Growing orchids outdoors can be challenging because you do not have much control over their environment. Your orchids are subjected to extremes of weather and temperature. Insects and animals may assault them. However, there are a few steps you can take to help your orchids survive outside.

When growing orchids outdoors, you should provide them with a sheltered environment to protect them as much as you possibly can.

Keep Outdoor Orchids Safe

1. Check your outdoor orchids frequently for signs of pest infestation or weather damage. Try to look them over at least once daily if it is possible.
2. If you are growing orchids outdoors in clay pots, you must monitor them closely to make sure they are not drying out. Clay pots tend to allow them to dry out much quicker. In addition, if you place the pots on dark surfaces, pavement or concrete, they will dry out quicker.
3. Supply your orchids with additional moisture during periods of low humidity. Be aware of your weather conditions and know that hot days and dry, windy days will lower the humidity in the air.
4. When the weather turns cool, it is time to bring your orchids back inside. Keep in mind, the temperature drops at night. When it dips below 60 degrees Fahrenheit, your orchids may prefer being inside where it is warmer.
5. Even though these plants love light, when you are growing orchids outdoors, provide them with shade when the sun's rays are the most scorching during the mid-day hours.

If you live in a mild climate like Florida or along the coast of California, you will have an easier time growing orchids outdoors. The temperatures stay warm even at night and the air is nice and humid thanks to ocean breezes. There are few nights of the year when you have to worry about bringing orchids indoors in such a climate.

Dendrobiums, Vandas, Oncidiums and Cattleyas love sunny warm growing environments. Choose those orchid varieties if you want to place them in a sunny spot in your yard. Keep them healthy by providing shade during mid-day. More frequent watering and misting is required when you are growing orchids outdoors.

The Ladyslipper Orchid and the Moth Orchid are two good choices when you will be growing orchids outdoors in shady areas. These plants thrive in shade and give the area a flash of color. Matching the orchids with their light preference is just the beginning. You must still be vigilant with routine care in order to keep your plants healthy.

Outdoor Orchid Care Tips

When growing orchids outdoors, protect them from the wind, heavy rain, salt spray from the ocean and hail. When the weather is unpredictable, move your orchids back inside, even if it is for a few hours while waiting for a storm to pass.

Position your orchid pots to help keep your plants safe. Put the pots against walls that will protect your plants from strong winds. Place your orchids under shrubs or ferns that will overhang them like an umbrella and offer shade and protection from rain.

Growing orchids outdoors should begin in steps so you do not shock your plants. To keep your orchids from being sunburned, get them used to the sun by taking them outdoors for longer periods of time each day.

When growing orchids outdoors, they become easy prey for slugs and aphids. These pests love orchids but luckily, they are easy to get rid of. You can simply pick the slugs off the orchids. The aphids can be removed by spraying them with a mild soapy solution and wiping them away with a damp cloth.

Always closely inspect your orchid plants for pests like aphids before you bring them back into your house. Do not bring them inside if you see signs of an infestation or you risk the health of other plants in your home.

Carrie E. Bernstein is a orchid lover and enthusiast who enjoys sharing with others various topics about growing and caring for orchids such as growing orchids outdoors. For more great articles on growing and caring for orchids, visit her site at http://www.TipsForMagnificentOrchids.com. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Carrie_E._Bernstein