Hey there!
So I jussssst ordered my first Paph off ebay! Problem is, I live in Colorado, where we're beginning to show our Winter colors...This orchid shipped Wednesday USPS out from Michigan, and was due to arrive tomorrow. Somehow it arrived a bit earlier, but no one was home to receive the package after a long day out on the delivery truck, and now it's back at a sort facility awaiting pick up...
Thing is, this storm was on it's way in last night, so frost/cold damage may have already begun last night. So with temperatures dipping into the low 30/40s F (or less on an airplane ;-; ), what are the chances an orchid like this can recover? Of course it's all dependent on actual visual assessment of damage, but I'd like to put fears to rest and hear a bit from people experienced with Paphiopedilums and what if any experience they have with these plants in cold weather before I go pick this up bright an early tomorrow. My research shows they're alright down to about 55ºF....but I'm curious to know if they can survive lower.
The poor plant I have yet to meet was described with photos as blooming size with one old growth and three new, shipped in it's pot (so i assume there is something protecting the roots, but if they are moist/wet...) it's a mottled-leaf hybrid by the name of (Paphiopedilum Memoria Richard Allen Davidson (Jacqueline's Joy x Big Surprise)) bought and shipped for 15$. I have two Phals I've rescued, but I wanted to try a new variety! I figured I'd go with an inexpensive Paph incase I kill it or something, but this is a bit too soon!
Heh, we can make a game of it! Guess correctly if the plant is dead or alive and I'll give you a virtual pat on the back, or name the stone cold survivor after you, hahaha
I'll update with pictures of the full top to bottom cold assessment tomorrow morning.