The raccoons came last night......

[CodiMN]

Becca, I'm sorry about the 'coon attack! If you want a cheap way to protect them outside, maybe try carpet tape around the plants (double sided tape), and there are some plastic-type spikes that you can get at the garden store that deter cats that you might be able to place around the plants too.

Did you have a screen around your plants when they were chillin' outside?

As for the temp drop, have you tried keeping them near an air conditioner? I've heard some people have good success with this, and/or by a partially opened window at night...covering the area around them with plastic to make a mini greenhouse to TRY to avoid heat loss in the house.
Or, you could just invest in another orchidarium.
Sorry this is so long! Keep us posted on what happens!

[Becca]

Hi Carolyn! No...unfortunately I did not have a screen around my plants....I was a retard and thought the raccoons would leave them alone.

[sapphireeyes27]

Aw... I can relate to the raccoon damage. I had a very nice banana plant that I put outside and overnight the stalk was completely shredded. It was crazy! They are evil little buggers!!

I have to admit, I'm now too afraid to put my lovely orchids outside. I'd rather go crazy trying to create ideal conditions inside.... but let us know if you find something that works well!!

Rachel

[Charles]

Can you hang them? Or is it possible to make wire cages around them? I once had chameleons outside in hardware cloth cages. You buy the wire and cut it to length and make a cylinder. Use clips made for that wire and secure it into a cylinder. Then use plastic pot liners for the top and bottom. You can make one end removable by only using twisted wire to hold it in place. Voila...anti-coonage orhcid sheilding device.

PS, I have met peeps who swear coon is great if you prep it correctly. Squirrels need stewing like tough meat. It's white.

And although I love animals too, I am carnivorous. Respect my nature as I am expected to respect that of countless other's descriptions.

[Dorothy]

Charles - you sounds like a ravenous carnivore

[mi xiao]

the only good raccoon....