Growing orchids under Twin Wall Polycarbonate roofing - Orchid Board

CherokeeNative · #1 07-23-2017, 09:47 PM

Newbie here.

. I'm new to growing orchids and especially growing them outdoors. I've recently been given 5 or 6 large garden pots of orchids when my neighbor sold her home and moved. Also, my daughter throws out her orchids once they have ceased blooming, so I have decided to start giving them a home as she buys them continuously.

The orchids given to me by my neighbor are living outdoors under our avocado tree and are doing fine and bloomed wonderfully this spring. The type of orchids my daughter buys are the large white flowering orchids that you see in the markets and floral shops.

I know most orchids grow in the wild attached to a tree and in dappled light to dark shade. I know there are exceptions, but this is my limited knowledge. We have a south facing covered patio that has a twin wall polycarbonate roof. It is almost clear but blocks out 98% of the sun's UV rays. All of our house plants and shade loving ferns grow beautifully under it.

I'm thinking of constructing a living wall of ferns, bromeliads and if they'll survive, orchids, on the house wall under our patio cover set up with a misting system. No direct sun hits this wall although it is really bright. Can you tell me whether orchids will grow under our patio or is it too bright for them? Thanks in advance!

Roberta · #2 07-24-2017, 01:33 AM

First, where are you located? Avocado tree suggests southern California, but they grow in other temperate areas as well. The ones in the big pots from your neighbor are probably Cymbidiums. If so, they probably have been growing outside and are very happy there - they can take temperatures down to freezing. Next late winter/early spring you will probably want to repot them... they should be repotted every three years or so because the bark breaks down and turns to mud. They grow nicely in those pots, they need moisture and good drainage that comes from fresh bark. They don't lend themselves to mounting.

The ones you're rescuing from your sister are probably Phalenopsis. The probably need immediate repotting - they need excellent drainage. In nature, they grow on trees very nicely - in the Philippines where the humidity is high and it's warm all year around. If you are in a climate where Cymbidiums are happy (they love, and actually need, the fall and winter cool-down) Phalaenopsis will not be happy outside in winter. In summer they're fine outside, but once night temperatures get much below 60 deg F, then need to come inside. Then a window that gives them bright light but not direct sun is ideal. They basically like the temperatures that we do.

estación seca · #3 07-24-2017, 04:44 AM

The limiting factor for most orchids will be your winter temperatures. Oceanside is certainly warmer than a lot of inland areas, but it will still be too cold for many orchids outside. That said, many will be fine there. Any idea how cool it gets on that patio?

CherokeeNative · #4 07-25-2017, 06:35 PM

Thank you Roberta and Estacion for such great information. Yes, I believe all of the Cymbidiums need repotting. Is it too late in season to do it now?

As for the phalenopsis, since the won't survive our winter, I suppose I could mount them in pots on the wall so to allow me to take them indoors when temps drop. I've been here in Oceanside thru one winter so far and temps dropped to the upper 50's on several occasions but that isn't the norm according to my neighbor's. Are there any mountable orchids that will take brief, periodic cold spells? Thanks again for your willingness to share your knowledge.

Roberta · #5 07-25-2017, 07:10 PM

I suggest waiting on the Cymbidiums... there is still enough warm weather that you could probably get away with potting them (but some may even be setting spikes). If there is a Cym that is doing badly, go ahead and repot. But anything that looks like it's OK (even if climbing out of the pot) it's better wait until spring.

You'll get night lows a lot lower than 50's. Frost is rare but there could well be a few nights into the mid 30's. There are LOTS of mountable orchids that are just fine outside. Consider mini-Cattleyas. (note that if you're going to mount, it's critical that you do it at the right time, when new roots are just forming... they do it at different times depending on parentage, you just have to observe). Laelia anceps and its hybrids laugh at cold, and put out beautiful flowers in late fall (November-ish) through January or February (not one plant, but different plants of the type bloom at different times) You happen to live in a fantastic area for acquiring these... For mini-Catts, L. anceps and many other lovely things, check out Sunset Valley Orchids - located in Vista, about 15 or 20 minutes from you (call or email first) For species, Andy's Orchids in Encinitas (again contact first for an appointment) To see what grows in my back yard check out my own website Roberta's Orchids (Plant List page identifies the ones that grow outside). Andy's Orchids is having an open house (where you can just drop in) Oct 6-8, and both Andy and Sunset Valley Orchids have open houses the first weekend of December. If you visit a nursery, you can see a bigger variety than at shows, and have a chance to discuss with the growers what will do well for you. But you live in a fantastic area for growing orchids outdoors... you just have to pick the right ones, and you are fortunate to be very close to some excellent sources. Keep the Phals in the house, for landscaping with orchids pick ones that will do well... and with outstanding sources nearly in your back yard, it's easy for you to find LOTS to choose from.

CherokeeNative · #6 07-25-2017, 07:33 PM

Thank you Roberta! I will start researching which varieties of orchids will thrive in my local and will definitely check out these two growers' nurseries. Once I figure out which varieties to use on my wall, maybe I will be able to convince my daughter to buy those types! I'm off to browse your website!!

---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:23 PM ----------

OMG Roberta!!!! I just took a glance at your index page and had to jump back here and say WOW! You MUST be retired - how else can you tend to so many plants? LOL I'm definitely impressed and from scanning over your index page, I understand why you say there are many varieties that will grow in my area. Do you mind telling me what city you are in? Okay, back to your website to drool over your collection.

nogreenthumbs · #7 07-25-2017, 07:42 PM

It would be great if you could post a location, even a general location on where you are or what your season temps and humidity are and maybe some pictures of the orchids so we'd know for sure what they are. The orchids from your daughter are almost certainly phalaenopsis.

estación seca · #8 07-25-2017, 07:51 PM

Note something: "mount" to an orchid grower means something different. I think you meant to attach a clip or ring to hold a pot on a wall. Orchid growers use the term to mean growing an orchid on a piece of cut wood or a branch.

In another post CherokeeNative mentioned Oceanside, in the south on the coast near Camp Pendleton.

Roberta · #9 07-25-2017, 07:54 PM

I live in Costa Mesa (about 4 miles from the ocean) So my climate is very similar to to the coast farther south - Oceanside is even a little more temperate, but the range of highs and lows is within a few degrees of where I am. In fact, I love spending time at Andy's... his tags have excellent culture info, but sometimes he learns things over time and doesn't change what is in the computer, so I will occasionally find something there labeled "I/W" growing in an unheated shade house... so I learn a lot from seeing "where Andy actually grows it". Climate in Encinitas is also pretty much identical to mine. I am retired now, but wasn't when I first got hooked on orchids... you make time for what you love to do.

Also check out local orchid society. The one closest to Oceanside is Palomar Orchid Society

CherokeeNative · #10 07-25-2017, 08:49 PM

NGT -> Sorry, didn't realize my location wasn't obvious. LOL Ive fixed it.

Estacion-> Yes, I'm planning to build a 5' x5' garden wall similar to a vivarium only it will be outside on my patio wall (without the reptiles) and consisting mainly of epiphytic plants and set to a misting system. I am hoping to include orchids.

Roberta-> Thank you so much for directing me to your website. It is awesome and so educational!

---------- Post added at 04:49 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:41 PM ----------

Roberta, I used to live in Costa Mesa by the backbay. I grew up in Orange County and moved to San Diego county in the 80's. You are right, your climate is very similar to mine and your plant index will help me when it comes time to select orchids for my wall.