In tropical climates, which include parts of the United States, Central and South America, parts of Australia, South Africa and South-east Asia, orchids can be grown permanently out-of-doors.

By the time the cymbidiums are ready to be returned to their winter quarters, they will be bristling with flower spikes. The Odontoglossum types, in particular, will reflect their change of surroundings and the extra light by the reddening of their leaves. Provided the amount of light they receive is not overdone, and they are not exposed to bright sunlight, this reddening will do no harm; it can be likened to a suntan and is not sunburn. During the following winter, these leaves will regain their midgreen coloring.

Orchids growing naturally in this way need to be comfortable with the changing temperatures throughout the seasons. Coolgrowing orchids will not do well in a tropical garden, which may be too hot for even the warmer-growing orchids.

In a garden, there are a number of places that will provide a good summer home for your orchids. It may be alongside a fence, a wall or a hedge, which will provide the necessary protection from the sun. Trees may also offer a shady place, but fruit trees should be avoided if there is any danger of ripe fruit crashing on the plants. They also harbour aphids and other pests that will get on the orchids.

Before bringing the plants back inside, check for pests. Out-of-doors they can harbour insects, such as earwigs and woodlice, which will be out of sight beneath the leaf-bracts and will need to be searched out.

Ideally, stand the orchids on grit or expanded clay pellets in water-filled humidity trays. This will ensure some moisture around the plants at all times. There should be no problem with water overflow, which will normally run away into the surrounding ground. Any orchids growing on a balcony outside your window may have to be brought inside for watering if surplus water may cause a problem. Avoid standing the orchids directly on the ground, where the pots will be subjected to infestation by all types of ground-dwelling pests. To prevent the orchids from being blown off their bench during very windy weather, it is a good idea to place a small railing around the edge.

If you cannot find a sufficiently shady place for the orchids erect a shade-cloth roof above the plants on the bench, leaving open ends or sides to allow a free movement of air.

Once the plants have been overhauled, they can be safely returned to their warmer winter quarters, having enjoyed their stay outdoors. The plants will be better prepared for flowering, and you will be wonderfully surprised at the improved quality of the blooms that will undoubtedly follow.