| In my climate (subtropical, mediteranean), I keep all my chids outside during the spring, summer and fall. In winter I keep them inside. I really believe that they must experience some harsh conditions in order to stay healthy. By harsh conditions I mean periods when they experience higher temps than recommended, higher light levels, lower humidity. I believe that plants become stronger and they adapt easier to new conditions.
Summer here is very very dry and hot and I must water them at leas every other day. I water them in late afternoon, actually, I wash them in bath... I feel that they like that, maybe that reminds them on tropical rains. During the night they have optimal conditions, higher humidity, lower temps and in the morning they are fresh and ready to fight with new hot wave during the day. This method works for me, although there is the rule that they mustn't be watered at night but in my case there is no danger of rot, there is much air movement, and temps aren't low... When I used to water them in morning, they couldn't take in much water because it evaporates very fast during the day. Like this they have one whole night to refresh and plump up.
They also experience dry and wet cycles in nature...
Only orchid that hate being outside in summer is phalaenopsis. I have problems with growing them because they hate such extremes, they like house...
Please, don't understand those my directions as a rule because this is something what works for me, but that doesn't have to mean that the same will work for you. It all depends on your growing space, climate etc...  |