Growing Orchids Outdoors

When you grow orchids outdoors, you are less able to control the environment. This means that the plants are much more vulnerable to the effects of weather and temperature. They can also become the victims of animals, insects, and other pests. If you know what steps to take you can give your outdoor orchids a number of advantages.

These plants need to have a sheltered outdoor environment and here are some suggestions and ideas about how you can arrange this type of setting.

Keeping your Outdoor Orchids Safe

  1. You must check these plants once or twice a day to make sure that there is no damage occurring as the result of animals, weather, or insects.
  2. If you use clay pots to house your orchids they will dry out very quickly. This can stress your plants in a short period of time. The same results are noted if you place the orchid pots on surfaces that are dark or set them on surfaces made of pavement or concrete.
  3. The humidity level is lowered by high heat and dry winds, so you must always be aware of the weather and provide additional moisture for orchids.
  4. If the weather temperature outdoors is lower than 60 you may want to bring your plants back inside your home.
  5. Even these light loving plants have to be protected from the scorching rays of the sun. Provide them with some shady respite during the hottest part of the day.

A reasonably mild climate is what most orchids prefer. Southern Florida and some coastal regions in California provide ideal settings for growing orchids outdoors. In these locations, the days and nights are warm, and the refreshing breezes from the ocean provide humidity. Even the winters are mild, and there are few days when these plants will have to be brought indoors.

Do you have a nice sunny location in your yard where you would like to place an orchid pot? Vandas, Dendrobiums, Cattleyas, and Oncidiums are all species that thrive in warm, sunny environments. Just make sure that you provide them with a little shade during the middle of the day. You also need to water and mist these plants more frequently when they remain outdoors.

The Moth Orchid and the Ladyslipper Orchid are good choices if you want to add some colorful orchids to an area that is shady, and well protected from direct light. Even though you have matched these orchids to an environment they like, you will still have to be vigilant regarding their routine care.

Top Tips to Remember

  • When you grow your orchids in an outdoor setting, you must protect them from heavy rains, strong winds, and heavy salt spray from the ocean. If the weather is too unpredictable play it safe and move your orchids back indoors for a few hours, or even overnight.
  • If you set the orchid pots beside walls, it will give them some protection from the wind. You might also consider placing them beneath the branches of ferns or shrubs. This will give them some shade from the sun and protect them from heavier rains and winds.
  • Whenever you first set your orchids outside in the spring and summer, you must protect them against sun damage. To prevent these plants from becoming sunburned you should introduce them to the outdoors by using progressive steps. This lets the plants acclimate to the environmental changes over a period of time.
  • Aphids and slugs love orchids too. Always check your plants for any evidence of these interlopers. Both slugs and aphids can be removed easily. Pick the slugs off with your fingers or a pair of tweezers and dispose of them. Aphids can be removed with a soapy spray solution and damp cloth.
  • Never bring any orchids back inside your home without first giving them a thorough inspection. This will prevent you from inadvertently bringing any insects back inside along with the plants.