Hello, I would like to know the lowest temperature that Encyclias would be able to take. I was thinking they can take as low as 40 degree F safely but I am not sure.
Following are the varieties-
Enc. radiata
Enc. alata
Enc. randii
I don't grow those species but I have several other Encyclias and they seem very cool-tolerant. I've left most of them outside in temps lower than that (mid/low-30s F) numerous times this winter and nothing's shown stress. Just make sure they're dry and if possible keep them out of morning sunlight (so they can warm up slowly) and I doubt you'll have problems with 40 F. Hope this helps!
I don't have randii or radiata, but I do have alata and many hybrids from it, as well as other encyclias species and hybrids. I generally leave them and the rest of the catt alliance out, but the encyclias are last to come in. They've been to about 38F this year, and 35F before that I know of. I *think* I read somewhere that most encyclia can handle very brief to about freezing.
Encyclias can handle any temperatures that we get here in South Florida. It's a good idea to shelter them from the wind during cold fronts. The cold winds won't kill them but can damage the tips of the leaves.
Since encyclias are my favorite orchid, I NEVER let the greenhouse get below 55 degrees in the Winter. This is just my choice, because I do have budding/blooming phals also. They do not like the temperature to drop below 60 degrees. BettyE