Get Your Orchid Blooming This Summer: Move It Outdoors for More Flowers
Get Your Orchid Blooming This Summer: Move It Outdoors for More Flowers
Moving your orchids outdoors for the summer is the easiest way to encourage new flower spikes, leaf growth, and root development. If you’re struggling to get your orchid to bloom profusely, summer is the perfect time to give it a boost. However, these beautiful plants require special care, so it’s not just about placing them outside. This year, treat your orchid to the summer vacation it deserves, and enjoy a spectacular display of blooms come winter.
It Is Time!
Summertime is my favorite time to relax on my porch, where I do most of my writing from May to September. With just enough shade and a gentle breeze courtesy of a floor fan, it becomes my perfect summer office. However, there comes a point when the humidity becomes overwhelming. That’s my cue that it’s time to move my orchid outdoors.
I take my phalaenopsis orchid, give it a shower, and carry it to my porch plant stand, signaling the start of its summer vacation. After all, orchids are tropical plants, and when the weather in Pennsylvania becomes muggy and tropical, my plants thrive.
How to Move Your Orchids Outdoors for Summer
Before placing your orchids on the patio, there are important considerations. These high-maintenance plants won’t thrive if their humidity, lighting, or watering needs aren’t met.
Choose the Right Pot
The first step in ensuring a successful summer for your orchids is to use a proper orchid pot. These pots usually have drainage holes, which help prevent water from sitting around the roots. You can find different styles, from decorative pottery to simple plastic options, but proper drainage is key.
Temperature Considerations
Orchids prefer a warm environment and should not be exposed to cold temperatures. I only move mine outside when nighttime temperatures consistently stay above 60°F. Ideally, they thrive in the shade with daytime temperatures around 75 to 85°F. If it gets exceedingly hot, ensure they have sufficient shade and stay on top of watering.
Optimal Sunlight
Orchids do best in bright, filtered light and should never be placed in direct sunlight. Direct sun can lead to severe damage. Look for locations where the plants are shaded but still receive bright light, such as a deep porch or hanging in a tree.
Monitor your plants daily for signs of distress. Healthy leaves should be a vibrant emerald green. If they turn lime green, they may be getting too much light. On the other hand, a slight purple tinge at the edges indicates they need more sunlight.
Watering Techniques
During summer, it’s perfectly safe to water your orchids with ice cubes, and they may even prefer it! Since they are outside in the wind and air, they tend to dry out more quickly, requiring more frequent watering—typically twice a week, increasing to three times during heatwaves.
Airflow Benefits
Outdoor conditions provide better airflow, promoting healthier roots and reducing the risk of fungal issues. Ensure they are protected from strong wind gusts, and enjoy the added humidity that summer brings.
Fertilizing Orchids
A good rule of thumb for orchids is to fertilize “weakly, weekly.” Use a diluted fertilizer every week. For a detailed guide on choosing the right fertilizer, check out my recent article.
Bringing Orchids Back Indoors
As summer winds down, it’s crucial to bring your orchids indoors before nighttime temperatures dip below 60°F. It’s better to transport them inside early rather than wait too long. Upon bringing them back, quarantine your orchids from other houseplants for a few weeks to avoid potential pest infestations.
This is also a great time to wipe down the leaves and check the roots, and repot them if necessary.
Conclusion
Moving your orchids outdoors for the summer can significantly enhance their growth and flowering capabilities. With the right care—temperature, sunlight, watering, and fertilizer—you can create an ideal summer retreat for your plants. Just remember that these delicate beauties still require attention while enjoying their summer vacation. With careful handling, you can expect vibrant blooms come winter, making the effort well worth it!
