Phals and Paph Outside OKay!

[orchid lover]

I think it might be okay, but thought i'd ask anyway I live in Vancouver Area of BC. Have south-west exposure. Afternoon sun. They would be placed on a shelving unit, that is situated against the left wall of the balcony, that is near my patio screen doors. I have an over hang roof on my balcony. They would get about 3-4 hrs of sun, but my balcony is indented abit, so it takes awhile to reach the beginning of the patio doors. Hope this isn't too confusing. Sounds confusing as i write it! Can i put these orchids out till danger of frost begins Love your feedback if you have the time. Thank you. Orchid Lover

[JennS]

Are they going to get any direct light on them in that location? I would be cautious if they would get direct light. I have most of mine outdoors (except my Phals and Paphs), but I live in Florida so the sun is much stronger and the temps much higher. If they are going to get some direct sun, it might be OK since you live so much more north. I would try it with one Phal first to see how it reacts because I think it would recover faster and better then a Paph if it got sunburnt. Some of mine have gotten sunburn and are fine, but just watch it closely.

[Ross]

I think even in Vancouver, direct sunlight could be too much for Phals and Paphs. Mine are in a south window, but it has a screen in it and "low-e" glass (tinting). If you have a means of measuring foot-candles (or lux) in the area you plan to move them to, then you don't want more than 2500 FCs (25,000 lux).

[orchid lover]

Thanks for your feedbacks, i always look forward to responses. and thank you for your comments!!

[snow]

i have my phals outsite all summer but in dappled shade. the paphs wre outsite but i have since brought them in. i was just too nervous with them outsite because of the creepy crawlers.

[Brenda Aarts]

I agree with Ross as far as direct sunlight is too much, for any length of time. I live near london, on, hot sticky,humid summers. I put only 5 of my phals and a few paph on my front patio (east facing), they got about 1 1/2 hour of direct sunlight each morning and within a week their leaves were sunburnt. I've since brought them inside to recover. Our temperature range from day to night time might be too drastic for the phals outside as well (30+ day, 18-20 at night). Hope you have better luck than me Orchid lover.

[linsoo]

HI there
I'm fairly new to orchid growing and have put my orchids outside for the summer. Unfortunately(i think) we have had the wetest summer for years! I live in southern ontario. Having said that they seem to be doing ok. Not sure why that is since I constantly hear the woes of overwatering. Also included a pic of my new scree garden which of course doesn't like too much water either! What can you do - can't control the weather. By the way although I don't often post here I do enjoy and have learnt alot from everyone so thanks alot. Have a great day - I'm going as I'm celebrating my 60th!
Linsoo

[linsoo]

I sent the wrong photo! Here is the scree garden