Why does "summering outdoors" matter?

[sand_tiger86]

I read people saying that orchids love to be summered outdoors. I even do it myself. But why? They might get more light, but in my situation, the only "outdoors" I have is my balcony. The sun is the same as the window inside, just not magnified by glass. Are there other benefits? Do orchids just know when they're outside and automatically go into "YAY!" mode?

[Cjcorner]

I think they get more natural light levels outdoors and the air movement is (imho) much better outdoors. But I'm guessing in some areas a greenhouse 24-7 would be the best way overall.

[cakedaddy]

When do you run your AC the most? It sucks moisture out of the indoor environment very effectively. Then there is the fact that orchids adapted to seasonal variation need higher temps that coincide with longer days. People don't want that. We want 72F year round.
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[leafmite]

In my case, the light is brighter outdoors, the pots are flushed with fresh rain, and there is usually a nice breeze.
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[yvonni]

In my case, the light is brighter outdoors, the pots are flushed with fresh rain, and there is usually a nice breeze.
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I have to side with you on this Leafmite since that's the reason I started moving my plants to the outside area . I checked them today and we have had a lot of rain recently since we are in the rainy season here and they seem pretty happy but also to jump back to what Kelly was saying , maybe in this post or in another one don't remember , I have some that seem really eager to please and then I have others in the same area that have come only so far and kinda paused . That's precisely why I agreed that Kelly had some good questions . Why would they come that far and then at the stage you think your gonna get a spike they kinda go .......aaahhh..... I don't know ? Why would they do that you think if they are outside and summering ?

[coeruleo]

i for one, think they automatically go into 'yay' mode.

[yvonni]

Coming from an all summer environment , I for one would not be the best person to take a guess on this one , but I think Kelly has some good questions here . I too would like to know if it makes a noticeable difference in the behavior of the plant ?

[Miller]

My Sharry Baby never got more than two spikes when it was inside. The first year outside and 9 spikes later I think it is happier!

Coming from an all summer environment , I for one would not be the best person to take a guess on this one , but I think Kelly has some good questions here . I too would like to know if it makes a noticeable difference in the behavior of the plant ?

[Kassie]

Our Iowa humidity has finally kicked in and my orchids are definitely screaming YAY! Mine LOVE the humidity and air circulation and my indoor light can't hope to compare. Even though it has been extremely dry here, the RH outdoors at least creeps up every night to 65-90%. Indoors, our AC ran so much during the hot drought spells that the RH inside was in the low 20s all day and night. Doctor prescribed running the humidifier after my mother ended up in the ER with a nosebleed that wouldn't stop. Normally here in the summer we run multiple dehumidifiers trying to keep cool. What orchids I had in the house were in sorry shape, so all but three (out of 100+) that can't take heat were moved either outside or to the sunroom that has no AC. If I had a big enough orchidarium or a full-on climate controlled grow room with really good lighting, I suppose I would keep them inside. But for now, they summer outside.

[orchidsal]

I can only say that in New Mexico there is no way of "summering" outdoors or at practically any time of year..............................AL