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)