More cold weather panic setting in! - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Ranchnanny · #11 01-26-2009, 11:46 PM

Susanne I caulked all the cracks around the doors. I guess I am just paranoid...Thanks

Sheridan

cb977 · #12 01-26-2009, 11:53 PM

smweaver · #13 01-27-2009, 08:02 AM

Sheridan, if your temperatures are going to drop significantly lower than what your plants (especially the phalaenopsis) are used to, my suggestion would be for you to avoid watering them until the temperatures go back up to a reasonable level (and "reasonable" will depend on the type of orchids you're growing). The plants are usually much more able to handle cooler-than-normal temperatures if they're on the dry side. How many phalaenopsis do you have? If it's not a huge number you might consider putting paper grocery bags over them at night or some cardboard boxes. Either will create a "tent" that should also help maintain a microclimate around the plants that's slightly warmer than the surrounding air in the rest of the greenhouse. If you have cattleyas, cymbidiums or dendrobiums (as long as they're not the lowland equatorial species), than I certainly agree with Susanne's advice. Don't worry about them. I'm a bit of a negligent grower when it comes to nighttime temperatures, and my sunroom frequently drops down to the temperature range you mentioned--and sometimes even down to the high 40's at night (though that might be--with the exception of the cymbidiums--tempting fate) with none of my orchids any worse for the experience. Good luck!

Steve

BikerDoc5968 · #14 01-27-2009, 08:12 AM

Just a sidenote here....without stepping on toes

Consider the types of plants in your GH. Cymbidiums and Catts can handle lower temps and not blink an eye. While phals and some paphs shiver at the thought of temps approching 50. The other thing is that your heaters may be enough especially if you have some small 6" or 9" fans circulating the air.

linda · #15 01-27-2009, 11:16 AM

Hi everyone. I live in south Florida and the cold weather we got recently froze every Orchid I had. I had them in the GH with a heater and I woke up the next morning to run and check on them and gone. Is there anything I can do ? or should I just throw them out and start over again? I don't know what to do. 3500.00 dollars up in smoke. Does anyone think they'll come back? Roots are still good the leaves are frost bit. all the way from the tips to the roots.
Thanks Linda

BikerDoc5968 · #16 01-27-2009, 11:24 AM

Sorry to hear of your situation. Since you think they are all dead, I'd just hold on to them and see if they turn all mushy or make a recovery..... I lived in Ft Myers and remember getting cold weather that caused the St Augustine grass to turn brown!

cb977 · #17 01-27-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by linda

Hi everyone. I live in south Florida and the cold weather we got recently froze every Orchid I had. I had them in the GH with a heater and I woke up the next morning to run and check on them and gone. Is there anything I can do ? or should I just throw them out and start over again? I don't know what to do. 3500.00 dollars up in smoke. Does anyone think they'll come back? Roots are still good the leaves are frost bit. all the way from the tips to the roots.
Thanks Linda

Was the heater working? How low did the temperatures get where you are?

quiltingwacko · #18 01-27-2009, 04:10 PM

It was supposed to be 22 degrees here last night Sheridan. I know it could be even colder where you are, especially in the bottom of a canyon. Put the phals in the warmest spot in your greenhouse. I think they are the ones that really don't like to be cold. Mine are the happiest in a warm humid bathroom with southern exposure. I need a glass shelf in there so I can get more phals! Oh a greenhouse would be lovely.

Royal · #19 01-27-2009, 04:53 PM

linda, I'm so sorry to hear about that. I'd hold on to hope a bit longer too. I hope some pull through!

Sheridan, I know this is coming a bit late but I was going to suggest a huge fan too. You could have pockets of coldness that the heaters aren't warming, but with a big fan blowing the air should stay "mixed" better. I hope everyone makes it.

Ranchnanny · #20 01-27-2009, 09:17 PM

Hey there everyone we made it through the night alright.

I had the large fan running all night. The temps today are warming up finally. I need to get a grip on myself when it comes to these orchids. With the s/h medium it appears that they are needing water more often. I think the warmer temps during the day and having a fan running all day and night has something to do with that.

Thank you all for your concern and comments.

Sheridan