Too early to take orchids out? - Orchid Board

Paul Mc · #1 03-13-2012, 08:00 AM

I'm just wondering how you guys judge when to take orchids out. Last ear I waited until the night temps were around 10 degrees F minus inside, but it was really hot in the day. I don't want to stress them more than I need to by taking them out too early or too late.

Wjs2nd · #2 03-13-2012, 08:27 AM

10 degrees F minus inside? I'm a little confused. Is this a typo? All your stuff would be frozen solid at -10 degrees F. Do you want to take them out to a greenhouse? You could heat your greenhouse at night if needed.

Daethen · #3 03-13-2012, 08:28 AM

10 degrees F?!?! I would say once night temps are in the 50s but I am guessing as I didn't take mine out last year.

Paul Mc · #4 03-13-2012, 08:48 AM

My apologies, lower than in the house.

denite25 · #5 03-13-2012, 08:52 AM

im in baltimore md and for the pas week my temp are mid 70s during the day and 50s at night but i keep a close eye on the temp just to make sure there arnt any cold snaps....my kids love to play outside....lol but only when its warm.

Paul Mc · #6 03-13-2012, 08:52 AM

For example, it's going to be around 63F tonight and mid to high 80's today and tomorrow.

NatalieS · #7 03-13-2012, 08:58 AM

I don't have any orchids I can put outside (yet), but I have other plants that I move outside when it gets warmer. I normally put them out initially during the day only and bring them in in the evening. That way they adjust slowly to the differences in temp. If you have a lot of plants it might be a bit of a chore though!

Paul Mc · #8 03-13-2012, 09:02 AM

Yeah, there are 80 plus tropical plants and about the same with orchids.

NatalieS · #9 03-13-2012, 09:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Yeah, there are 80 plus tropical plants and about the same with orchids.

Yep. Chore.

Sometimes it's a blessing to have limited space!

Leafmite · #10 03-13-2012, 09:45 AM

In Ohio, temps are between 40'F and 50'F at night right now and I have put out citrus, hibiscus, bird of paradise and the pineapples. When it gets between 50'F and 60'F everything else will go out except the cocoa tree, the piper, a tropical passion fruit, the mango, the phal-dendrobiums, the vanillas, and anything in bud or flower. At 60'F, the few remaining plants go out. This early in the year, it is reasonable that the plants might need to be rushed inside so I watch the temps closely. The first plants I listed only need to come in if it gets below freezing or if the temps will remain cold. I certainly hope it won't get cold again as the fruit trees are about to bloom! Wow. March. At this rate, I could be eating cherries in April, peaches/plums in June, and fall apples in July!
I can't imagine the weather will last.