Cattleya dowiana in Intermediate Temps

[Mapp]

Hi all,

I've recently received a larger dowiana seedling, probably 3 years or so from blooming if they grow similar to other Cattleyas I've had.

It's currently growing in a china cabinet I've repurposed as a mini greenhouse. Humidity in the cabinet is maintained at 75-85% by a humidifier hooked up to a humidistat, two small computer fans are positioned at opposing ends of the cabinet for air in/out and there are two additional fans inside for circulation.

The heat from the lights keep the temps ~75-77° (24/25C) during the day and it drops down to ~65° (18/19C) at night.

It's widely known that dowiana, and in particular the aurea form that I have, is a hot grower. I know it would likely be happier outside during the day now that we're getting into the 80's, but it still often drops down into the 50's at night here in New England so I would have to play the daily game of taking the plant inside and outside that I'd prefer to avoid.

I'd like to keep it where it is if the lack of heat isn't too big an issue and was wondering if anyone here had any experience growing dowiana in more strictly intermediate temperatures?

[PeterNL]

I'm growing 2 in Holland, near Amsterdam.
Started with these two as seedlings. I keep them dry when the temperatures are low, or when the plants are not active. My night temperatures drop to 15, sometimes 13 C at night, during the day it can be hot, up to 45C due to the sun shining on the greenhouse. Sofar, young adult plants now they do well.

[estación seca]

I don't know the answer to your question about this species, but many other warm to hot growing orchids tolerate lower than ideal night temperatures if the following day is good and warm.

[Keysguy]

Mapp- My dowiana's are all in my shadehouse in FL but you should be fine leaving them outside in New England now at least until mid-late Sept. Just make sure there are not going to be any temps below 50.

The keys I find with dowiana are
1) they need a lot of light to bloom
2) they can't be over-watered if they are going to be in a cool, damp environment for any time period at all.
3) they need really good air flow around them at all times.

All 3 of those are really imporant if you grow somewhere like New England with long, cold and low light periods. WINTER! I wouldn't water much at all and would give them plenty of artificial light.

But outdoors in summer, they should be just fine. But no direct sun for anything but early morning or late afternoon and then not more than maybe an hour! Remember, direct sun and bright light are very different things.

[Mapp]

Thank you for the replies, everyone.

Good to know about the night temps not mattering as much as I'd assumed. I've summered large Cattleyas outside in the past and that's where they tend to do best, I'm just trying to be careful with this one with its reputation of being difficult.

Outside it is, then.

[isurus79]

I don't think the dowiana would have a problem with the indoor temps you described. Being outside this time of year is probably better, though!

[piping plover]

Originally Posted by Mapp

Hi all,

I've recently received a larger dowiana seedling, probably 3 years or so from blooming if they grow similar to other Cattleyas I've had.

It's currently growing in a china cabinet I've repurposed as a mini greenhouse. Humidity in the cabinet is maintained at 75-85% by a humidifier hooked up to a humidistat, two small computer fans are positioned at opposing ends of the cabinet for air in/out and there are two additional fans inside for circulation.

The heat from the lights keep the temps ~75-77° (24/25C) during the day and it drops down to ~65° (18/19C) at night.

It's widely known that dowiana, and in particular the aurea form that I have, is a hot grower. I know it would likely be happier outside during the day now that we're getting into the 80's, but it still often drops down into the 50's at night here in New England so I would have to play the daily game of taking the plant inside and outside that I'd prefer to avoid.

I'd like to keep it where it is if the lack of heat isn't too big an issue and was wondering if anyone here had any experience growing dowiana in more strictly intermediate temperatures?

How’s the dowiana doing? I’m also in New England, RI, and growing one. I too have been concerned about night temperatures and plan to bring it indoors well before my other catts that stay outside into October with nights in mid 50s.

I like your idea of repurposing a china cabinet and think I might try the same someday.