Orchids in Florida

[britbloke]

I moved to SW Florida last year and I'm just starting to re-build an orchid collection. I will have plants under a pool enclosure and will soon be adding shade cloth. I have two questions...

1) when growing outside what are your normal arrangements when we get cold weather. Both normal cold and extreme cold like this last winter?

2) I'm considering using rainwater and need a barrel, which I'll automate for when I'm out of town (ONLY). Any sources for barrels in the Naples/Fort Myers areas?

Thanks,

Tony

[trdyl]

Hello Tony. Welcome to OB!

Sorry can't help you with your questions.

[orchidsamore]

You need first to find out the true high low temperatures in your growing area.

A pool enclosure near the house can be 8 degrees warmer than the published temperatures.

I grow my entire nursery outside without heat and have not lost a plant to cold in the last two years.

Most orchids will take down to 32 degrees without a problem as long as they get used to it.

When temperatures look like they will dip below 32 I put on overhead sprinklers all night.

Rain barrels are available from several ecological green companies in this area. You will find them offered for sale at garden shows.

There are also a number of solar powered pumps if you are interested.

[CTB]

HI, Please join our social group Florida Orchid Growers, we try to discuss things that challenge us here in the sunshine state.

[britbloke]

Thanks Jerry,

I usually do checks on temperature and humidity when I have a new location, but it's been several years since I grew orchids in Michigan and most of my equipment was either sold, given away or misplaced.

It's nice to know many of you long time Florida residents leave plants out through winter. My question grew out of the idea of not buying too many plants that I couldn't accommodate inside if I had to bring them in can ...

I already have a pump, although I'm struggling to find better spray nozzles, so I get a fuller spray pattern at 8'.

Tony