Do Outdoor Orchids Enjoy The Sun?

Last updated: February 21, 2024

8 min read

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Orchids are sensitive to full-intensity sunlight, so it is essential to find a spot with shade from around 10-2 degrees Celsius. This should be in the morning and evening, when the temperature is cooler. Sunburn on orchids can be remedied by reducing sunlight exposure or placing the plant back into a shadier spot. However, if not addressed, the yellow leaves will turn white.

Sunlight is essential for orchids, especially when grown indoors. In tropical climates or those that rain daily, almost any orchid can be placed outside as long as it’s in the right space. The ideal location for outdoor orchids is under a tree or in a spot that receives only partial sun during the day. Most orchids can be damaged with even 1 to 2 hours of direct sunlight exposure due to their adaptation to shady conditions or indirect light.

Orchids of tropical origin may not thrive completely outside in cold climate areas or desert-like areas with weaker rays, cooler temperatures, and less light per day overall. They thrive with 6 to 8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight per day, and they will do best in an east or west-facing window, depending on the variety of orchid.

Orchids should be grown in half to full shade, with one step down for sun exposure if moving from a greenhouse. If plants are full sun plants in the greenhouse, they should be placed outside in part-shade. As long as there is no direct sunlight, it is fine, as it will burn the leaves.

Phalaenopsis orchids thrive in the shade rather than direct sunlight, but they are not happy with dark and dingy conditions. Generally, at least 6 hours of sunlight is recommended for orchids, regardless of their variety. To block out the sun, use shading or shade-loving plants in an area with sun protection.

📹 Where should I put orchids outside?

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Can orchids grow in full sun?

Orchids require varying amounts of sunlight for flower production, with some requiring full sun for the entire day and others preferring indirect or dappled light. The time of year also plays a role, as the sun’s position changes over 12 months. Oncidiums like Spaghettis and Equitant require bright light, while Oncidesa, Phalaenopsis, and Cattleya thrive in semi-shaded conditions. Therefore, the ideal light conditions for your highrise garden depend on your specific orchid species.

Can orchids get too much sun?

Orchids can suffer from yellowing leaves, premature loss of foliage, sunburn, and shriveled pseudobulbs if they get too hot. To prevent these issues, ensure proper hydration and increase watering frequency. Orchids can survive winters, as they are adaptable and resilient plants. Bring them indoors before frost arrives. Care tips include avoiding extreme temperatures below 50°F, bringing them indoors, and maintaining their health and beauty.

Can you keep orchids in direct sunlight?

Houseplant orchids prefer bright light but not direct sun, and prefer regular watering and misting with rainwater or boiled water. They need bark-based compost and prefer a medium in between. Tropical orchids don’t thrive in dry air, so mist leaves regularly. Tap water can be harmful, so use boiled or rainwater if possible. Avoid leaving them standing in water, as it can rot the roots. Phalaenopsis, the most widely grown houseplant orchid, is ideal for centrally heated homes and produces exotic displays of large blooms. They require minimal maintenance and are ideal for beginners.

How do you keep orchids alive outside?

Orchids are sensitive to light and moisture, so it’s important to block out the sun and moisture by using shading or shade cloth. Keep your orchid under an awning to prevent sunburn and avoid taking it outside during the hottest hours. To prevent fungal growth, don’t keep your orchid outdoors during a rainstorm. However, bring it out after a storm to soak up residual moisture.

Orchids prefer cooler environments during summer nights, so if the temperature drops to 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit, leave it on a screened patio. If the temperature doesn’t drop, move it inside overnight to cool down, but keep it away from direct airflow from fans or air conditioners. Despite ideal weather conditions, orchids should not be left outside for more than a few hours at a time.

Do orchids do better inside or outside?

Orchids are versatile plants that add beauty and visual interest to both indoors and outdoors. They are hardy, can withstand periods without water, and don’t require direct sunlight. Their low maintenance lifestyle and beautiful blooms make potted orchids popular plant decor in homes and offices. Proper orchid care involves the same basic guidelines for sunlight, water, temperatures, fertilizer, and humidity, but may vary depending on the location. Orchids are also considered one of the best floral gifts, even for those who have never cared for one before.

Where is the best place to put an orchid outside?

Orchids thrive in bright, indirect light, so they should be grown in areas with sun protection. A patio covered by an awning or a spot underneath a shade tree are ideal locations for orchid growth. Orchids naturally attach themselves to trees in the wild, but in South Florida, it is recommended to grow them in a container for indoor use. To plant orchids outside, buy a starter plant and plant them in a pot filled with loose potting medium formulated for orchids, such as chunky bark, peat moss, and other organic materials. This medium is lighter and drier than typical potting soil, making it easier to maintain and maintain the plant’s health.

Can I put my orchid outside in the sun?

Orchids require six to eight hours of indirect sunlight daily for optimal growth. Direct sunlight can cause sunburn, resulting in white spots and dark rings. To protect your orchid, use filtered light like a sheer curtain and keep it in a north- or east-facing window. If you lack access to these windows, keep your orchid several feet back in rooms with south and west-facing windows. Water your orchids with three ice cubes or one quarter cup of water once a week, but may need more hydration if the weather has been too hot in the last week.

What does a stressed orchid look like?

The leaves exhibit diminished size and increased wrinkling, suggestive of dehydration or stress in the plants.

Do orchids do well outside in the summer?

Orchids thrive in hotter temperatures, needing more shade and water than in winter. They grow in humid jungles, attaching roots to tree branches for support and soaking in filtered light. To keep them healthy, mimic their natural habitat, providing regular misting and watering during summer heat. Orchids prefer bright, indirect sunlight, which can be too intense for them in summer. To protect them, attach roots to tree branches with cotton string, which decomposes naturally over time. Orchids can also be planted in pots and placed under a tree canopy.

To ensure orchids remain healthy, monitor outdoor temperatures. Most orchids prefer temperatures between 50 and 90 degrees F by day, making summer in a Mediterranean climate optimal. At night, they need a temperature drop of 10 to 15 degrees F, which they usually receive naturally outdoors. They can tolerate warmer temperatures as long as they receive ample air flow, so provide space for them to enjoy the breeze.