Orchids moved outside in NC
 

Thanks to the input of forum members I got brave and moved my orchids outside. For the past four years they have grown inside under lights. Cats weren't blooming and oncidiums were reluctant. They have been out less than a week and already showing perkiness I haven't seen before. The vanda especially is "glowing".

If I could figure out how to post a photo I would show you my set up using a long extension ladder as the framework for this set-up. Cheap and can be stored during the winter months.

These links will help you post photos -
You have to resize your photos first -
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...-06-marty.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ics-posts.html
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...ry-photos.html

Congratulations, Judy, on your decision to move your plants outdoors. Just a couple of words of friendly (and yes, unsolicited) advice:

1. Keep a close eye on leaf color, and if you see the leaves start to get much lighter in color--especially over a short period of time--it might not be a bad idea to move them to an area that's a little more shaded. This also applies to the vanda. In spite of their reputation for being sun worshippers, most of the strap leaf species and hybrids don't like to be roasted in blazing sunlight all day. In addition to leaf color, you could also feel the leaves. If they're really warm to the touch (thick cattleya leaves especially will warm up alarmingly fast if they're kept in direct sunlight), again, they might appreciate less intense light levels.

2. As temperatures go up, and light levels increase, you'll have to water more often. My plants are outdoors too right now, and even the cattleyas aren't allowed to dry out completely for very long before I spray them down with the hose.

3. Bugs, like taxes, are inevitable. Resign yourself to the fact that your plants will probably attract unwanted attention from insects, and try not to go crazy by overdosing the plants with chemicals. I usually just douse everything in the early fall before the plants get moved back into the sunroom for the winter.

Okay, that's my two cents for the day. And sorry if this message seemed a bit preachy, as that really wasn't my intention. :-)

Good luck!

Steve

better safe than sorry. mine are doing nicely outside on their summer vacation.
just be very viggilant and give them a good lookover every day.

Thanks, Steve and Snow for your information -- and, Steve, it is appreciated very much!! I am watching for too much sun but feel they are probably on the other side of that. I live in thick woods and finding a spot where they would get morning sun was tough. Afternoon sun doesn't touch them but I'll keep an eye out. I was worried about pests and everyone got a thorough Neems oil spray before going outside and I do look them over every day. Thanks for the tip about feeling the leaves - hadn't heard of that one. Again, thank you.

Judy

Thanks for the links, Dorothy, but I am still having a problem. I get my photo copied and can paste it anywhere else, except to this forum. Any ideas what is wrong?

Judy

How's your weather in NC? Hot and humid here in TX. I'm wilting, but my orchids are loving it. It sounds like yours are too. Hope they do well for you!

Today we got relief from the heat but it was hitting 90 on a regular basis before this. Hope the cooler weather continues.

Judy

First thing that comes to mind is size .. it might be too big .. The first link I gave (Resizing Images...originally posted 6/13/06 by Marty) gives an application to resize your photos .. let me know if you need help with it :)

Meeeee too! :whew