Midwest orchid growers... - Orchid Board

Cheddarbob14 · #1 09-20-2017, 08:33 PM

...my orchids typically spend about 99% of their time indoors, AC runs all summer (zero shade for house, it bakes in sun all day), furnace all winter. Windows are opened when possible, but not as often as I'd like. The only time I set them outside is for the occasional rain storm during the day. My question for anyone that has orchids outdoors, in the Midwest, when possible....any particular pests to look out for? I've got a great spot on my deck where they would receive "broken" sunlight from dawn, until about 5 or 6. By broken, I mean compliments of the spindles on my deck, there will always be lines of direct sun, and shade throughout the day. I just recently had my 1st spider mite outbreak indoors. It has sucked, but we are getting through it. Would love to put my higher light orchids outside to get them a bit of nature, but am petrified of introducing new vermin. Have any of you in this area had any big issues?

orchidsarefun · #2 09-20-2017, 09:28 PM

My orchids, including phals, are outdoors for roughly 4 months every year. They receive full East and shaded West sunlight, with overhead sun screened with 80% shade cloth. I'd advise you to be careful with noonday sun as it will burn the unshaded parts of your plants. Also make sure you have protection from drying hot winds.
As for pests - spidermite on Catasetums are a perennial issue. I spray roughly 1x per month. I've had locusts in the past, none for a couple of years. No other pests. I have them on 2 tables. I also have 2 cats that go outdoors so have never had a rodent problem.
Its a joyous relief watering all with the hosepipe! The plants love the outdoors as much as I do. Spraying the foliage keeps the bugs at bay too.

My Green Pets · #3 09-21-2017, 12:20 AM

I am in Kentucky and I keep my orchids outside from May to October. There are always pests including snails, slugs, aphids, mealybugs, and mites. However, their impact is usually very minor. Maybe a hole eaten through a new growth or a couple root tips chewed off. Annoying, but to me it's so worth having them out there where I can just spray them with the hose and really soak them well.

When I bring them inside for the winter, I get some insecticide like Imidacloprid and drench the plants 2-3 weeks before, then repeat the drench a couple of days before they finally are brought inside.

The only thing is this will not get rid of the mites - so some leaf treatment is sometimes in order. Usually it's just my Catasetum types with the mites, and once they shed their leaves for the winter, it's no longer an issue.

Click on the 'Videos' link in my signature if you'd like to see videos of my plants growing outdoors.

Orchid Whisperer · #4 09-21-2017, 06:02 AM

I am not in the Midwest now, but started orchid growing while living in Indiana and Illinois.

Back then, and now, chief pests we're scale and mealybugs, and snails. Imidacloprid works well on the
insects, metaldehyde on the snails. Squirrels can sometimes eat orchid pseudobulbs.

Despite the pests, outdoor growing is beneficial. Acclimate your plants gradually to get used to the extra light. If you need a little extra shade, I find that plastic window screen works well as a shade cloth substitute.

Cheddarbob14 · #5 09-21-2017, 06:16 AM

I guess ibwasnt thinking as much about sunburn, only because they currently sit in an East facing window, no curtain of any sort, full sun from sunrise until about 1. Thanks for the heads up. Maybe o should just keep them where they are

, I just like to tinker around! Thank you for the responses.

I do have a cat, that just had her 2nd confirmed kill yesterday, a chipmunk sitting right at the doorstep. Thankfully I got home right before my wife and kids, or we would've been required to hold a full burial service

Dollythehun · #6 09-21-2017, 06:37 AM

Here in Indiana, we have earwigs which always find a way even jnto hanging pots. I immerse the pots in soapy water before bringing them in, that flushes out vermin.
If your plants are on a rack, or hanging you won't have as much trouble with slugs or snails. My plants are on a rack under a sheer beach umbrella. I call it the Orchid Cabana.
The other pest we have are Brown Marmated Stink Bugs, the equivalent of Arizonas javelina! Perithroids work best on them.
Still, I'm with the others, the benefits outweigh the risks.

Locusts? I hope you really meant grasshoppers. My squirrels are generally well behaved. So, rodents aren't a problem.

orchidsarefun · #7 09-21-2017, 07:07 AM

Maybe it was technically a grasshopper but I've always considered the small ones grasshoppers ( and they literally live in the grass ) and the large ones locusts. The one I caught was a 4 incher and it had consumed a chunk out of a catasetum bulb.
There are also many beneficial insects - I get lots of jumping spiders, wasps and hornets....and pray mantis when in winged phase.
Don't underestimate the benefits of watering with a hose sprayer. I was at a talk given by the Curator of the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories and he mentioned this as being an effective method of controlling pests and one they actively use.
I forgot to mention hail. I had a couple of orchids damaged by hail - those were hanging in shrubs. The orchids with the protective creeper were fine. So mostly Nature's whims to worry about......

Dollythehun · #8 09-21-2017, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

Maybe it was technically a grasshopper but I've always considered the small ones grasshoppers ( and they literally live in the grass ) and the large ones locusts. The one I caught was a 4 incher and it had consumed a chunk out of a catasetum bulb.
There are also many beneficial insects - I get lots of jumping spiders, wasps and hornets....and pray mantis when in winged phase.
Don't underestimate the benefits of watering with a hose sprayer. I was at a talk given by the Curator of the Lincoln Park and Garfield Park Conservatories and he mentioned this as being an effective method of controlling pests and one they actively use.
I forgot to mention hail. I had a couple of orchids damaged by hail - those were hanging in shrubs. The orchids with the protective creeper were fine. So mostly Nature's whims to worry about......

I just bought Bayer mite and insect control in a hose end sprayer, for that purpose. We have never considered hornets as a beneficial, btw. Yes, wind and hail are an issue, you just have to be proactive ( and listen to Tom Skilling).😉

orchidsarefun · #9 09-21-2017, 08:02 AM

I guess I should clarify. At the Conservatories, and me too, an insecticide is never attached to the hose. The force of the water alone dislodges most bugs. They have to be as 'organic' as possible as thousands of people visit. I do use a hand spray bottle for targeted insecticide use - mainly as a preventive.
If you do go outdoors, get a few carnivorous plants. I have 6 Butterworths and they are covered in tiny flying insects. Fascinating to see. I'd attach photos but can't as OB no longer cell phone friendly.

Dollythehun · #10 09-21-2017, 09:22 AM

I actually did know that because of Fernwood Gardens in MI. I was a little surprised but, thought I was a step ahead. Lol

We have a large property, we use chemicals judiciously, but they are necessary. I can't get into the Butterwort idea but thanks for the suggestion.

Cheddarbob 14, give it a try next year with a few plants and then fine tune it. The benefits out weigh the risks imho.