leave spiking plant in sunny spot outside? - Orchid Board

grasshopper · #1 06-28-2010, 06:28 PM

I have an Oncidium Pacific Sunrise 'Hakalau' that is currently in spike with buds that are beginning to "fatten up". This orchid is currently in a pot that I've placed in a hanging basket outside getting full morning sun. I would like to bring it inside while it blooms with the hope that the more moderate indoor temps will allow the blooms to hang around a bit longer; however, some of the buds on the spike are not as "fat" as the others that are very close to blooming. Also, I do not have a location inside that gets anywhere near the amount of light (or the intensity) this orchid is currently getting outside.

My question...Will bringing it inside (where there is not ideal light) slow the progression of bud development? Will it make a difference in lifespan of the blooms? (The last time it bloomed it was inside and the blooms lasted for 3 weeks.)

Part of me thinks that I should just leave it where it is since it's happy in it's current location. But the selfish side of me wants to hang onto those blooms for as long as I possible can!

Zoi2 · #2 06-28-2010, 10:13 PM

I'd leave it where it's happy until it blooms then bring it in to enjoy the flowers.
Joann

WhiteRabbit · #3 06-28-2010, 10:42 PM

I know the feeling! When my outdoor plants bud - I leave them til the blooms start to open - or if worried about pests getting the buds I look for a sunny window with comparable light for the plant.

Junebug · #4 06-28-2010, 11:20 PM

I'd let all but a very few bloom before bringing the plant indoors. Some plants will drop their blooms if you suddenly change their lighting. Also, lower lighting may cause the buds to twist as they seek more light. This can result in oddly positioned/contorted blooms.

Ray · #5 06-29-2010, 08:42 AM

I vote with Joann. Let it get mostly in-bloom before moving it.

If you move it prematurely, some of the buds may fail to develop altogether, especially in the temperatures and humidity are greatly different.

grasshopper · #6 06-29-2010, 11:05 AM

Thanks for the advice, everyone! The temps would be quite different inside - about 10-15 degrees cooler - but the humidity would only be down a few percentage points.

I'm so excited for this orchid to bloom! It will be my first rebloom!

WhiteRabbit · #7 06-29-2010, 03:38 PM

How exciting! Congrats!
I don't have a/c so moving my plants inside isn't much of a difference for them in temp or humidity, but those could be an issue for sure.

grasshopper · #8 06-29-2010, 04:25 PM

WhiteRabbit,

I realize that northern Cal and Dallas, TX are two totally different climates, but I just cannot wrap my head around not having an a/c.

Of course, in the winter I barely run my heater.

WhiteRabbit · #9 06-29-2010, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grasshopper

WhiteRabbit,

I realize that northern Cal and Dallas, TX are two totally different climates, but I just cannot wrap my head around not having an a/c.

Of course, in the winter I barely run my heater.

hehe - well here in the south bay - average daytime highs are mostly 80s - mid 90s - periods of higher temps now and again - but low daytime humidity and a nice breeze off the bay. Overnight lows are 20 - 30 degrees lower. So makes for generally quite pleasant (or at least tolerable) weather. There are a few times a year where I feel I would kill for a/c, but no too often.

Winters are usually fairly mild too

Too cold at night for many orchids to stay out, but milder than many places.

The warm-hot, high humidity orchids don't like it here much tho. But - the cyms love it lol, so win some, lose some I guess.