Taking Orchids out of Shadehouse when Overcast or Partly Cloudy
 

So this spring here has so far been very unseasonably overcast, and seems will be so for awhile. I have a few plants I would really like to get some more light.

For example, my super pricey Papa Rothschildianum lost one leaf when I got it, which was okay. But then I friggin dropped it, and two leaves broke! :sorry:

So now it's got 3 leaves. They are healthy, but not growing. Plus the Angraeucum I mentioned, and a couple others I would like to get more sunlight.

So, since it's overcast, can I put these plants outside the shade house? I mean this, when I am staying home, to take back in if it gets unexpectedly sunny.

And what about partially cloudy conditions, when sun comes out for a few minutes at a time, or just in and out for shorter spans?

In such conditions, which are okay for leaving these Orchids out in the yard? And will this help significantly, so it's worth it?

:thanx:

Find one spot and leave them. Roth grows slowly. In habitat they grow very exposed; they do well in more light than other Paphs. Angraecums grow slowly when it's not hot and humid. They also can take a lot of light if you have constant onshore breeze during the day.

The overcast "May gray" and "June gloom" are perfect for giving plants a chance to adapt to the brighter light outside. (And even when it is cloudy, it is still pretty bright... you can get sunburned during a cloudy day at the beach, all the more a hazard since it is cool and therefore pleasant for more hours) Now is the time! Later, when the sun is strong, if the plants aren't acclimated they can toast, while if they have had a chance to acclimate while the light is more gentle, they can handle the extra light. How much extra light? It depends on your yard - if you have trees, etc. giving shade during the middle of the day, some such as Catts, Australian Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums can be fine in the open. Most of the rest will benefit from some shade - I have shade cloth over my entire growing area, 60% for most of it and 45% for the Cyms and L. anceps. In summer, my yard gets 14 hours or so of very bright sun since there is no shading from trees and is oriented east-west. So you have to think of light duration as well as intensity. There is no "book" or set of rules that can provide the "fine tuning" - you have to observe since every yard is a little different. And sun angle changes with the seasons.