night temps.

[JerseyGirlBecky]

I live in New Jersey and Monday night is supposed to go down to 41 degrees. Is it safe to leave my orchids out? I only have 8 catts and 9 Phals. It has been going down in the 50's , but I thought that was safe.

[Paul Mc]

Not sure about Catts, but 55 is the lowest I'd go with Phals period. But if it's in a sheltered position they may be ok with one night. But I wouldn't risk it personally.

[lkg1323]

Hey - we're from the same area (SJ). I've left Phals out in those kind of temps before. I found that some could tolerate it, and some could not. Personally, not worth the risk. I've brought all my 'chids in for the season, sadly.

[silken]

I think it's too chilly for Phals as the others say. Some may survive but it would be unnecessary stress and a risk. Depending on your Catts, there are warm growing ones and ones that like a cool dry winter rest, so that too could be hard on some. I would just bring them in or possibly cover them with a blanket like I do for my tomatoes and cucumbers in the fall.

[JerseyGirlBecky]

Thank you all. I have worked all morning bringing them in. I hate to do it as they are thriving out there, and I only have an East facing window for all of them. I hope it will be enough light for them. I am not sure how many hours of light they will get. The leaves are still on the trees here, but think when they fall they will get more. the catts all have sheaves, but will they bloom? I am hoping.

[silken]

A this time of the year (for here anyways) it is only a matter of days and then it will be too cold for them. I have a Cym and a Den that I was leaving out but last night it hit 0C (32F) for 2 hours so I'm glad they came in. I'll put them back out today as the next week is supposed to be 4 to 5 degrees above freezing.

Could you supplement the lighting in some way? Maybe a T5 or a compact fluorescent would be fairly easy to set up.

[Leafmite]

I have nearly all my plants inside. I will probably leave the dendrobium kingianum out until it gets 35'F at night. Does anyone have Den x delicatum album? Do these stay out as well? Mine has just started a new growth.