Easiest orchids to grow outdoors is a list of ideas that you can manage as you would give them the right care and see them thriving with little effort. Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and Epidendrum are the most popular choices because they can thrive easily in unsuitable conditions.
However, there are many more orchid species you can grow outside without hassle. Continue reading to know their names, descriptions, blooming seasons, and more.
Contents
A Complete List of Easiest Orchids To Grow Outdoors
1. Moth or Phalaenopsis
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Moth orchids or Phalaenopsis are native to Southeast Asia and Australia, including countries like the Philippines and Taiwan. But you can grow them outdoors effortlessly if you live in the hardiness zone 6 to 9.
This plant is one of the easiest types of outdoor orchids because it can tolerate harsh weather better than many other orchid plants. Phalaenopsis prefers daytime temperatures to be between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with a slight drop at night. Plus, they thrive when the humidity is between 40 and 70 percent. So, it is low-maintenance.
Moreover, people love the appearance of Phalaenopsis. It blooms large, flat, and waxy flowers in various hues, including pink, white, purple, and yellow. The flowers also look like moth wings, hence the name. So, go for this orchid, because it is fair to take care of and you can prune it just once in a year.
2. Cattleya
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Cattleya orchids, also known as Corsage or Queen of Orchids, are famous worldwide because of their flowers. They are showy, with multiple layers of petals and a lip or labellum, often times, they are ones that show beautiful colors and enhance the beauty of wherever they are located.
Furthermore, Cattleya is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. In short, you will see how it can stay healthy outdoors, and this is why to keep it growing for a prolonged time, you should give it the right care like watering it when the soil feels dry.
Moreover, it can tolerate temperature fluctuations as well. Cattleya can thrive between temperatures of 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an excellent choice for outdoor gardening.
3. Dendrobium
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Dendrobium orchids are found in various habitats, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows. But you can grow them with other outdoor orchids as well. They prefer bright and indirect light for around eight hours to stay healthy.
Furthermore, they also like the humidity to be high, which is why you can mist around the plant to increase the moisture or set a humidifier around it if you live in dry places.
If you are going to grow dendrobium it is best to place them in pots and hanging baskets outdoors, as they will increase the aesthetic appeal. You can also attach them to trees as they are epiphytic. However, water them on time and prune them once a year after the blooms fall off.
4. Brassavola
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Brassavola, or Night orchids, are known for their long tubular leaves and fragrant flowers. At night, the blooms release a citrusy smell, which feels pleasant. Therefore, this orchid is a perfect addition to an outdoor garden, if you wish to grow them there, the job can be done with ease.
Moreover, Brassavola orchids can withstand periods of drought. They have pseudobulbs (swollen stems) that store water. So, these plants can survive in dry conditions too, but not as well. In addition, you must make sure that you water them well, and keep the humidity high.
5. Oncidium
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Oncidium, or dancing lady orchids, are famous for their lovely blossoms, which come in various colors like orange, pink, yellow, purple, and white. But the most unique thing is that these flowers look like they are dancing, as they would thrive in summer and fall when you see them growing. Therefore, oncidium orchids stay in high demand.
They are easy to grow too, when they are in their growing season, they like bright light and flourish at 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Oncidiums also appreciate a humid environment, so, you can use outdoor humidifiers for them, they can still bloom flowers without this machine, you must also make sure to use the right type of pesticides when you see any of them growing on it.
6. Cymbidium
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Cymbidium orchids, commonly known as boat orchids, produce stunning flowers, which can be white, yellow, pink, or purple. It depends on the species. But the best part about cymbidiums is that they can thrive in warm and dry settings; this is why you must not water them more than what they need, as the roots will easily become damaged.
You may also wonder, can you plant orchids outside in the ground, if you are taking care of this orchid? This is because growing orchid plants in the soil is not recommended. However, you can plant cymbidiums in the ground.
Outdoor orchid care for beginners, is what you need to be guided to maintain healthy growth, and keeping this in mind, make sure to maintain proper ventilation.
7. Epidendrum
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Epidendrum orchids are considered low-maintenance orchids, and very easy to take care of. They are known for their resilience and can tolerate a broader range of conditions, and this is why growing them outside with the right conditions is easy.
Temperature preferences vary, but these orchids grow best between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, when they are placed outside. However, they can continue growing if the temperature drops to 55 degrees Fahrenheit or rises to 90 degrees Fahrenheit. That is why they are considered ideal outdoor orchids.
How to grow orchids outdoors in California, is a worry that you would have regarding this orchid and as you grow them outdoors, but you should know that it is best that you get epidendrum orchids, maintain aeration near them, and water once a week. Furthermore, feed nutrients weekly or monthly, or when their growing season is near.
8. Venus Slipper
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We know that growing orchids outside in Florida is tricky. But if you choose the Venus Slipper, you won’t face any problems. It is a relatively low-maintenance orchid, it requires care that includes weekly watering, and a temperature rage that is between 55 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
It can remain in the same pot and potting medium for several years before being repotted. However, you should still maintain light and humid conditions, as it is the ideal outdoor orchids northern California.
In addition, Venus slipper orchids produce unique blooms, which are slipper-shaped, which is like the name suggests, but they have an eccentric beauty. These flowers can enhance the visual appeal of your outdoor garden and add fragrance to the air.
9. Jewel or Ludisia
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The orchid community admires Jewel or Ludisia orchids because of stunning foliage rather than flowers. The plant has glossy leaves that display various colors and patterns, and together with this, their veins are maroon colored, which is a rare phenomenon. You can also notice shades of burgundy, green, silver, and sometimes hints of purple or copper, and this makes them unique.
Jewel orchid is also simple to maintain. It does not require much fertilizer. You can feed nutrients once every two months. The temperature requirement is moderate- 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. However, the plant prefers a well-drained potting mix and appreciates regular watering.
10. Bulbophyllum
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Bulbophyllum is the largest orchid genus, with over 2,000 species in most parts of the world. Some species have small, delicate flowers, while others have large, showy blooms. However, Bulbophyllum orchids are also known for their unusual fragrances. Some species have sweet, floral scents, while others have solid and musky scents.
But the blooms only last for about a week. You should still grow Bulbophyllum outdoors because they are flexible. These orchids are also inexpensive, making them a good value for the money. You have to fertilize them monthly with a balanced orchid fertilizer and mist the leaves regularly.
11. Calanthe
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Calanthe orchids are praised for their beautiful flowers, which are white, pink, yellow, or orange. They can be fragrant or unscented and usually bloom in the spring. But some species can produce flowers at different times of the year.
These are orchids are easy to grow too, they just need to have drainage under their pots. Regular watering, proper drainage, and occasional fertilization are sufficient to keep them healthy, and when you keep them cool, they thrive with all ease.
12. Butterfly Orchids
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Odontoglossum, or butterfly orchid, is liked by orchid gardeners because of its butterfly-shaped flowers. But you should choose them because they are quick growing, especially if you provide them with the appropriate growing conditions.
Butterfly orchids prefer cooler temperatures and thrive in environments with good air circulation and moderate humidity. Furthermore, they can be grown in pots with a well-draining orchid mix or mounted on a suitable surface like tree bark or cork because they are epiphytes. So, decide on butterfly orchids and diversify your orchid garden.
Where to buy outdoor orchids, is a notion that you may worry about, but you should know that you can get them from any reputable local nursery. For this, you can also check any outdoor orchid plants for sale, and you can grow them with ease.
Conclusion
Here, we have discussed those orchids that do not have a big list of “requirements” and can produce flowers with limited resources. Here’s the summary:
- Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, dendrobium, and venus-slipper are the most popular choices outdoors.
- Growing orchid plants outside can be challenging; however, you can avoid hard work and frustration by choosing easy-to-grow orchid varieties.
- If the temperature fluctuates a lot, grow epidendrum and cymbidiums orchids.
- Ludisia, Odontoglossum, Calanthe, Brassavola, and Oncidium are also low-maintenance and significantly diversify the surroundings with their colorful blooms and stunning foliage.
So, decide as many orchids as possible and transform your outdoor space!
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