Absolute low temp for Paphs?
 

Hey there!

So I jussssst ordered my first Paph off ebay! Problem is, I live in Colorado, where we're beginning to show our Winter colors...This orchid shipped Wednesday USPS out from Michigan, and was due to arrive tomorrow. Somehow it arrived a bit earlier, but no one was home to receive the package after a long day out on the delivery truck, and now it's back at a sort facility awaiting pick up...

Thing is, this storm was on it's way in last night, so frost/cold damage may have already begun last night. So with temperatures dipping into the low 30/40s F (or less on an airplane ;-; ), what are the chances an orchid like this can recover? Of course it's all dependent on actual visual assessment of damage, but I'd like to put fears to rest and hear a bit from people experienced with Paphiopedilums and what if any experience they have with these plants in cold weather before I go pick this up bright an early tomorrow. My research shows they're alright down to about 55ºF....but I'm curious to know if they can survive lower.

The poor plant I have yet to meet was described with photos as blooming size with one old growth and three new, shipped in it's pot (so i assume there is something protecting the roots, but if they are moist/wet...) it's a mottled-leaf hybrid by the name of (Paphiopedilum Memoria Richard Allen Davidson (Jacqueline's Joy x Big Surprise)) bought and shipped for 15$. I have two Phals I've rescued, but I wanted to try a new variety! I figured I'd go with an inexpensive Paph incase I kill it or something, but this is a bit too soon!

Heh, we can make a game of it! Guess correctly if the plant is dead or alive and I'll give you a virtual pat on the back, or name the stone cold survivor after you, hahaha :roll:

I'll update with pictures of the full top to bottom cold assessment tomorrow morning.

It will be OK ...my guess...Jean

I'm not saying the conditions were optimal, however, usually the plants are packed pretty well. I always do receive my plants in the shredded paper, than wrapped in paper or newspaper, inside the box, sometimes box has popcorn or some sort of filling. Also, if the seller is shipping on the regular basis, than your plant was not shipped wet or moist (plants should be shipped always on the dry side to avoid damage during the shipping). I do assume it was not exposed to the freezing temps for days, so my guess would be the same, it should be fine. You never know, but once you open it you will definitely see the condition:-) Good luck and post the status when you get your package:-)

mine had been outside for most of last year and the paphs got down to 40. at 40 everything came in. At 50 the phals came in. catts down to 40 also....I wouldnt recommend skirtin the edge of the living dead with them. mine had been outside and are pretty sturdy paphs and catts.
I would say a soft grown greenhouse plant grown in close to perfect conditions at orchid paradise would not make it in frost bitten cold mornings. :twocents:

I dont know what Im going to do this year yet. If it all just dies I can get over this ya know :biggrin:

Mine was the opposite. Mine came in the middle to late july early August. They were on a truck for 2 days then placed in another hot truck for the day then were left on my a/c unit in 100+degree weather for around 4 hours...so far no deaths and I am 2 months in...so they are stronger then you may think lol. Oh and it survived my puppy knocking it around today lol!

I hope it is fine, being all boxed up and all.

I think it will be ok. Not sure about that Paph specifically but I have Paphs that grow down close to freezing in the low 30's.

I just looked up the family tree for that hybrid and I think it will be ok, you will be unlucky if it doesn't do well.

Oh all this optimism!

At this rate I'll have to name each new growth :blushing:

It can depend on the Paph. I don't know specifically about the Paph you mention, but I know that many of the Chinese Paphs can take fairly cool temperatures.

Paphs and Phrags are incredibly resilient plants, in general. They can't take major "long term abuse" but short stints of heat, cold, low light, too much light, etc - they most often can recover just fine with good culture.

Most paph's are probably killed by over-watering (as I'm sure we've all heard about!) and not from a little chill or whatnot. I'd even take it a step further and say that the way many growers trigger paph's to bloom: chill them. So it's not such a bad thing.