Does anyone grow orchids in San Diego?

[Jeff214]

Hi there,

I'm relocating from Indianapolis to San Diego and I wonder if anyone here has experience growing orchids outdoors in the arid climates of southern California. I've been told that it's basically a desert beyond the area immediately adjacent to the coast. I was hoping someone could clue me in to the water frequencies /shading required, etc. in the drier areas of San Diego.

I'm currently looking for an apartment in San Diego and I thought it may be simpler to find a place with many windows and grow them indoors (Which I have been doing anyway in Indianapolis and Atlanta). If anyone could share their growing experiences in southern California, I'd appreciate it!

Thanks

[Roberta]

Southern California is a GREAT place to grow orchids outside. While the eastern parts of San Diego county can get both colder and hotter than the coast, there are still quite a few orchids that can be grown outdoors, In the city itself, climate is ideal. I'm a bit farther north and a little warmer/colder than the city of San Diego, but grow about 90% my orchids outside. Check my website Roberta's Orchids and look at the Index of Plants to see where I grow things. Also the San Diego County Orchid Society is a large and very active group. They would be a terrific resource for you, to meet people who grow orchids in that area.

[Jeff214]

Thanks Roberta,

Your list is an extremely helpful resource! I was a little surprised that some of the orchids that prefer cooler temps (like Odontoglossums) are doing well for you outside in southern California.

I'm more excited for my Cattleyas since they did seem to suffer in the humid summers of Atlanta... (black rot) Hope they'll do much better in San Diego.

[Roberta]

Being coastal, summer nights are reasonably cool. Last year was rough, the "monsoon" season started in June and lasted until November, with some nights that didn't go below 70 deg. F. This year has been much better. And San Diego is better than where I live in Costa Mesa, probably the most ideal climate on a coast with an excellent climate for orchids. There is a SDCOS member who lives in Point Loma (look it up, a little peninsula on the west side of the city) who grows the most amazing Masdevallias and Draculas. That is a "mini-micro" climate that is especially cool.

[Jeff214]

Point Loma was a beautiful (and cool) area. It's interesting how different the climate is around San Diego. Perhaps a 20+ degree difference from Point Loma to Rancho Bernardo / Poway area.

I've settled on an area with a climate in between those two. Hope my plants will thrive there...!

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

Hi Jeff, I live in San Diego, and grow orchids outdoors. Which area do you live in? I am in Mira Mesa, which is between the coast and Poway. Most of them grow outside almost year round, except when temperatures go down to the low 30s.

You are welcome to check out our orchid society meeting on the first Tuesday of every month. We meet at Balboa Park at Casa Del Prado in Rm 101. We have members who grow outdoors year-round and indoors. And Cattleya seems to be very popular as they grow quite well here. We also have some great nurseries, Andy's Orchids (species specialist, and he has a lot of things growing outdoors) and Sunset Valley Orchids (specialize in Cattleyas).

-Jack

[Jeff214]

Hi Jack,

I'm near the Mission Valley area. Once I get settled in with my new home and my new work, I'll check out the orchid society meetings.

I didn't realize Andy's and SVO was in San Diego! I may have to make a trip over soon than later.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

I didn't realize Andy's and SVO was in San Diego! I may have to make a trip over soon than later.

Your bank account is in very dangerous territory I have a running joke with Andy, that there is a vortex from my bank to his cash drawer with whirling dollar bills whenever I go there. Actually, Andy's is having Open House Sept 20-22 10 AM-4 PM. Most of the time you have to make an appointment, but during the open houses you can explore to your heart's content.

[Jeff214]

Haha, I know. A part of me dreads going to these nurseries. While I know I'd enjoy it, the same can't be said about my wallet. I guess I should start a rainy day (and orchids) fund jar... thankfully I heard that it doesn't rain much in San Diego.

Thanks for the info on Andy's open house. How often does he open his greenhouse to the public? I know that he sells orchids that are less common and it'll be great to see them first hand!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Jeff214

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Thanks for the info on Andy's open house. How often does he open his greenhouse to the public? I know that he sells orchids that are less common and it'll be great to see them first hand!

Usually three... there is this one in early Fall, usually one before the holidays in early December, and one in late spring/early summer. There have been some years where there were four but not in awhile.

One of the special things about actually visiting is that you see where Andy grows things - he is always learning but doesn't always update the computer. So if it's growing in the open shade house but tag says "I/W", you know that he has discovered that it can grow cooler; and also facilitates the interpretation of "I", "Intermediate" has lots of meanings. Also living nearby, the climate is similar enough that you can pick the growing areas that best meet yours to concentrate upon, since the place is mostly organized by temperature range. And see subtleties - like Andy's "Full Sun" is not that way all day because of lots of trees. That may or may not match your own location, but you can adjust accordingly.