Getting' Chilly!

[Phal-lover]

Ahhh, it's fall in Florida. The maple leaves fall, buds are forming on my dendrobiums, the smell of back yard fires wafts in the air, and I can finally light my pumpkin scented candles. As I write this, a cool breeze blows in my window, visiting my little room for just a moment. Or, I thought it was a cool breeze. This morning, when I went outside to tend to my hens, my bare feet were almost numb in the cold dew. I swear, even now, it must be at least the low seventies/high sixties. Not according to the weather channel. It is currently eighty degrees in Clearwater, and we're wearing scarves. My question is, are my orchids accustomed to the high ninety degree weather like us Floridians? I'd imagine at night it gets down to around seventy-three, but is it cold enough to bring them in? I'm especially skeptical because of the fact that it goes back to the normal highs mid-day, and it may be cooler inside than out. Plus I have a newly-potted keiki that I don't really want to stress any sooner than I need to.

[LovePhals]

Lol, I used to live in Clearwater also- so I know what you mean. No the 70s is not too cold for them! I would move them in if you get below 60s. They will enjoy the cooler breeze!

[lotis146]

I'm in Michigan and my Orchids spent several evenings last month in the mid-40s. Now inside they will spend the winter between 70-72 F. I would think at least some of yours will probably be happier with the more cool temps.

[desertanimal]

Boy, phal-lover. You are really rubbing it in!

[Phal-lover]

Thanks, my porch will look much nicer with them blooming.

And, well, I won't when hurricane season is here.

[Shep]

I grew up in your part of the world and had a conversation about cold with my dad, who still lives there and keeps his collection outside. He's also a certified crop adviser, and retired ag rep who specialized in ornamentals, so his opinion isn't infallible by far, but he's a little more knowledgeable than most folks.

Anyway, he doesn't start moving his collection in until the outside temps get into the low 40s. This is for a couple of reasons, according to his experience.

1- It isn't drastically cold for an extended period of time. The mid-to-low 40s only happens for a couple of hours, then it warms back up (usually). Most of the time, you're talking about lows in the 50s- plenty warm enough for many properly acclimated varieties.

2- Florida's weather is stable enough that the plants have had time to harden before those temps are reached (usually). So, you have nights in the 70s, then 60s, then 50s, then 40s. Drastic temperature changes, like those experienced in more northern climates can have a much more negative effect.

3- Outside orchids are usually kept under some type of canopy, whether it's shade cloth or tree branches, etc. so you are typically going to be a few degrees warmer than areas that are totally exposed.

If it were me, I'd keep them outside until after Thanksgiving and keep an eye on the weather.

Oh- And for the record, his opinion of hot and cold differs drastically from people who live in more northern climates. He's miserable in anything below 50 degrees and temps below freezing are nearing a natural disaster!

[Phal-lover]

Ok, that makes sense. Thanks a bunch!