Keeping a phal & cattleya outside in Florida
 

My husband wants my orchids kept outside (he really wants them in the trash, but that's not happening). Any tips or ideas on how to do this sucessfully? The cattleya is doing well and is getting ready to bloom. The phal has been through a lot (thanks to me not knowing what to do with it at first) but seems to be recovering. Thanks!

In general both the Phal and Catt will respond well to being outside. I summer all my orchids outdoors. Of course the phal must be protected from water in its crown when it rains. This is always been my problem until I put a plexiglass cover over them. Keep the Phal shady of course.

The Catt can take more sun, but it is important to move it into the sun slowly - over the course of 1 to 2 weeks depending on the level of sun it is getting now.

Be observant as you will probably need to adjust your watering schedule for the new circumstances and there is an increased possibility of critters moving in. Look for reddish leaves which can indicate too much light.

Depending on where you are, you will not be able to move plants outside until the night time temps are warm enough and, similarly, will need to bring them in the fall when it gets cooler. Also be aware if it gets really hot in the summer, you may have to bring the plants indoors, water more often or otherwise protect them.

Carrie,

Besides the bugs, are orchids susceptible to large critters (deer candy, etc..)?

Geez - I've never had that problem, but maybe.... My worst offenders are the chipmunks who like to bed down in the bark. We have deer here that are pretty brazen, but there is lots more to eat that isn't so close to the house.

So that is a definite maybe ... :)

You can hang or mount them both under an oak tree (or other type of tree) in florida. Make sure the phal is tilted horizontally or "upside down" as this is how they grow in nature and this is what prevents water from settling in the crown. I have 3 orhids hanging or mounted on an oak tree in front of my home and they are doing well (I am also in florida). In fact my vanda is throwing a spike now. The phal will need more shade and the catt will need more light (as others above stated).

You know... I think this is less about the orchids and more about your husband.

Why would either of you do something that would make the other so unhappy that the idea of tossing the other person's hobby in the trash, would be okay to share out loud?

Yes, you can grow orchids outside in Florida. The advice above is great, but I think you and your husband should have a talk about how important your hobby is to you. Obviously, it's important if you are willing to stand up to him when he puts his foot down on it. If the guy loves you, he'll accept your hobby with good grace. My husband isn't thrilled about the space that my orchids take up, but he would never tell me to throw them out. Instead, he's going to spend the weekend helping me build appropriate growing space for them, because my hobby makes me happy and he's totally willing to compromise on the things that make me happy.