Urgent question about temperatures

[krazykat1980]

I've always loved orchids but could no way afford to spend even $15 on a plant especially with my spotty track record as far as keeping plants alive.

So, here's the story... Yesterday my boyfriends boss's wife put all her orchids/plants outside to trash because she was bored with them... His boss told him he could take the orchids home. I've attached a picture of the group of plants. My boyfriend brought home 7 plants out of the group... the ones with rounded leaves (which are phals according to the labels a few of them have), but left behind the spiky leaf ones because he thought they looked like bulbed plants and didn't think they were orchids... but his boss didn't say there was anything else but orchids there and to me they look a lot like the pictures in the thread "Encyclia odoratissima" of an Encyclia... I tried to post a link to the thread since I don't want to post someone elses picture but I guess newbies can't post links, so you'll have to search by the thread title.

Anyways, these other plants are outside at his bosses house and it froze last night... what are the odds of being able to save them if they are Encyclia? It's supposed to be down to 23 degrees tonight and 30 tomorrow night.... what are the odds of being able to save them if he waits until monday to bring them home?

[AnonYMouse]

I think they might be cymbidiums which can tolerate lower temps but NOT that low. Looks like they are sitting near a structure (house?). If so, would the boss be willing to cover them up with something, a tarp/plastic sheeting until you can go get them?

[silken]

They are likely all orchids as many have pseudobulbs. I would get them ASAP if you want them.

[WhiteRabbit]

Agree with the others. Looks like Cymbidiums in there that might survive that low(23) temperature (worse for it tho), but might not... 30 degrees for short periods is ok for most Cyms

[JaneEyre]

If the budget is tight and you wouldn't otherwise buy an orchid, I would give all of those a chance (nothing beats a free orchid). You never know, some of those you may be able to re-hab. Once I ordered a Ludisia that froze on the way to my home. All the leaves turned brown and fell off. I kept it still, and it rebound back. It took a long time, but never the less, it was alive. Orchids are tougher than we usually think. I say, go for it. What doesn't make it, toss it.

[Movnhorses]

Someones trash is a lot of peoples treasure. I would get them, special trip. Hope you can save them all!

[krazykat1980]

In case anyone was waiting for an update... Couldn't go get them and boyfriend didn't feel like calling the boss to ask him to cover them... luckily it didn't freeze as hard out there, and they also were about 3 feet from the heat pump of the heater they keep running constantly (boyfriend said it gets warm...). They seem to have survived the cold with no problem... unfortunately they appear to have been very poorly taken care of (she really must've gotten bored with them, considering she's had them for several years), so I now need to go make a post about their issues and what I need to do with them lol.

The biggest one is up to my waist when it's on the ground... they're huge! I have a VERY small house so this is gonna be fun lol

[silken]

Good save! Next take pics of them and make separate threads of each type. If you don't know what they are, we can likely help identify each group.

[JaneEyre]

Glad you were able to get them all. It will be fun to learn and care for all of those. Best of luck

[aqualady]

Yes, the small plants are phals, and they look like they're in pretty good shape. They probably need a good watering and more light (the dark green leaves mean they weren't getting enough light). Orchids are surprisingly hardy, and while they may go into shock for a short period, they should bounce back with some consistent care.

Congrats on your find, and good luck!