Bringing the chids in...

[Leafmite]

I have all but the den kingianums indoors, orchid-wise, and most of the more delicate house plants. I can only get more plants if I get rid of others (which is what I do every autum). This year, I think everyone will fit. Whew!

[Paul Mc]

Well, they almost all came in! There are about 20 left outside now, including terrestrials that will stay out year round.

But I have a question regarding cymbidiums. I've never been able to grow them very well. Should I put them into a more sheltered position since it's going to get down to 45° or less tonight? I have already moved everything into my orchid shade house, but I'm not so sure that it's necessarily protected since it is all open. Still it does have a roof on the top so I guess that does offer some relief and it is backed up against the fence so there's basically only three sides that are open.

[fotofashion]

In my area my plants won't need to go inside for a couple more months but I am giving the GH its annual cleaning so when the time comes, it will be ready.
The winter before last was a really cold one and a couple of nights it actually got down to 32 in the GH but nothing was harmed. I have cats., dends., and others.
Beverly A.

[cbuchman]

Somewhere, years ago, I learned that Cyms need at least 5 nights below 50 F to flower. Can't say if it is true, but it works for me. The years I have brought the Cyms in early, I get no flowers, when I leave them out (in my area usually until the end of October) I get blooms.

[Bud]

I still have ideal weather in Manhattan...upper 70's in the day and 60's at night....my Vandas are still out on the fire escape....
I am preparing the wooden tiers atop the tables and I also added more hang wires....we had such a gentle winter last time so I am prepared for the bitter cold this year.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Well, they almost all came in! There are about 20 left outside now, including terrestrials that will stay out year round.

But I have a question regarding cymbidiums. I've never been able to grow them very well. Should I put them into a more sheltered position since it's going to get down to 45° or less tonight? I have already moved everything into my orchid shade house, but I'm not so sure that it's necessarily protected since it is all open. Still it does have a roof on the top so I guess that does offer some relief and it is backed up against the fence so there's basically only three sides that are open.

last year Hausermann's said that I brought my cym in too early. Apparently - according to them - they are fine with up to a week of temps in low 30s. I am leaving mine out for as long as possible.

[Cattleya17]

I hear ya Bud! I hear this winter is gonna be a dousy for us! I bought in my phals and that's it so far. I just switched to S/H and I read that they shouldn't experience below 60 degrees and they are trying to reestablish so I didn't want to risk it. The Catts and angs are still out though. One of my schillerianas is spiking and so is my sesquipedale! I'm hoping the leonis will spike along with my second Schilleriana.

I think they will all fit inside. I have a smallish collection of about 30 plants and there is one more I wanna get before winter hits. And my bro moved out so I have more room in our room mwahahaha!!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Well, they almost all came in! There are about 20 left outside now, including terrestrials that will stay out year round.

But I have a question regarding cymbidiums. I've never been able to grow them very well. Should I put them into a more sheltered position since it's going to get down to 45° or less tonight? I have already moved everything into my orchid shade house, but I'm not so sure that it's necessarily protected since it is all open. Still it does have a roof on the top so I guess that does offer some relief and it is backed up against the fence so there's basically only three sides that are open.

My cyms stay outside taking overnight lows a bit below freezing. Plants with spikes are on sheltered porch to protect from frost/freeze. I believe a period of a few weeks (6-8?) of night temps under 50 is recommended to initiate spikes (for non-warmth tolerant ones).

[RosieC]

My Cym is still sitting out, that and the Cyps are the only ones not in the greenhouse now. I understand that Cyms need to go colder than we are getting right now and just need protecting from the frost. I'll put it in the greenhouse when it starts to look likely we will get frost. My gran had some in her greenhouse a few years back and workmen at the house left the greenhouse door open for some reason. She didn't realise and they all got frosted one night... but she said they were all fine and it didn't hurt them. I still try and avoid them getting it through.

[cbuchman]

My [limited] understanding is that Cym erythrostylum has somewhat different requirements. I've been unable to bloom mine with the usual regimen. Anyone have any pointers?