Too cold for Phals?(SF)

[Orchid Whisperer]

Critterguy, the Cymbidiums are often seen at grocery stores, including plants that may be done blooming and therefore are reduced in price. However, Cymbidiums do require strong light to bloom.

[estación seca]

I haven't lived in SF since 1982 so don't know who sells orchids there now. I bet there's a big orchid society of a lot of friendly people there. If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear a flower in your hair.

[critterguy]

OW: I bet those would do great outdoors. Indoors is likely a no go for them. They are also kind of big. I don't plan to grow miniatures on the windowsill-whatever it is needs to bloom flowers I can admire from a distance.

ES: Their is indeed. I will have to check it out!

[LizB88]

I am in the SF Bay Area, and Unless you are in Pacifica and grow phals outdoor, you should have no problem growing them here. Just keep them in side in the warmest part of your home and way from cold drafty windows, and you could always use supplemental lighting for their light needs.

If you don't bring them with you, you will find that we get a large selection of orchids in this are, from warm growers to cool growers, and you can get orchids in most grocery stores, Bbs and farmers markets.

there are also orchid growers in Halfmoon Bay which is not far for most folks.

I grow all of my orchids out side (Cymbidiums, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, Catts, Vandas, and others) except for phals.
You will have no problem growing your collection and enjoying blooms all year long.

Welcome to the area!
Liz.

[critterguy]

LizB: great! I am actually going to be closest to Sausalito, but on the other side of the ridge. It is often foggy here when it is sunny and warm in Sausalito proper..is their a resource for bay area microclimates? I'm curious how this area compares to Pacifica. Everytime I have been through their it has been very foggy....but supposedly they do get sunny days as well.

[tarev]

My Phals are actually happier when the season is cooler. But that is because our area gets too hot during summer and I live already at the Central Valley area, just outside of East Bay. Oh you would enjoy growing your Phals there in SF. Plus the annual Pacific Orchid Expo there which for 2016 will be on Feb 26-28 at its usual venue in Fort Mason. I always go to that huge orchid expo!

[LizB88]

Originally Posted by critterguy

LizB: great! I am actually going to be closest to Sausalito, but on the other side of the ridge. It is often foggy here when it is sunny and warm in Sausalito proper..is their a resource for bay area microclimates? I'm curious how this area compares to Pacifica. Everytime I have been through their it has been very foggy....but supposedly they do get sunny days as well.

I can see how come the fog gets trap in that area, keep in mind that we get a lot more fog during summer than in winter, and that is bc in summer the Valley get very hot so the fog comes in and helps cool us off.

I use this site to check the weather, you only have change the Zip code to see the weather in your neck of the woods.

http://www.weather.com/weather/hourb...+CA+94965:4:US

Happy growing!

Liz

---------- Post added at 05:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:22 PM ----------

Originally Posted by tarev

Plus the annual Pacific Orchid Expo there in for 2016 will be on Feb 26-28 at its usual venue in Fort Mason. I always go to that huge orchid expo!

I agree with you, I can never get enough!

[AnonYMouse]

Sunset zones for the Bay Area

[critterguy]

Oh im most assuredly in zone 17....but definitely a colder part of it.

I guess if the phals sulk i can junk them and look for cool growing paphs or something.

[daveh_sf]

You might want to join the San Francisco Orchid Society. The monthly meetings have interesting speakers, a great raffle table, and an amazing show-and-tell table. Plus lots of experienced growers to chat with.