Going to freeze tonight... - Orchid Board

murphy48 · #1 12-07-2009, 08:06 PM

I know Cymbidiums are cold growers but I'm a bit worried that it's going to be too cold tonight. It's forcasted to get to 32F tonight and tomorrow night. Should I take my Cymbidiums off my balcony and bring them inside?

It stays pretty cold in my apartment at night (~55) so I don't think the buds would blast but I'd hate to disrupt them. They are all in spike at the moment...

How cold can they get and still be OK?

Thanks!
Kristen

WhiteRabbit · #2 12-07-2009, 09:19 PM

Well the plant would be ok, but buds do need protecting. If you are able, move the plant up next to the house, and/or under shelter. Or move it into garage if you have one. Buds would probably be ok inside if your home is cool since you are a zone 9, the plant has probably been in the 50s-60s at least during the days up til the last few days ?

murphy48 · #3 12-07-2009, 09:49 PM

Thank you so much WhiteRabbit for replying. You are right, they do get warmish during the day... up to 70 some days. I'll probably bring them inside as I don't have a garage.

Thanks!
Kristen

WhiteRabbit · #4 12-07-2009, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphy48

Thank you so much WhiteRabbit for replying. You are right, they do get warmish during the day... up to 70 some days. I'll probably bring them inside as I don't have a garage.

Thanks!
Kristen

good luck - I have the same issue. My one cym with buds I have pulled up against the house and sheltered.

I would say to be safe with buds make sure you put them in a cool room - but if your home is 55-65 like mine I don't think it should be an issue. Make sure the plant is away from any heater vents.

camille1585 · #5 12-08-2009, 05:55 AM

My cym is still outside in France, and the temperature regularily goes down to just above 32F at night. Since I don't want to move it inside (doing that in november for a few weeks made some buds blast, but the room was much wamer than outside!) My sister bought some special textile for plants and wrapped several layers around it. I really don't know the name of it in English, but If I were to do a literal translation from french, it would be an 'overwintering veil' Works well, even when the temps dipped a bit below freezing for a few nights.

murphy48 · #6 12-08-2009, 06:59 PM

Thanks everyone. I brought most in last night. Being to warm inside definitely wasn't a problem considering the poor insulation of my apartment. It was 49F in my family room this morning!

I think I'll try protecting the plants like camille1585 does next time.

Thanks for the advice! It's going to be another cold night tonight! Burrrrrr

WhiteRabbit · #7 12-08-2009, 09:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by murphy48

Thanks everyone. I brought most in last night. Being to warm inside definitely wasn't a problem considering the poor insulation of my apartment. It was 49F in my family room this morning!

I think I'll try protecting the plants like camille1585 does next time.

Thanks for the advice! It's going to be another cold night tonight! Burrrrrr

Yikes! yeah guess too warm wasn't a worry lol
Yeah - I hope it warms up a bit soon - have several plants in the garage, and a couple have spikes, so need to get them into some light

Andrew · #8 12-08-2009, 09:54 PM

Night temperatures in my area get down to 32F for a few days each year in my area with the odd night down to 28F. My Cyms are protected from frost but I have not noticed any damage at these temperatures. I recall reading that they are tolerant to 23F before damage starts to occur but my local temperatures have never been that low to be able to tell.

WhiteRabbit · #9 12-08-2009, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andrew

Night temperatures in my area get down to 32F for a few days each year in my area with the odd night down to 28F. My Cyms are protected from frost but I have not noticed any damage at these temperatures. I recall reading that they are tolerant to 23F before damage starts to occur but my local temperatures have never been that low to be able to tell.

Yeah - I think the lowest mine have experienced would be upper 20s for short periods. I am mostly worried about buds and spikes right now as there has been some frost.

Cym Ladye · #10 12-09-2009, 04:48 PM

White Rabbit,

I protect those of mine not in the greenhouse with what is called "Freeze Cloth". It comes in varying densities and I use the 4-6 degree protection. Throw it over the plants down to the ground and secure it to prevent any wind from blowing it off. It does not hurt to have it touch the leaves. Several of the local S.F. Bay Area orchid societies take orders for it in the fall so their members will be prepared. It may be left on until all danger of frost or hard freeze is over. I believe Roger Reynolds in Menlo Park carries it in pre-cut lengths. When ordering from the manufacturer, it is necessary to buy 250' to 500' rolls, which is why the members go through their clubs.

Cyms are usually OK down to 28F for a short period of time but I would not let them stay at that temp for more than 4 hours due to loss of buds and spikes.

CL