My orchids went out this week and will stay there until it gets into the 40s at night. They are on an uncovered balcony and are subject to whatever the weather throws at them. I have not had any fungus or mold issues, nor any pest problems. My phals are under our balcony chairs for shade, but the rest are open to the sunshine and handle it well. I water daily when it's been hot and sunny. Today it's raining, so I won't water them until they dry out.

Thank you! I figured daily water would be needed for sunny hot weather to give them some humidity. That bit about keeping them in during a summer shower seemed asinine. I'm hoping they enjoy it!

Orchids DO like some sunshine or else they won't bloom. Sometimes people will have orchids where the leaves are dark green but never blooms. Well, that's because they're not getting enough light.

What they like best is a canopy where the sun can peek in. As the sun light moves, the orchids will get the benefit of the sun but not long enough for it to burn the leaves. So, in a sense, it gets light, then shade, light then shade ..etc.

Most of my orchids (cattleyas) are under a canopy of palms leaves (Areka Palms), and every once in a while, I would have to cut down a growth to let more light (and air) in. My Den's are in pots at the side of my front door entrance and gets a lot of light and sun during the day, and they're doing fine.

Different types of orchids can handle sun better than others: As an example, Dendrobiums, Vandas, can handle more sun than a Phalaenopsis. And Phalaenopsis can handle more sun than Cattleya's.

But the bottom line is that they ALL need some sun for them to bloom.

No orchids like to have their feet wet, but they all love humidity! A tray full of gravel with some water under works wonders!