When to Put Orchids Outside
In tropical climates, which include parts of the United States, Central and South America, parts of Australia, South Africa and South-east Asia, orchids can be grown permanently out-of-doors.
By the time the cymbidiums are ready to be returned to their winter quarters, they will be bristling with flower spikes. The Odontoglossum types, in particular, will reflect their change of surroundings and the extra light by the reddening of their leaves. Provided the amount of light they receive is not overdone, and they are not exposed to bright sunlight, this reddening will do no harm; it can be likened to a suntan and is not sunburn. During the following winter, these leaves will regain their midgreen coloring.
Any plant that immediately loses a iot of leaves may not be well suited to lurdoor culture and would be better off back inside. Otherwise, expect lecne leaf-loss as the plants adjust to luta new environment.
Some need a lower temperature at night if they are to bloom, and may need to be brought indoors at night, where air conditioning maintains a lower temperature.
Before bringing the plants back inside, check for pests. Out-of-doors they can harbour insects, such as earwigs and woodlice, which will be out of sight beneath the leaf-bracts and will need to be searched out.
Check the compost (growing medium) for ants’ nests and vine weevils or their grubs. Destroy these by soaking the plant in a bucket of water for up to an hour. Check for the more easily seen pests such as slugs and snails, and also for the smaller, more troublesome red spider mites and aphids.
The miniature species Oncidium longipes grows and flowers easily when established on trees. It is a charming species which is frequently cultivated because it is relatively easy to grow. A native Encyclia oncidioides is in flower with a Bulbophyl lum above and a tall terete Vanda.
The yellow Promenaea xanthina has been reintroduced on to this tree in its native Brazil where it naturally grows on the lower trunk of trees at high altitude in cloud-filled, humid rainforests.
