Leaving 'chids in Florida all summer - Orchid Board

Nita M · #1 07-31-2008, 06:03 PM

As some of you know, we live in Ocala, FL all winter and go to northern Illinois for the summer. And, as you are aware, the 'chids travel with us in the bathroom of our motorhome. With all the traveling we've done this summer, I've decided that bringing them along is a big pain in the you-know-where. So, would it be possible to hang them all in the live oak trees on our lot down there and leave them for the summer? I have phals, an oncidium, vandas, dendrobium and a Wilsonara.

To avoid crown rot in the phals, I would have to make sure they hung at an angle so the water would run off, correct? Does anyone have any thoughts on whether this is a good or bad idea. Do ya think they would survive? I know no one in our park who knows much about orchid growing. I know one lady who has a couple, but I doubt she'd be willing to take on a summer of 'chid sitting.

Nita

epiphyte78 · #2 08-01-2008, 12:36 AM

Just based on the climate data for Ocala, I would be surprised if any died while you were gone. Some would probably appreciate a bit more water but I think the biggest concern would be pests.

In any case, it would be a very interesting experiment. If you decide to leave them then don't forget to take some "before" pictures to compare to the "after" pictures when you return.

dgenovese1 · #3 08-01-2008, 01:21 AM

Hi Nita,
I live a bit south of Ocala, but our summer weather is about the same. For most of your chids, I don't think that you have much to worry about other than pests and possible fungal issues as was already mentioned. You should however consider what growing medium your chids are in, particularly your phals before leaving them to the daily rains we oft times get in the sunshine state during the summer. Before I had my shade house built I had problems with root rot on more than one occasion. I have friends here that grow all their plants in just lava rock, so the daily rains don't cause this problem, even for their phals. I just thought that I'd put my 2cents worth in.
The only other alternative I could suggest is to call local orchid nurseries to see if they offer boarding services for you. A few do down here because of the many snowbird orchidists we get here during the winter season who do what you are considering...leave their orchids here while they travel back up north each summer. Does this constitute another 2 cents worth?

Nita M · #4 08-01-2008, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by epiphyte78

Just based on the climate data for Ocala, I would be surprised if any died while you were gone. Some would probably appreciate a bit more water but I think the biggest concern would be pests.

In any case, it would be a very interesting experiment. If you decide to leave them then don't forget to take some "before" pictures to compare to the "after" pictures when you return.

Taking pictures before and after sounds like a good idea. Thanks.

Nita

Nita M · #5 08-01-2008, 09:31 AM

Thanks for your 4 cents worth David! LOL
I'm hoping that by the time we leave Florida next April, I'll have all the phals planted in bark - would that be OK?

I don't think I'm up to paying a 'chid sitter for 6 month's worth of sitting for the few orchids I've got. Now if I had 'chids that I paid BIG bucks for, that might be a consideration. But none of the phals cost me more than $4 each.

I've got several months to cogitate on this and will also talk with members of the local orchid society in Ocala and then make my decision.

I do appreciate your input.

Nita

cb977 · #6 08-01-2008, 09:36 AM

A snowbird friend of mine hangs hers in the trees at her house in Hernando Beach for the summer. They do very well...but I don't know if it has something to do with being near the water.

JennS · #7 08-01-2008, 09:51 AM

Nita, I live in Orlando, and other then the daily watering of the Vandas and spritzing my Vanilla, most of the rest get plenty of water from the rain. I really wouldn't have to water them at all, but I just repotted and I fertilize weekly. I think they could survive on their own. I would give the Phals something with a bit more water holding ability then lava rock (but not spag) just in case we go a few days w/out rain. Mine are all in bark (for the most part) with a bit of spag and do fine. I have them over an underhang so they don't get all of the rain, but since it generally rains sideways or at an angle they still get alot of the rain. Hope this helps...

dgenovese1 · #8 08-01-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nita M

Thanks for your 4 cents worth David! LOL
I'm hoping that by the time we leave Florida next April, I'll have all the phals planted in bark - would that be OK?

I don't think I'm up to paying a 'chid sitter for 6 month's worth of sitting for the few orchids I've got. Now if I had 'chids that I paid BIG bucks for, that might be a consideration. But none of the phals cost me more than $4 each.

I've got several months to cogitate on this and will also talk with members of the local orchid society in Ocala and then make my decision.

I do appreciate your input.

Nita

Hi Nita,
Jenn gave you what I think is a great answer to your question, so I won't provide a repeat. I didn't want you to think I'm ignoring you, so I'm at least chiming in.

cloudswinger · #9 08-03-2008, 11:25 AM

I think the plants would be fine, but what months are you not going to be there? Usually(but not always) rainy season starts in June, so if you leave in May, there could be several weeks of dry weather. And then there's the hurricane season in Aug/Sept, so I'd make sure the plants are very secure in the tree. Maybe you can have the lady just water if there hasn't been rain in a while. You could probably leave just the ones with pseudobulbs, and take the phals.

flhiker · #10 08-03-2008, 12:16 PM

Well if you lived a little closer I would care for you chids. but since I don't I do think they will be fine. Just hang them in a tree. I have a couple friends that never bring theres in and some are over 20 years old. Good luck.