What Are Growing Zones for Orchids?
Orchids grow in habitats all over the world, but are primarily native to the tropics. Some hardy and semi-hardy types can live in other climates. Learning the appropriate growing zone for your orchids helps you provide them with the correct care. Does this Spark an idea?
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Hardy Orchids
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Hardy orchids can grow outside in the garden, even in relatively cold climates. They include a number of North American native species, also sometimes referred to as pinks or lady's slippers. Hardy orchids prefer well-drained soil and tend to prefer U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 through 9, although some grow as far north as the southern Midwest, eastern Washington and Oregon and the East Coast up to southern Pennsylvania.
Half-hardy Orchids
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Half-hardy orchids are more delicate than their hardy cousins. Semi-hardy orchids include Calanthe species -- a popular choice for mild temperate gardens. These orchids tolerate hot weather better than hardy orchids and can grow as far south as USDA zone 11, which includes the Gulf Coast, southern Florida and most of California. Half-hardy orchids tolerate cold poorly, growing only as far north as zone 7.
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Indoor Orchids
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Tropical orchid species don't tolerate cold. Grow these orchids indoors, or keep them potted and place them outside only when the weather is warm and moist. Hot, dry weather or low temperatures can seriously damage tropical orchids, such as the popular phalaenopsis orchids.
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References
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