Hello

[tigger28]

Hi, I guess you could say i'm new to growing orchids! I started about a little over a year ago when we moved into our new house. I had always loved the way orchids looked, but i heard that they we really hard to grow...So i said what the heck i'll give it a chance. I started with one and i believe i now have... i really don't want to admit this...24. OMG!!! Most are Phalaenopsis, 2 are dendrobium, and i have a very large cymbidium, and i have one i'm not sure of but i believe it is an oncidium. yes they have become my obsession. My first question is... Can i grow orchids outside? Many of them say 50 - 85 degrees. I live in virginia beach, va and it gets much hotter than that here. And my other question is i have all my plants growing on the north east side of my house. i have not had any trouble with my orchids so far but i don't want any problems down the road. Should i move them and if so where?

[charleyismydog]

Hi. Welcome Tigger! Yes, don't they add up so quickly??? I am no expert on outdoor orchids, but I'm sure someone will help you. Good luck and have fun!

[electric.chowder]

hello fellow virginian

welcome to the board, right now, I've got all my orchids growing outside, and they love it! as long as you keep them out of direct sun, and extreme heat, they should be fine, one of my friends that live in va beach keeps hers outdoors and they grow nicely, besure to introduce them to the outdoors slowly, I killed back a bunch of my plants earlier in the year by just putting them right outside (oops) but they're growing back fine now

one more thing, be sure to put your location in your profile, so people will know where you're located in future posts, good luck! and you'll find people on here very helpful

[Vivienne]

Welcome Tigger. You'll find loads of advice and friendly people here at OrchidGeeks. Look out... that 24 is likely to increase if you hang out here too long! I had 3 in January and now have 60 with 3 more due to arrive this week. Very addicting!!

I have no experience with growing outdoors, all mine are in an atrium, but there are lots of folks here who do grow outdoors. They'll be along to help you out in no time.

[Lucinda Brown]

Hi Tigger,Like that nameI've put my denrobiums outside,even here,in hot Oklahoma summers,BUT-under an arbor that was covered w/a clematis pretty completely.Most denrobiums are reputed to be able to handle full sun,but I found out quickly how easy they can sunburn here in full sun,so be careful.Cymbidiums can be grown outside also but burn VERY easily,and rapidly.So you need to have them shaded somewhat.You can look up optimum light for all types on the net,and a light meter comes in very handy in the beginning until you get to know them better.WELCOME!