Moving to Charleston S Carolina

[dragon5]

Hello. I'm moving to SC from Florida. I have 30 or so orchids, and I've noticed that the night time temps in Charleston are quite cold for months at a time. I wont have anyplace to bring my plants in for extended periods. Am I out of luck?
Thanks
Tom

[WhiteRabbit]

no where?
what type of orchids do you have, and how cold does it get?

[dragon5]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

no where?
what type of orchids do you have, and how cold does it get?

The usual suspects. Phals, Dens, Vandas, Cats, and misc. It's been in the forties at night for a long time now. I do have somewhere I can take them in for short periods, say 3 or 4 days, but nothing for long term.

[Lorraine]

Hi Tom,

I lived in Charleston many years ago. I remember the winters being cool but not really cold because of being so close to the water. With the climate changes recently that may have changed somewhat.

You didn't memtion where your orchids are growing now but I assume they are outside except when it's been really cold. They should be acclimated to the changes we have daily.

If you are moving soon I would think that even if the temps are in the mid to upper 40's your chids would be fine as long as there was no wind on them. A piece of sheeting over them would protect them from wind damage. I hope that where ever you are there will be location you will be able to use and have a chance to figure it out before next winter comes along. I've had a den in a basket out this whole winter on the north side of the house and it is spiking. There is also a catt mounted in a tree that is still looking fine. Meanwhile when it was sooo cold (30's) everyone else was in a protected area and I still lost a couple. Figure that one out. You might as well give it your best shot and maybe get real lucky. Good luck.

[Merlin]

Also in Charleston, SC:
I have two 'chids potted and hanging in a large magnolia tree with my 5 night-blooming cereus. From mid-Dec thru mid-Feb I bring them all inside and hang them in the garage. Also during hurricanes, they are brought inside.

In Sept-Oct the Cereus out on quite a show.

Plant sale TODAY downtown. at the G.auditorium.
They have orchids !!

[dragon5]

I've decided to get a greenhouse. Don't have the room to move all into the house for the winter Once it goes on sale again, I'm getting this one. It does need extra work/$$ to make it more stable, but fortunately, I have the tools and ability.

- Harbor Freight Tools - Quality Tools at the Lowest Prices

[dounoharm]

i have looked at that greenhouse many times and it looks like a good one!! let us know how it progreses!!

[dragon5]

Moving to SC Memorial day weekend. Just have to wait for it to go on sale after that.

[Ray]

You're gonna need shade, so definitely invest in some Aluminet.

I lived in Georgetown (60 miles north) several years back.

[dragon5]

Thanks. Property has a lot of really big trees and plenty of open areas as well. I haven't been there enough yet to evaluate where I'm going to put the GH.