moving soon to Texas - Orchid Board

ScottMcC · #1 01-13-2007, 10:41 AM

I'm a movin to San Antonio, Texas this summer. We just bought a house last weekend (it hasn't been built yet, it'll be ready in June when we move).

Anyone have advice for the move? The plants will be in a uhaul for about 3 days, and all signs point to it being pretty hot. most of the collection is warm growing, so I don't think it'll be too much of a problem.

Ross · #2 01-13-2007, 10:48 AM

I've never moved orchids that distance but I have moved a rather large (200+ plants) collection of cacti from southern Oregan to Michigan in a trailer. All I did was carry the boxes to motel rooms at night. I doubt you'll have too many problems even if they are cool growers. What about putting them in inexpensive Coleman coolers, or the styrofoam coolers, to temper daytime temps? You could even put motel ice in the bottom of the coolers? I'm full of ideas today. I love SW Texas and I'm sure you'll have a great time there - I'm jealous.

cb977 · #3 01-13-2007, 11:57 AM

Scott, congrats to you and your wife

A new house is wonderful...don't let all the details that come up along the way make you crazy...you've just got to roll with the punches. It's a fantastic feeling when it's all done and you walk in those new front doors

I didn't have my 'chids when I made the move from NY to Fl so I can't really give you any advice there...

I'm sure some of our other members will come up with some great ideas to help the 'chids survive the trip

Anglo · #4 01-13-2007, 01:40 PM

There is a big difference between the climates in Chicago and San Antonio. During your first summer, you may think you have moved to Hell. But after you become acclimated, you'll enjoy the long summers and mild winters.

The last freeze is usually no later than early March and the weather becomes warmer, increasing steadily to the hottest temperatures in August. It gradually becomes cooler after that, but summer weather continues on through September and into October.

In June, daytime temperatures (on sunny days) normally range between the mid to upper 80s and lower 90s. Not too hot yet, but I'd monitor the temperature in the U-haul, if you're talking about a cargo space with no ventilation.

If it does heat up inside, say to over 100, and there is room to place an ice chest near the orchids, you could try filling it with ice and leaving the top off, replacing the ice as necessary. That should cool the air around them at least a little.

I've received orchids during the summer, sent here via UPS or USPS. Some of them may well have experienced periods of uncomfortable heat in transit or while sitting in boxes at the door after delivery, but none were ever damaged by it. As you noted, the move probably won't be a problem for your orchids.

You'll enjoy living in San Antonio. Low cost of living (at least for now), plenty of things to see and do, low crime rate, and friendly people.

esungirl · #5 01-13-2007, 01:42 PM

Great news Scott,
Styrofoam coolers seem like a great idea, I'll add the thought of using ice packs, at the bottom, a little less mess. If you have access to a clinical lab, they are always recieving reagents and such that must be kept cool during shippment. In fact we just got a shippment from a company that has double boxing and then lines the inside with styrofoam with ice packs at the bottom. Some of the boxes are good size too! That's my thought on the subject. Good luck!

Ross · #6 01-13-2007, 02:49 PM

The more I think about it Scott, my origianl idea of cheap styrofoam chests might be your best bet. If it were me, I would bring them into the motel at night, place loose ice in the bottom in the morning, then put the top on the coolers. You can get really big styrofoam coolers pretty cheap. Just remember, when packing the U-Haul, to put the coolers at the back!

Tindomul · #7 01-13-2007, 08:44 PM

Hmm... those orchids might cook inside that uhaul. What about transporting them in a windowful car?

RobertT · #8 02-08-2007, 10:33 AM

Scott,
I recomend adding a couple of 12 volt fans that can be run by adding a extra wire or two to get the power to them.The ice idea is a good one but you do not want the plants or the pots to be directly on top of it.Remember Air flow. Humidity and of course light is what it takes.They would be much better served with less chance of loss if there was a way to transport them in the car on a seat wher the temperature extremes would not change as much or as drastically.
Robert