Encyclia tampensis

[greg sytch]

My Enc tampensis is in full bloom now, although both plants are not large. I am very fond of this because it is a Florida native, and I live in Tampa Bay. My big question is that I assume it can handle our occaisonal freezes (if it is native.....it would figure). Anyone know for sure? I'd love to put it in my trees or on a fence and not worry. I've been reading extensively about orchids and find many of them surprisingly hardy. I've always grown my Phals in my shadehouse, and if it hit the 30's I never thought about it unless it was near 32F. They always do fine. I guess they are not as sensitive as I have read? Any others that can tolerate light freezes? Greg in wet, moist New Port Richey FL (West Pasco Co just N of Tarpon Springs/Clearwater)

[flhiker]

Go for it, They are very hardy and grow as far a Jacksonville. One of my favorites

[gixrj18]

I believe most orchids can tolerate our winters, because it only lasts for a few hours at a time. When the sun rises, we get back above the danger zone, almost immediately. As long as it is protected from frost, I think you'll be okay. I live in Holiday.

[cb977]

I just got a bunch of seedlings out of a flask that Laura had. They are ready to be mounted or potted...what's the best way for these guys? I'm thinking mounted but I'm open to some advice

*Edit:
I just found this:
Featured Encyclia


Encyclia Enthusiasts
Thought it was interesting and may be a good source of info on Encyclias...and there's our good friend Mauro's name right there on the front page!

[gixrj18]

Doesn't really matter, they'll stick to (and cover) just about anything!

[cb977]

So I get to let my imagination run wild? YAY!

Thanks Jasen

[epiphyte78]

Phals down to the 30s? Very intriguing. Are they species or hybrids?

In the March 1966 AOS magazine there is a decent article, "Recent Florida Freezes" written by John A. Stephens. The article lists some of the survivors and the temps they endured.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by epiphyte78

Phals down to the 30s? Very intriguing. Are they species or hybrids?

In the March 1966 AOS magazine there is a decent article, "Recent Florida Freezes" written by John A. Stephens. The article lists some of the survivors and the temps they endured.

Not Phals, but Encyclia. We know they (tampensis) are able to tolerate temps slightly into freezing zone because there are many plants still growing in the wild where they have been subjected to freezes. I have no idea how low, but my experience with Ft Desoto Park suggests Tampa Bay and Gulf water temps have a lot to do with moderating the freezing temperatures. My Dad always told me he found 40 degrees F to be pretty much the limit for hard cold temps. Mine regularly get high 40s in fall when I leave them outside overnight with no adverse affects.

[greg sytch]

I just found a bunch of responses to my E. tampensis thread! Jasen, where in Holiday? I'm near Louisiana Ave and Madison St.....(gsytch@cs.com) Hit me up with an email. I grow all my orchids in my shadehouses, no cold protection. Unless it will get below freezing (not that often) they just stay where they are. I grow all different kinds, and they all do fine in winter. I do live close to the Gulf so I am moderated some. I am definitely going to try tampensis in the yard. Thanks Greg

[epiphyte78]

Hey Ross,

Here's what I was referencing...

Originally Posted by greg sytch

... I've always grown my Phals in my shadehouse, and if it hit the 30's I never thought about it unless it was near 32F. They always do fine. I guess they are not as sensitive as I have read? ...