How far south will Cypripedium bloom? - Orchid Board

gixrj18 · #1 10-17-2009, 10:53 PM

I live in Tampa, Florida, and was recently looking at some Cypripediums on line. I would really like to get Cypripedium acaule, but I fear I may live too far south. My summers are in the 90's and not much of a winter. Am I too far south?

Royal · #2 10-17-2009, 11:01 PM

Winter temps dictate. You'd have to artificially vernalize since you don't get cold enough for long enough. The warmest growing species is kentuckiense, acalue would need even cooler temps. I bet you could make it work, but you'd need to stick in a fridge each winter.

johnblagg · #3 10-19-2009, 11:12 AM

I dont know but check out some of the new hybrids coming out of germany

Frosch® Cypripedium hybrids can be grown in all areas where temperatures do not regularly exceed 30°C (86°F) in summer and remain below +5 °C (40°F) for 2-3 months in winter. Temperatures below -20°C (-4°F) present no problem, given sufficient snow cover. No separate protection during winter is required - lady’s slipper orchids are completely hardy.

Cypripedium.de (Frosch) - Hardy Lady's Slipper hybrids

lambelkip · #4 10-19-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnblagg

...and remain below +5 °C (40°F) for 2-3 months in winter...

Tampa doesn't even come close to that. (average lows for the middle of winter are 52F) you might need to refrigerate in winter.

gixrj18 · #5 10-19-2009, 11:06 PM

Yeah, and the highs are in the 90's for most of the summer. If it wasn't so tall, I'd put it in the terrarium. Oh well, I'll just have to dream about this one.

Royal · #6 10-20-2009, 12:05 PM

I've thought about growing a few colder growing Cyps in opposite seasons - ie: vernalize in the fridge during the hottest months and put it out to grow in my winter. I don't know if it would work but my winter temps are like late spring in the far north. Just an idea.

slipperfreak · #7 10-20-2009, 12:23 PM

You might be able to grow Cyp kentuckiense, and you could probably grow some of the warmer growing Asian species like species from sections Flabellinervia (japonicum, formosanum), Retinervia, and Trigonopedia. Unfortunately, the Asian species, with the exception of formosanum and japonicum, are rare and very difficult to grow, and are usually grown in pots anyway because they are so sensitive to changes in the environment.

gixrj18 · #8 10-20-2009, 09:33 PM

If I can't have acaule, I probably won't go out of my way to get another Cyp.....it would just be a constant reminder of what I can't have. I don't know if I can accept the fact that there is an orchid I can't have!

slipperfreak · #9 10-20-2009, 10:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixrj18

I don't know if I can accept the fact that there is an orchid I can't have!

I think you would probably have to grow acaule in a pot.

johnblagg · #10 10-21-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gixrj18

If I can't have acaule, I probably won't go out of my way to get another Cyp.....it would just be a constant reminder of what I can't have. I don't know if I can accept the fact that there is an orchid I can't have!

Ok its time to face reality that soda cooler you saw in the convience store would make a great chiller for chids ...has lights its waterproof ....its totaly seald enviroment......what ever do you mean there is a orchid you cant have?

LOL ......I actualy do have one I used to keep my flytraps and pitcher plants in it.