Renanthera imschootiana winter care

[flexdc]

Does anybody grow this orchid?
I have one I bought from Cal Orchids in the Spring with a starting spike. It flowered in the summer.
I am growing it outside here in Hollywood, CA. Our winter temp can dip down to the mid 40's (8 c) occasionally but usually hovers around 50 f (10c).
I am wondering if this orchid can handle this temperature.
The other question is, should I move it to a sunnier location? Our summer sun is so hot that I had to grow it in the shade.
Enclosed is a picture of the plant in bloom.

Thanks for all the help in advance.



Andrew

[Bud]

My experience with Renanthera is not that much, they are outside on my windowsill fire escape in the warmer months and New York can be very hot and humid. But I have to put it indoors a week before frost comes so it is outdoors in the high 50's. It must not experience frost. Los Angeles gets frosty at night in January to March, just put it indoors. Make sure it is well ventilated and the humidity must not go below 50%. You have a magnificent specimen and the flowers are gorgeous.

[Tindomul]

Good luck with it! When in doubt about temps, I keep it above 57 degrees and if the temp is lower, I keep them drier as wetness can really chill the plant. Something Ray helped me realize.
It's a beauty!

PS, by "them" I mean tropical plants in general.

[flexdc]

Originally Posted by Bud

My experience with Renanthera is not that much, they are outside on my windowsill fire escape in the warmer months and New York can be very hot and humid. But I have to put it indoors a week before frost comes so it is outdoors in the high 50's. It must not experience frost. Los Angeles gets frosty at night in January to March, just put it indoors. Make sure it is well ventilated and the humidity must not go below 50%. You have a magnificent specimen and the flowers are gorgeous.

Hey Bud
Thanks for the advice. We have not seen frost in more than 10 years
If they can withstand down to 50f then I am ok.
Just want to give it optimum culture. Some will survive cooler temps but they sulk


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[Bunch_Of_Roots]

I grow mine outdoor in coastal San Diego. We are getting mid 40s and low 50s at night. And it is growing fine, just slower. The roots on my are continuing to grow. Just make sure to water the plant less in colder months.

[flexdc]

Originally Posted by Bunch_Of_Roots

I grow mine outdoor in coastal San Diego. We are getting mid 40s and low 50s at night. And it is growing fine, just slower. The roots on my are continuing to grow. Just make sure to water the plant less in colder months.

My outdoor environment is similar to yours except may be a bit hotter in the summer.

I will follow your method. I take it that it flowers for you every year?

Andrew

[Bunch_Of_Roots]

I had it since Feb/March and it flowered in the summer. There is a little nubbin coming out on the side right now, but still too early to know if it is a spike in the making, or another root.