Anguloa Clowesii low temperature tolerance

[Fredmax]

Hi, I have a large healthy Anguloa Clowesii which I purchased on reference of Andy's Orchids site mentioning it can support 40f.

Now that I have it I've immediately moved it back inside with low humidity but lows average of 55f to protect it from cold as am scared my assumption may be wrong.

For anyone who successfully cultivates it are you aware of if it can tolerate 40-45f, my winter is currently around 45f and would love to put it back in the glasshouse with the Lycomormium which seems to be doing ok, but lack the experience without finding out the hard way.

[Roberta]

If it was grown locally, so likely acclimated, I think it should do fine. If it was in a warmer environment then the challenge is that you are already well into the cold weather. I grow mostly outside. When I get plants in the fall, especially late fall, I ask the grower what the conditions were at the nursery. If it was being grown warm even though it's a species that can tolerate cold, I'll pamper it indoors through its first winter, then put it out in the spring where it has a full growing cycle to acclimate. (I live about an hour's drive from Andy's, same coastal climate, so I am lucky that his outdoor-growing plants come to me already acclimated. Most don't have that luxury)

[Fredmax]

Ok thanks, so it should tolerate cymbidium cool conditions, unfortunately it's come from a similar climate (Victoria) but has been growing in a highly specialized greenhouse I assume with a min of 55f, it's in my kitchen now and the low humidity is not working well for it so I will have to try it back in the greenhouse and hope for the best. I generally find Andy's cultural info a good guide (despite not being able to provide him business from Aus), so hopefully is right about 40f/4c.

Thanks for the advice as always.

[Roberta]

If he has listed as "Cool" or "Cool/Intermediate" it should be fine. If the greenhouse gets down to 45 deg F/7 deg C at night it really shouldn't be a problem - especially if it warms up a bit during the day. I think also that if it hasn't already, it will soon be thinking of losing leaves. When it does that, you can cut back the water considerably. (I wouldn't go bone dry, but let it dry out between waterings, water in the morning so that it isn't soggy by evening) A dry orchid can tolerate a lot more cold than a wet one. But this one should have no problem in Cymbidium-range temperatures.