Growing Orchids Outdoors
with Hydroponics!

Orchids love the fresh air (and humidity) growing outdoors.

In many parts of the world, hobbyists grow their orchids outdoors year round. Why?

Brighter light builds stronger plants
High humidity makes happy plants
Cool evening temps trigger flower spikes

Unfortunately, many of us are are "climate challenged" and growing outdoors year round simply isn't possible.

Give Your Orchids a Vacation - Move Them Outdoors for Summer!

Even if you're climate challenged you can still give your orchids a vacation by moving them outdoors for the summer! Summer weather is perfect for growing all types of orchids, no matter where you live. Plants that where struggling all winter might spring to life outdoors!

Tips for Growing Orchids Outdoors:

The outdoor season is from mid-May to late September.
Don't stretch it. Minimum temperatures for most orchids is 45 degrees

Plants need time to acclimate to outdoor weather.
Start with total shade outside for all plants. Then, gradually move the high light plants into more sun. Burn spots on the leaves can happen quickly. Think of your first day at the beach after a long winter.

Know how much sun/shade your outdoor growing area gets throughout the day. The sun changes positions in the sky with each season. Before moving your orchids outdoors take the time to measure how much sun/shade your growing area gets throughout the day. You might be surprised!

Don't worry about the heat.
If your plants are protected from direct sun and get good air circulation, heat shouldn't be a problem.

Grow on benches or tables, not on the ground.
Protect your plants from creepy crawlers.

Advantages of Growing Orchids Outdoors with Hydroponics

Most people think hydroponics is only for indoor growing. Our hydroponic system has many advantages for outdoor growing too!

The biggest feature is our system replaces all growing media with unique clay pebbles called LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate).

1. No root decay with LECA pebbles no matter what kind of weather -

LECA pebbles are ceramic and will not rot or decay in any kind of weather
Your plants will never suffer from heavy rains
They provide extra moisture so plants won't dehydrate on hot days
Because they're a sterile ceramic they won't attract insects

more on LECA pebbles

Ordinary growing materials (like bark and moss) have problems outdoors because they deteriorate quickly when exposed to the weather. Decaying media compacts and traps water, cutting off air to the plant's roots.

Soggy roots are never a problem growing in LECA pebbles . Roots won't get waterlogged no matter how much rain you get. See the difference -

Decaying roots in bark and moss.

Healthy roots growing in LECA pebbles

2. Easy watering - Watering can be a tricky business with traditional media outdoors. Ignore the elements and your plants will suffer.

- Hot, dry weather means watering everyday with bark or moss. Plants growing in our system have an ample supply of water that is stored in a reservoir at the bottom of the grow pot. The LECA pebbles "wick" moisture up to the plant as needed. All you have to do is refill the reservoir when empty.

- If the weather turns cool and rainy - be careful! Your plants will be waterlogged in bark or moss! The LECA pebbles in our system never rot or decay, so the roots won't get waterlogged no matter how much rain you get.

Plants practically take care of themselves growing in our hydroponic system outdoors!

Follow our guidelines for setting up your orchids for "outside growing" and you'll never have to worry about watering again - even with a garden hose!

Setting Up Our Hydroponic System for Outdoor Growing

Orchid Care Outdoors with Hydroponics

Questions about Growing Outdoors with Hydroponics? ask here