Growing orchids outside in Ft Lauderdale

[flhiker]

Originally Posted by susiep

Dave, I went to Broward Orchid today and got a bunch of stuff. They are so nice and they remembered you! I bought fern bark, fertilizer, Sluggo, etc. However, I left there with cuttings off their epidendrums, a rooted coconut (palm), and a bunch of succulents cuttings that they just gave me. What nice people. I have bought things from them many times at the shows but this is the first time at their place. They will be at the Flamingo Gardens show next weekend. He even gave me suggestions (whch I posted) on how to deal with the "Palm Tree" vanda syndrome.

Wonderful! Sounds like you will be going back. Me too!

[Junebug]

Well done, Susie. This is very attractive. If you don't mind me asking, where did you find the trellis and arbor and what is the size of your structure? Also, how did you treat the roof? I live in Central Florida, zone 9. I have a screened porch but the ceiling is trussed and the lighting is inadequate for Vandas and Catts. No shade trees in my yard either. Something like this would work great next to my porch and would hide an unsightly air conditioning unit.

You did good.

June

[(..._...)]

I will be growing my orchids outside this summer too, but here in montreal, Canada, there is still 4 feet of snow on the ground . Mine go out about the second week of June. Will post pics when that time comes!!!

[Junebug]

Thanks for the info. It looks Superb. You've inspired me.

[susiep]

June, I used the arbors and trellises because they were precut and "easy" to assemble. I lined the inside (walls and ceiling) with heavy "solar" screen from homedepot. That is what does the trick, window screen is way too thin. Solar screen blocks enough sun even at midday. With the arbors you can get creative and assemble them to fit your space. Good luck!

[gutchin]

Hi. I'm new here, and looking forward to learning a lot. I live in Boynton Beach part of the year and am an avid gardener from New York (Long Island.) When I came down here three years ago I dived right in and made plenty of mistakes--but I'm learning. Unfortunately, I bought three orchids last year, and when I left for the summer, I kissed them good-bye and wished them luck. I left them on a table in a corner of my screened-in patio, where they would get shade and rain if there was any. When I got back here in January, they were not only still alive, but had sprouted new stems with buds. A little knowledge being a dangerous thing, I bought a few more, then a few more and was doing fairly well up until a few weeks ago. So I am looking for some solutions and some help, and hope that this is the place to get it.

[Ross]

Dave! You never cease to blow me away with your setups and your photos. Great job! If I ever were able to move down south (that's my dream, but not really feasible) I would look you up in a minute.

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by susiep

Please post pictures of your outdoor growing arrangements! I am out of room and need ideas!

Hi Susiep,

Just read your thread. If you have an overhang check out my gallery for east wall and west wall. I"ll give you more info if you need it. I've added a sprinkler system to the west wall since I took these pics.

Wish I could have an area like you to set up a structure. I back up to a canal with a slope no can do.
Lorraine