FULL SUN ORCHIDS - Orchid Board

greg sytch · #1 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 02:45 PM

Anyone, esp in Florida, know which orchids can thrive in full sun (not shaded sun). I live in Tampa Bay, and while I grow under shadecloth, I have a lot of open areas where I would love to grow orchids. They would get 3-4 hours of sun. I grow the usual epidendrums and spathoglottis in sunny areas, but my cattleyas never seem to adapt just burn. Perhaps certain species? I do not grow Vandas or their relatives, and frankly, do not care to as they require too much attention. Any ideas? I can always try to acclimate some suggestions...Thanks! Greg in New Port Richey

Vanessa · #2 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 02:56 PM

Greg, please don't rule out Vandas. They are the easiest chids to grow outside especially in our climate. Just put them in a basket, you don't really even need any medium, put a "teabag" of Nutricote or Dynomite (Red Top container at Home Depot) on the roots and hang em up. Hose down once a day when we aren't being sloshed by tropical storms. Mine grow and bloom in full Southern exposure. Hard cane Dendros can also be grown in 3-4 hours of full sun. Mine love it and bloom like crazy.

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 03:31 PM

I know Epidendrum ellipticum does, as does E. quitensium. I also suspect Encyclia tampensis will, as will a lot of the rupicolous Laelias.

whygreenberg · #4 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 03:38 PM

I was going to suggest rupicolous Laelias myself! They are really easy-going and do well if they get enough light. Plus they are quite petite, so you can always get more of 'em.

Ray · #5 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 03:59 PM

Terete-leaved vandas

Vanessa · #6 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 04:17 PM

Yes, this kind of Vanda.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...HPIM1332-1.jpg

isurus79 · #7 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 05:32 PM

Grammatophylums love full sun and Ive seen Brassavola nodosa taking full sun, though it needs to be slowly aclimatized. I also personally have a Rhyncolaelia digbyana that loves full sun and I also have a Cattleya maxima that is bright red from full sun. I think many of the Encyclias will adapt to full sun conditions as well.

taipan · #8 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 10:33 PM

Any semi-terete leaf Vanda's, Arachnis,Papilionanthe ( teres, Miss Joaquim ) even Gram.speciosum could take full sun in your area. Papilionanthe teres & Miss Joaquim can take sun all day. Also a lot of the spathulate & Phalananthe Den,s can take a lot of light as long as it does not get very cold ie frost

flhiker · #9 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 10:54 PM

Most Oncidium's and C. skinnerii. Schomburgkia tibinicis. Definitely E. tempensis

cb977 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-23-2008, 11:21 PM

C skinneri definitely blooms better when they're in the brightest sun. The plants themselves may look a bit abused but the blooms keep coming