Plant Care for Outside Growing

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Orchids outside for summer

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Orchid Care
   - Cattleya
   - Cymbidium
   - Oncidium
- Paphiopedilum
- Phalaenopsis

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	Plant Care for Outside Growing
	Summer months are the active growing season for most orchids, especially if they're outside. This means making some adjustments in your plant care.
	Light: Light outside is much stronger and more intense than indoors. For the first couple of weeks, protect all plants by putting them in total shade, even "high light" orchids such as Cattleya, Dendrobium, or Cymbidiums. In a couple of weeks, after they acclimate to being outside, move the high light plants into more sun. A couple hours of early morning or late afternoon sun is ideal. Dappled sunlight throughout the day also works. Always avoid direct midday sun - even high light plants will burn.	Example of dappled sunlight, perfect for most orchids
	Water: As your plants transition into active growers, they will copious amounts of water. Sometimes as much as 2-3 times more than indoors! The "wet/dry" cycle orchids need is also much quicker outside. That 2-3 week watering schedule indoors will probably change to once a week outside. The good news is overwatering won't be a problem if you've set up your plants properly (see setting up your plants for outdoors). You'll still need to establish a wet/dry cycle however (roots need air!). Wait until system drys out completely before rewatering. If your orchids stay wet for a week or more, I recommend forcing a "dry period". Using one hand to steady the plant and hold the pebbles in place, dump out all the water. If you're using grower trays, remove plants from the tray and pour out all the water. Don't rewater for several days.	As the system fills up with water (from your watering or rain showers), any excess water will simply drain away. So there's never a worry about overwatering - even with the garden hose!
	Nutrients: Your plants are actively growing and they're hungry! Apply full strength nutrients every watering. (We use and recomend Dyna-Gro 7-9-5, 1/2 tsp. per gallon.) Occassional rain showers will flush the system. If your plants are protected from the rain, flush out the system every couple of weeks by pouring clear water (no nutrients) through the pebbles until it drains out the bottom of the pot. During the summer months, I add Pro-Tek (1/2 tsp. per gallon) to the nutrient solution. Pro-Tek adds silicon, making the plants more heat tolerant and drought resistant.	Healthy roots on a Cattleya (from last summer).
	Temperatures: Another advantage to growing outside are those damp, cool evenings (what you don't get in your house). Unlike houseplants, orchids welcome chilly nights. In fact, you'll become uncomfortable before your orchids will. Don't worry about midday heat as long as your plants are shaded. Mother nature designed most orchids to handle the heat. They use the air moving over their leaves to keep cool. If your plants are getting a breeze, hot temps are not a problem. A gentle shower from the garden hose always helps too.

	Growing Orchids Outdoors for Summer Setting up Hydroponic System for Outdoor Growing Tips for Growing Several Common Orchids Outdoors