Re: moved orchids to outside--2 ?s

[pdxmaven]

I moved all my orchids outside this weekend, as the day temps were mid 70's to mid 80's, and nights mid 50's.
Now I see that the night temps are going to be 47 degrees through next weekend. They are on the porch at this point, where I know the temp is always higher than out in the yard, plus on the porch they are protected from the wind as well. I don't have to move them back inside, do I?

My plan was to gradually transition them onto the porch railing, and then those that can take more light, off the railing onto the edge of the driveway abutting the porch.
But I just realized that we always keep the porch light on at night, all night. I know some plants need 100% darkness at night or they won't bloom. How does this work for orchids?

thanks in advance for your help.

[Ray]

Question 1: What kinds of orchids. Not all can take the same temperatures. For example, catts and cymbidiums would be OK, but I'd bring in phals and vandas.

Questions 2 & 3: How bright of a light and how far from the plants?

[bodaciousbonsai]

Originally Posted by Ray

Question 1: What kinds of orchids. Not all can take the same temperatures. For example, catts and cymbidiums would be OK, but I'd bring in phals and vandas.

Questions 2 & 3: How bright of a light and how far from the plants?

well I have had my whole collection outside for a month now. the temp last night dropped to 39 degrees. vandas,phals,paphs,amongest others. I have never had so many spikes at any given moment. kick and chill

[orchidexpress]

Love that line, Kill and chill

[Royal]

#1 - Ross is right, it depends on the type of orchid. But I tend to abide by the "kick and chill" method - I think. A few cool nights won't hurt things, but be careful you don't push it.

#2 - Get a screw-in motion sensor. It'll save you $ (and energy). You could get a green bulb, but people will start to wonder about you!

Photoperiodism is a touchy subject around here. Most tropical regions are close to the equator and have very subtle day-length fluctuations. There are some orchids that are photoperiod sensitive, but some flower in response to fluctuations in temp and rainfall. Do a little research on your specific variety and find out what triggers flowering in it. The porch light might not matter at all.

[bodaciousbonsai]

Ive been doing this for 8 years and have yet to kill a single plant.

[bodaciousbonsai]

salami, bolongna, thank you for somewhat agreeing.my one vanda and only vanda is in the house.Vanda luzonica to be exact. I also have the phalaenopsis in the house. my pluerothallis, masdevillia, micropera,paphs,dracucla,den,s are on the kick and chill. they look great i,ll post some pics from three 39-43 night temps.

[orchidexpress]

Wow, you have not killed an orchid?
I've killed thousands.

Hats off to you!