Growing outdoor in Dallas, TX

[blackorchid]

Hey I'm just curious to see what type of orchid that I could grow outdoor YEAR-ROUND in Dallas city.
The weather will rise up to 100s in a hot summer day and sometimes (not usually) it will drop to the 10s. Usually, we will experience a winter of 30s.
Another alternative is the one that I can keep them outside during summer and keep them dormant indoor (low to no light area). I'd appreciate some suggestion here.

[Weebl]

Laelia anceps will take temps down to 24 degrees and up to 100, and is one of the hardiest epyphytes I know of. It's up to you, whether you would want terrestrials, or hardy epiphytes which you move indoors during the extreme cold snaps (I.E. <30 degrees)

[Royal]

Weebl is right. No tropical orchids will handle Dallas winters. Laelia anceps is very temp tolerant, but not that tolerant.

Again I agree with Weebl - terrestrials can take it, but most may have to come inside during the summer (except natives of course)!

Are you thinking pot culture, or as landscape plants? Bletilla is a GREAT landscape plant for our area. Winter hardy, spring blooming, just like a spray of mini Cattleyas! Very few here grow it here, what a shame!

[isurus79]

You could grow a lot of Catasetinae outside for the warm months and then throw 'em in a closet during their dormancy. They require little to no water during the coldest months.

[blackorchid]

I've heard of Bletilla but I don't really fond of it though.... isn't it only bloom for a really short time in summer?
On the other hand, Laelia and Catasetum sounds nice! is it true that I can leave the anceps outside when the temp is still above 30? if so then It's definitely a buyer!!

[Weebl]

Last winter there was a cold snap where it was 28 degrees. My mounted anceps didn't even stutter, in fact it kept growing roots without interruption.

[Royal]

That's incredible. 28 degrees!

Bletilla is a early spring bloomer here in TX. The flowers are not really short lived, just about average. So yes, it only blooms during it's normal bloom season, just like most other orchids. My L. anceps only blooms in fall/winter, but I still like it.

[blackorchid]

So basically, anything that loose its leaves in winter can be stored in a darker place?....I'm thinking about Dendrobium anosmum, what do you think lol....Can I put these guy in a cool dark place in winter? What is the lowest and highest temperature that this guy can handle?
I'm moving to a condo that has a patio so I need to fill it up with orchids lol...

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by blackorchid

I'm thinking about Dendrobium anosmum, what do you think lol....Can I put these guy in a cool dark place in winter? What is the lowest and highest temperature that this guy can handle?

Dend anosmum would be a good choice. I just throw mine in a dark corner and ignore it for 4 months or so. Though I dont know the exact minimum it can withstand, I know they are pretty temperature tolerant. Should be a good choice!

[blackorchid]

yey!!! so can someone tell me a good place to buy it?