Hurricane plans - Orchid Board

got ants · #1 08-11-2009, 09:49 PM

Well, it's that time again. only last year, I only had about 20 or less chids to worry about. Now I have about 60.

What do you guys and gals do in case of inclement weather.

(ps...mine are outdoor grown)

Junebug · #2 08-11-2009, 10:11 PM

I bring them indoors. If they're mounted to a tree they have to fend for themselves.

Once a hurricane paid a visit while I was on vacation. I was unprepared and the chids were all outside and had to weather the storm. They got blown around the yard and watered very well, but they all survived and had a profusion of post hurricane growth.

orchidbingo · #3 08-11-2009, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by got ants

Well, it's that time again. only last year, I only had about 20 or less chids to worry about. Now I have about 60.

What do you guys and gals do in case of inclement weather.

(ps...mine are outdoor grown)

I grow under lights here in IL but when I lived in the Philippines all my orchids stayed outdoors through several major typhoons. In one typhoon we lost part of our roof but most of the orchids mounted on trees hung tight with only minor leaf and root damage. I think that as long as they are really attached they simply hug the tree-- the original tree- huggers. Remember that many of the tropical rain forest species have evolved so that they are well adapted to tropical storms.

The ones in pots are much harder to deal with so bring in as many as you can and place the rest in a sheltered area low to the ground. That way they won't have far to go when they are blown over and they'll be out of the way of flying debris.

good luck

bingo

got ants · #4 08-11-2009, 10:38 PM

That's my plan as well. I have single car garage that is mostly just tool storage. I have metal shelves on two sides and I set aluminum poles across the top and hang plants from them.

But, I also have many mounted ochirds hanging from the wood fence and one orchid tree. The orchid tree is driftwood mounted vertical in a 60 lb concrete base. It stands four feet tall with three branches. It will be a real pain to move.

Having this many chids will make boarding up more difficult in all the tools and boards are stored in the garage. I'll not have the liberty of waiting until the last minute to do my hurricane prep.

orchidbingo · #5 08-11-2009, 10:43 PM

How wide is the base? Even though it is 60 lbs, it is less stable if the base has a small footprint. You might pack sand bags around and over the base to help steady it.

bingo

got ants · #6 08-11-2009, 11:15 PM

bingo, it's not so much the base as the orchids and tils attached are just barely. It was designed so I can bury the concrete and have the tree sticking up...

cb977 · #7 08-12-2009, 01:04 PM

Our friends have all given you suggestions already

but I wanted to mention something different...with a collection the size of yours, it would be a great idea to attach a name tag directly to your plants, either in addition to or in place of, the tags in your pots.

If the worst happens and stuff gets knocked around, at least you'll know what plant you're picking up afterwards

I keep saying I'm going to do it but the thought of tackling the job with so many chids is just too daunting