FLORIDIANS, TOO COLD FOR OUR CHIDS-OUTSIDE?? - Page 3 - Orchid Board

tim abbott · #21 10-04-2008, 12:33 AM

Make sure they are acclimated to the area where they will be outside. I have had mine outside for about 3 years(phal., dend., catt., vanda, cymbidium). I live in Cocoa Beach. They are on a protected corner on the northwest & under a large shefflera tree.

Tim Abbott

Junebug · #22 10-04-2008, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jkelee

Wish that wasn't true Elite, as I have toooooo many to bring into my GH that doesn't fit them all

A large collection is difficult to move inside. I remember reading an old OB thread where someone used a solar pool blanket to keep their orchids comfortable during cold snaps. This might be an option that would work for your hotel.

D&S Mabel · #23 10-04-2008, 09:23 AM

Our growing areas are different so our plant protection needs are probably going to be slightly different as well.

This is what my area looks like. I can't cover as it is too spreadout. When it starts to go into the low 40s or below, I move the plants, mostly vandas, on the left under the cover of the porch. If we are to see mid-ish and lower 30s, everything goes under the porches, resting as close to the house as possible (leaning on it if possible). Frost or freeze warnings, they all come in. It's worked so far - although, knock wood, I can't remember the last freeze warning we've had. Moving them indoors maybe 2 times a year is usually what I have to do.

I think, but am not absoluely sure, that it makes a difference if the temp is going to stay low for a period of time. We get mid and under 30s or worse maybe 3-4 nights a year but the temp hits those numbers for maybe 2 - 4 hours at best and we usually warm up rapidly when the sun comes up. If temps were going to hit the upper 30s or so as highs and stay there for a number of hours or even days, I'd want to bring everything in, in my situation.

Your situation would be ideal, I would think, for another use of our famous "blue tarps" - although Houston probably has the market cornered on those right now. Your enclosure also looks like it was designed to add heat if necessary as well, which you might consider on those 3-4 cooler nights. I'm sure some of our more knowledgable board mates can help with more ideas and experience here.

Jkelee · #24 10-04-2008, 09:41 AM

Thanks susiep! I will try this out and see how it goes!! I have some Aluminet, so that will help hold heat in too.

You mentioned watering. I forgot to ask this; How OFTEN do you water your Chids outside in the Winter??

Since my chids outside are either mounted with moss, or in pots with Lava rock only, or Lava and a tiny bit of moss, How often do I water in the winter, with the chids I have??

Quote:

Originally Posted by susiep

I agree with most of the the other posts. 45 is probably as low as you would want to go outside. Don't forget wind chill if it is a real north-windy night. Days are never a problem. This is what I have been doing for the last 30 years and it usually works out ok. Water really well on the morning or day before the cold dip is scheduled to arrive. Then leave every thing uncovered all day to get as much heat built up in the wood and pots as possible. Cover everything up by about 4 pm (sooner if it gets windy). That way you are wrapping the heat inside. Just keep the wind off them. My orchid house is free standing so it is easier than yours will be. I just wrap around all 4 walls with big blue tarps, held in place by bungee cords. Then I throw one last tarp over the top and tie it down (I have a screen top on my orchid house). About 8 am I uncover it to allow it to start heating up again. It is always very sunny here in the winter. I have gotten where I can do the whole wrapping in about 15 minutes!

Jkelee · #25 10-04-2008, 09:43 AM

Yes he is Silly, Sandy

Thanks for the chid info!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandy4453

You want more room made because you want more orchids, not because you have too many...because you want more! Silly hubby!

Well, here in southern Palm Beach County, the winters are considerably warmer than where you are, Jkelee and this will be my 2nd year growing them out on the patio. Catts, Oncs, Dends, Bulbos, Paphs, Phals and a slew of all different varieties. I had to bring all of them in for 2 nights last year when the temps dropped into the mid 30's. Typically though, the nights are anywhere from the low 40's to high 40's in the winter and they all did fine out there!

Jkelee · #26 10-04-2008, 09:47 AM

Thanks Tim, they should be acclimated do the weather, as they will be outside as the temp changes each weak or so.

You don't cover them up or take in when the weather drops below 40??

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim abbott

Make sure they are acclimated to the area where they will be outside. I have had mine outside for about 3 years(phal., dend., catt., vanda, cymbidium). I live in Cocoa Beach. They are on a protected corner on the northwest & under a large shefflera tree.

Tim Abbott

Jkelee · #27 10-04-2008, 09:49 AM

Hi Junebug, I have a large piece of Aluminet that I will use. But I don't have any solor blankets. And might be expensive to purchase. thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Junebug

A large collection is difficult to move inside. I remember reading an old OB thread where someone used a solar pool blanket to keep their orchids comfortable during cold snaps. This might be an option that would work for your hotel.