Growing Orchids Outdoors in southern Mississippi

[drtd]

I am moving from Portland, OR to southern Mississippi, and was curious which orchids would be suited for growing outdoors either year round, or seasonally. Portland is USDA zone 8b, although lately due to the change in climate, I would categorize it closer to Zone 9a. According to the USDA zone maps, southern Mississippi is Zone 8a, only slightly colder (on average) compared to Portland. I have had fairly good success growing most things outdoors from late spring, well into fall, although the humidity levels get pretty low during the summer months. Any input/experience would be helpful.

Thanks!
Danny

[RosieC]

Sorry I can't help, so just giving you a bump in the hope someone else can.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Drtd, I can promise you one thing - you won't have any problems with low summer humidity in southern Mississippi!!!

Seasonally, you will be able to grow any warm to intermediate temperature range orchids (many plants allied with Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Encyclia, Vanda, Paphiopedilum, Oncidium, etc.). They will require winter protection, but if you can monitor temperature closely you can probably grow many plants outdoors, approx. March to November (YMMV). Warm-tolerant Cymbidiums may even be able to stay outdoors longer.

---------- Post added at 06:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 06:37 AM ----------

I looked at the plants in your profile, many of those could be grown seasonally in Mississippi.

[drtd]

Thanks for the response! I excited about the summer humidity (for my plants, not for myself). It should definitely help. cut down on my watering regime.

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[isurus79]

Mary Mancini gave a lecture to us about her warmth tolerant Cymbidiums staying out all year long in southern Louisiana. Epi magnoliae naturally grows as far north as North Carolina, so you might be able to have this outside all year long as well.