Catts and Dens in 100+ degree outside - Orchid Board

okieOrchid · #1 08-01-2011, 01:05 PM

We've been having 30+ days on 100+ degree everyday, and I have ALL of my catts and a couple of Dens ( kingianum and Green Apple hybrid) outside.
My question here is: is it safe ( in long term ) to have them in such extreme weather like that ?? All of my catts and dens don't seem to mind at all since my catts are having new growths ( at least 2 on each plant). The Den kingianum is having 7+ new growths. The Den Green Apple don't seem to do anything.

WhiteRabbit · #2 08-01-2011, 04:33 PM

Den kingianum is extremely hardy, and is known for the wide variation in temps it can take

How much is the temp cooling at night?

I would think that keeping them to early morning sun only - shaded before mid-day and for the rest of the day (to keep them out of the sun when temps are highest) they should be ok. Mine have been fine for periods of extreme heat, but it does cool significantly at night here, even when it's very hot during the day. Make sure to check often if they need water. Avoid having water sitting on foliage if they are in the sun

gl

isurus79 · #3 08-01-2011, 09:31 PM

I have had all of my collection outside since March and we have had over 40 days of 100 degree temps here. So far the plants are just fine and are growing like crazy. Here is a link to how I am growing them: http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tin-texas.html I water every morning and every evening, thought I skipped a morning just to see what would happen and I saw some leaf burn. A few of my Catasetums have actually grown around my shade and take full sun in 100 plus temps. Orchids are pretty darn hardy!!!

P.S. My orchid grow area takes full sun from mid morning until about 430PM, though my shade cloth cuts down on the light by a lot.

RJSquirrel · #4 08-01-2011, 09:50 PM

had 100+ days a many and the catts outside get watered twice a day if they need it and misted in between to keep em cool. I'm not real sure what the temps are on the porch but the thermometer been stuck at over 100 for some time now. They only get about 2-3 hours of late evening sun. No direct sun. I wasted a few new plants in direct sun that peeked around a corner caught me un-aware.

I would say be careful with overhead watering or heavy misting late in the evening. If you get too much water in the small cracks and creases in between the leaves or sheaths and they dont dry out when it gets dark......, Soft Rot is alive and well and just waiting for you to make a mistake. Ive lost a few new growths and one whole freeking plant to soft brown rot this summer. I lost everything outside last year but I was brand new at this and didnt know any better..Bad watering habits and brown rot ate me up, you can smack me.

But the plants do well as far as I can tell for now. New growths on everything and roots roots roots everywhere. The Dendrobiums are growing like weeds .A few that were being grown inside went back outside after blooming thinking they were done and started spiking again

..

I think as far as overall health in the long run IMHO I think it will make the plants even better growing and hardier...

isurus79 · #5 08-01-2011, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

Soft Rot is alive and well and just waiting for you to make a mistake. Ive lost a few new growths and one whole freeking plant to soft brown rot this summer. I lost everything outside last year but I was brand new at this and didnt know any better

This is good to know! I have not had an issue with this yet, but my humidity stays around 40%. I will watch for rot like this if we ever any humidity coming up from the Gulf. Thanks for the tip!

stefpix · #6 08-01-2011, 11:07 PM

Finally stuff that had setbacks or was stagnating is growing! Dendrobium biggibum keiki with new growths, so D. kingianum, Ansellia africana, Cattleya forbesii seedling, Laelia lundii on the roof in full sun. Oncidium sphacelathum.

try to water every day, but suffering some thirst I think makes the roots grow deeper.

My Miltonidium / Oncidium Rosy Sunset is blooming (not too many) but luckily has a brand new spike. watering / fertilizing more.

If it is hot the water should dry at night as well, shouldn't it? On my roof last night was pretty breezy. In tropical zones doesn't often rain / downpours at night in this season?

stefano

stefpix · #7 08-01-2011, 11:10 PM

But yes rot seems to travel faster as well. I lost a couple of growths here and there

Orchid126 · #8 08-02-2011, 03:03 PM

Hot and wet is safer than cold and wet.

isurus79 · #9 08-02-2011, 03:53 PM

RJ also has much more humid conditions on the coast than I do here in Central Texas. That will also play a factor in rot...or not. lol

RJSquirrel · #10 08-04-2011, 04:32 AM

Yes I'm right on the Gulf Of Backwash and didn't think about you guys WAY up there being much dryer

. you might not have the funk trouble as rampant as we do right now.
On the porch yesterday 112' over 80% humidity Right now at 2:30 am its 82' and 81% humidity. The plants aren't resting like they should be at night. I hope this doesnt keep up for much longer but in my expert opinion living here all my life.... going to get hotter. I will see 120' on the patio before it breaks.
I might give in and bring the good stuff inside..