Low temps for Paph species

[Jeff214]

Looks like the lows my area will dip into the mid 40s + rain (for the first time since... spring). Based on info on slipperorchids.info, the species that are:

Warm growing that need to be brought in: philippinense, sanderianum, and Michael Koopowitz (philippinense x rothchildianum). Also Paph. Hsinying Alien, which is 50% sukhakulii, 25% lawrenceanum, both warm growers?

Cool growing and might be able to take upper 40s: parishii...? I asked Fred Clarke, who lives in a similar area and he mentioned it was fine to grow this one outdoors all year.

I also have a Phrag Olaf Glauss (besseae x pearcei), which is cool and warm growing, respectively. I should bring that one in just in case...

I wonder if that sounds right?
thanks!

[Roberta]

I think bring in the Phrag Olaf Gruss... Actually if you're getting down into the 40's F, Phrag besseae too... by hard experience I have found that they're OK down to about 42 deg F. A couple more degrees' dip and they're not OK. So I bring mine in by around 45 deg. F to be safe.

A note about Paph rothschildianum and hybrids (like St. Swithin) - they need to be brought in by time the night temps actually are going to be much below 45 deg F or so, but don't rush to do it before that - they are much more likely to bloom if they get a chilly jolt, at least down into the low 50s F. So they do act a little differently than most of the multifloral Paphs.

[Jeff214]

Thanks, Roberta. The forecast keeps going lower for Monday - now 42 oF! I should bring most of my warm growers in for the day. Not sure if parishii can take 42...

My lows have been holding steady in the mid to upper 50s so far and I think they have gotten a week or two of "chill hours".


Also, your site has been very helpful in deciding what to bring inside

[Roberta]

Bring 'em in. (I guess you're not in the coastal area any more) If lows are get that low now, winter is going to be chilly. Don't push it...

[Ray]

I may be overly conservative about this, but to me, “40’s” and “wet” are NEVER a good combination.

[Jeff214]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Bring 'em in. (I guess you're not in the coastal area any more) If lows are get that low now, winter is going to be chilly. Don't push it...

I'm half way up the canyon area and it is an odd climate, getting both coastal and inland climates. I receive morning fog from the ocean (dew dripping on my plants in the morning) and then by afternoon it feels like im in the desert. It's pretty mild but I get "extreme" weather (for San Diego, like 42 F) on and off.

Originally Posted by Ray

I may be overly conservative about this, but to me, “40’s” and “wet” are NEVER a good combination.

Not at all, haha. Good advice! I'm being a little foolish. I've kept most of my plants alive wet and low 50s last year (except for Gramm.). With limited space inside, I try to delay it as much as possible...

[Roberta]

After your comment about temperatures I checked my forecast, because it had been showing "more of same" - nights in the low 60's F. Behold... Monday is showing 52 F. Doesn't look like I'll get much if any rain, but that's a lot cooler than it has been running. So coastal is a bit more temperate, but definitely finally seeing some change. (I envy your morning dew... I've been sitting just above the dew point, high morning humidity but no "free water" except for a few roof drips)