How long do Orchids need cool weather
 

Now that the weather has cooled down in southern NM, I have all my orchids outdoors. The temps are low 80s during the day and mid 50s at night. When will I know when they will show spikes? I was planning to leave them out untill it got to the lower 50s

What kind of orchids do you have?

Cool temps.
 

Hello looked at your album lovely plants.
So to answer you questions.
Cyms. need a constant cool temp. and bright light to initiate bloom spikes 50 deg. should be good. keep cool all winter.

Phaps. Cool temps. at night 50 degs. not lower than 45 degs. and warm temps. during the day, Also I have found that extra light at night will keep them from setting spikes. 4 to 5 weeks of cool night temps.

Den. nobli type cold temps most defiantly all day and they want to be dry, not to the point of desacating them a little water maybe once a month. Cold all winter.

Catts. I'm still working of them this winter I plan to keep them warm and let them go dry, lots of sun.
Hope this helps you some. But there are others here that have more expert experance in these than I do. JamesL.

I have around 30, all different varieties but nothing too difficult.

Most Cyms need a period (a couple months) of cool night temps (low 50s or lower), warm day temps are fine. In spike Cyms should be protected from frost or freeze. Many people bring them in just before threat of first frost. When inside, they will be happier if you have a slightly coolish spot for them, and definitely keep them away from warm air from furnace.

Other orchids it depends ... Most probably won't require a chill.

Nobile type Dens need a dryish, cooler winter with no fertilizer.

Common Oncidium alliance usually don't require cool temps.

Den-Phal types DON'T want to get chilly at all.

Catt alliance can depend, but common hybrids won't probably need a chill.

Outside of Cyms and nobile type Dens, I would probably not let things get too chilly for more than short periods without knowing exactly what the plants are. Other than Cyms and nobile Dens, most orchids from stores are house plants. There are sometimes exceptions, but I'd go with not too cold without knowing more :)

Thanks, White Rabbit.
The temps so far are in the low 60s to upper 50s. I noticed a couple of them spiking, Sharry Baby beeing one of them. I don't remember the other one but I am big time exited.This is my first winter with them so this looks encouraging.
Thanks again.

Anita