Neostylis Lou Sneary temperature range

[Fredmax]

Hi,

I just wanted to query for the more experienced with this species, I purchased this plant on the belief as it was related to Neofenetia falcata could tolerate colder temps below 10c (50f), however as the Rhyncostylis is also present in its lineage I'm not sure if I'm erring in that assumption. With winter coming in SA I don't want to find out the hard way, how has your experience been with the lower temps on this orchid. Thanks.

[Roberta]

I grow it outside all year, in coastal southern California USA. Winter nights are typically 40-45 deg F ( 4-7 deg C), occasionally down close to freezing for a few hours. It does OK. (Would it be happier warmer? Probably, but it gets what it gets and still grows and blooms.) Water in the morning, so that it is dry by evening, a dry orchid can tolerate cold much better than a wet one. A bit of overhead shelter (and next to a wall, even better) will give it helpful protection, too.

[Fairorchids]

Lou Sneary = V. (Neofinetia) falcata x Rhy. coelestis.

Rhy. coelestis is listed as 'Cool to Hot growing' by IOSPE. Combine that with falcata, and you are clearly OK down to 45-50F (7-10C). Being a hybrid, it is more forgiving than Rhy. coelestis, so occasional temps down to 40F (4.5C) is fine.

[Fredmax]

Perfect, thank you Kim and Roberta that's just what I needed to know.

I'll relocate it from the g/h as it's started to develop fungal black and yellow marks I assume is due to lack of air movement.

Thanks for the help.
Fred

[Keysguy]

What Kim and Roberta said.
Mine does fabulous here in Key West. I brought it down here 4 years ago from my GH in New Hampshire. It took off once it got acclimated here so my take away is that it will certainly tolerate cooler temps but the longer that period is, the less "robust" it is apt to be. If that makes sense.
I will also offer that I find it to be WAAAAY more important to make sure the specific plant you are selecting has been grown by the seller in as close to YOUR growing conditions as possible. I find that significantly increases your chances for success with any plant.

[Fredmax]

Yes I'm finding that out too, the soft cane dendrobiums grown in similar latitudes do ok for me, but the ones from higher towards the north of Australia start to decline almost instantly when they arrive.

It made be believe they didn't tolerate cold temperatures until a local grower sold me one, I should've come here first

[Roberta]

For those orchids where you are pushing the limits, getting them acclimated is vital. (I'm a "What can I get away with?" outdoor grower, have learned the hard way...) So even if the species or hybrid is theoretically fairly cold-tolerant, if it has been pampered in a greenhouse or grown in a warmer area, and you have acquired it in the fall (like now in the southern hemisphere), you'll probably want to "baby" it through the winter in the house or greenhouse. Then, you can move it outside in the spring, when night temperatures are reliably above 55 deg F (12-13 deg C). It then has the spring, summer, and fall to acclimate to what Mother Nature is going to throw at it, and it will be ready for winter. Of course, it's great if you can acquire plants that have been grown locally under conditions similar to yours - they come already acclimated.