Orchid Care Tips Blog

These are the top 15 orchids to grow outside in my opinion. Some of these are general kinds of orchids while others are specific named varieties.

1. Cymbidiums - Cymbidiums are the most popular outside orchids to grow. The flowers of Cymbidiums bloom in spring provided the right amount of light is supplied for the orchid. Moisture is another key factor to grow these orchids successfully.
2. Dendrobiums - These orchids can be grown in sheltered areas or greenhouses with preferred temperatures ranging from 60° to 80° F. Although they like some constant moisture at the roots, they do like to almost dry out between waterings. They prefer bright light. Dendrobiums can be grown outside only when there is a mix of sun and shade, and temperatures are similar to those in Santa Barbara, CA.
3. Epidendrums (Reed Stem Epidendrums) - Enough sunlight will be something your Reed Stem Epidendrum enjoys.These can be grown in pots or wooden boxes.
4. Lycastes - These orchids are becoming well liked by growers precisely because they have longer lasting flowers than most other kinds of orchids. Lycaste orchids are mainly epiphytes and also lithophytes. This means, becuase of adverse conditions these orchids are used to, they are easy to grow. In terms of temperature and humidity, Lycaste orchids can endure 90 degrees Fahrenheit only with appropriate air circulation. With the right amount of sunlight, these flowers bloom with full glory.
5. Paphiopedilums - Paphiopedilums, also known as Lady Slippers, can be easy to grow provided they are given with the right moisture. In potting Paphiopedilums, make sure that the fine bark is kept damp to provide just the right moisture this orchid needs. These orchids prefer shade rather than direct sunlight.
6. Zygopetalums - Like Cymbidiums, these orchids should always be moist. Most people mistake moist for being wet so make sure that when watering Zygopetalums, avoid overwatering. These orchids are mostly left outdoors in warm climates. These orchids are tolerant of temperature changes. Too much sunlight can cause decreased flowering. Vigilant watering during winter is required.
7. Masdevallias - These orchids grow better in cooler climates. The colder the setting, to a point, the more the healthier these orchids grow. Masdevallias love to grow in the shade, but not in the sun. Masdevallias can be seen in nature growing in Central and South America as well in Mexico.
8. Bletilla Striata or Chinese Ground Orchids - Nominal care is required for the Chinese Ground orchid. It can actually stand a low temperature as far as 10 degrees Fahrenheit. These orchids prefer shade more than direct sunlight. The chance of these orchids surviving outside is much higher than that for most other orchids due to their tolerance of both warm and cold climates.
9. Angraecum Longiscott ‘Hihimanu’ - This orchid can grow well on the patio with fairly moderate conditions. These orchids prefer shade.
10. Odontocidium Tiger Butter x Odondioda Rustic Red - So much like the Angraecum Longiscott ‘Hihimanu’, this orchid must be placed in the shadiest part of your garden if grown in moderate conditions.
11. Bardendrum Desert Rose - This orchid is a cross of a Barkeria and an Epidendrum. Being a cross of the said orchids, the plant provides the aesthetic combination of both the Barkeria and Epidendrum. The plant mimics the long stem of an Epidendrum while the flowers are similar to a Barkeria.
12. Stenoglottis Longifolia ‘Heidi’ - The Stenoglottis Longifolia ‘Heidi’ grows most during springtime. During the winter, this orchid becomes dormant and at quick glance this orchid may seem dead. However, when springtime approaches, the Stenoglottis longifolia ‘Heidi’ will once again start to bloom.
13. Ascofinetia Cherry Blossom ‘Orange’ - This orchid is a hybrid of Vancaceous orchids and Neofinetia Falcatas. This combination has given the orchid exceptional tolerance in dealing with the cold.
14. Miltonias - The Miltonia, or Pansy orchid, is very popular among growers because they are very prolific. These orchids bloom during spring and fall. Miltonias like to stay moist at the roots.
15. Brassavola Cucullata - A walk during the night near these orchids will prove to be a good walk. These orchids are exceptionally fragrant at night.

This entry was posted on Friday, August 1st, 2008 at 5:31 pm and is filed under Growing Orchids. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.