplover]

i would advise getting some cypripediums if you want beautiful orchids that you can put in the garden