The raccoons came last night......

[Becca]

An orchid lovers nightmare happened early this morning....I kept my cymbidiums outside on the front porch this spring when I first received them. I brought them in because the summer temps are around 100 and have stayed that way for the last month or so and it is still continuing. So we had a break in temps so I decided to put my cym's outside again....but in the backyard. We have tons of squirrels and a family of raccoons. Surprisingly both left the cym's alone during the spring. So when I put my cym's out in the backyard and my fiance told me the raccoons would play with them I thought he was full of crap...lol. I should have listened to him . I was going to bring them back inside today since the temps are back up again...their 2nd night outside the raccoons got to them....my poor cym's....and they did more then play with them. To make matters worse, I had them all (4) planted in PrimeAgra...so you can imagine the sight I woke up to this morning. Two they left alone....and two they decided to push over the pots and drag the plants out to float in the small irrigation ditch that runs through our backyard. One of the two is definitely savable. But my largest one (a NOID) got the worst of it. It had about 4 large p-bulbs and a couple of new growths. They must have thought they were tasty as I found a couple of the p-bulbs eaten and the leaves thrown everywhere. I think two of the p-bulbs might be salvagable although the look as though they have a few puncture marks in them either from teeth or claws, but I can't make out which. So let this be a lesson to those who like to leave their 'chids outside! I know someone just posted something on leaving orchids outside recently, so I hope they are reading this. Of course I can't end this long story without a question or two. Is it possible for a single p-bulb with puncture wounds to survive if it still has some good roots? Also, how will I ever get my cym's to spike if I can't have them outside during the fall for the temperature drop that they need for spiking? Thanks for reading my book!

[Lagoon]

So sorry to hear about this Bec
I know how you feel as I'm sure others will tell you some of the same story you just told us.

Last year .. I lost quite a few 'chids myself and I meen completley finished, even my 5 jewels, oh man was I ticked!!
Even the birds got in the act with stealing all the sphag moss, LOL!
This year only a few went out, not damaged by small animals but rather the very uncertain weather conditions.
I had a few bulbs with teeth marks on them, I would not worry to much about these. In my case they seemed to heal up quickly.
My orchids do love it outside with all the humidity and summer sunshine, But I'm beginning to think, my orchids being outdoors is not the best plan anymore, it's costing me money and grief

I know it sucks but try to have a good day anyways

[Dorothy]

Becca - I am sorry for the loss of your fine cymbs
Time for a greenhouse
or perhaps another orchidarium

[starwhiz]

im sorry Bec, you were attacked (I meant your chids). So far the wild animals has not reach my house yet but ive seen them in the neighborhood. Their claws are deadly sharp...Hopefully your collection recover.

[Ross]

Sorry for your loss Becca. Racoons can be funny and destructive as can squirrels. I have said it several times - mine will never go back out again after the hailstorm last summer.

[cupcake]

Can you put them in something like a fruit cage? Multiple thoughts for your loss.

[Lagoon]

Next year my hubby and I will get together a build a simple 'chid stand, put lattice on all sides and roof with a door in front.
This way there are protected from strong winds too much light and yes the little critters.

I refuse to let animals that don't live with me ruin my fun

Becca, anyone available to help you build something??
I can't wait to build mine, I loooooove power tools

[shakkai]

Becca, I'm so sorry to hear about this! I guess the men in our lives aren't always wrong!

I'd try potting up the pseudobulbs you were able to salvage. You've got nothing to lose by trying!

[Becca]

Gloria, I could definitely get some help build something for them, I just don't have the time this year...perhaps I will put it on my list for next year!

shakkai, I am definitely going to try and pot the p-bulbs up that I have remaining. If I remember, I will try and post some updates on how they do.

[Charles]

I hear raccoon is excellent on the barbecue. That would make me feel better. Squirrel stew too.