I have the daytime temps at 69 and night at 67. That's one degree
lower than usual. Is that OK?
thanks
One thing to keep in mind is that while most phals grow better if kept
really warm (80's, low 90's with lots of shade and humidity), some phals
need a couple weeks of cooler temperatures (about 15� lower, on average)
in order to initiate flower spikes.
Most of the time (depending upon where you live), the cold from the
window will provide that around this time of year, and you'll see
blossoms about February - just when you need them to get over the winter
doldrums.
Ray Barkalow - First Rays LLC - www.firstrays.com
Orchid Plants, Supplies, Equipment, Books
Artwork, Free Services & Lots of Info!
Most orchids require a 10 degree change in day/night temps, so if your
daytime temp is 69 your nighttime temps should be around 59.
K Barrett
Will be great for the flowers. Seems cold should not hurt orchids unless,
of course, they freeze.
My cymbidiums also get this 'cool' treatment for their subsequent flower
spikes. They are outside and I do not worry about them unless it gets below
freezing for several nights in a row. I 'watch' them with a remote
thermometer and figure they are good down to 30 deg F. Could be lower but
do not care to push it.
I also grow oranges in the central valley (not where I live) and they CAN
take down to 26 deg due to the sugar content. Also depends on how long this
low is maintained.
Vito
"Ray B" <ray...@nospam.firstrays.com> wrote in message
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> Somewhere in the 550-600 range is my preference.
>
> One thing to keep in mind is that while most phals grow better if kept
> really warm (80's, low 90's with lots of shade and humidity), some phals
> need a couple weeks of cooler temperatures (about 150 lower, on average)
Phals can be kind of touchy about temperatures. They don't really like
50 degrees but I agree that it will force some of them to start the
blooming process. Back when I had quite a few Phals, I put some of the
reluctant bloomers in a room where they might get down to 50. Certainly
not close to freezing. A couple of times, I had a perfectly healthy Phal
suddenly turn yellowish and over a period of only 2 or 3 days, they
dropped every leaf except the newest leaf at the top. Then they
eventually died in spite of efforts to keep them going.
Your comments on Cymbidiums are exactly right.
Steve
Orchids can tolerate fairly low temperatures as long as it's not for
long periods of time. I've heard that Phals can telerate 40+ temps and
survive. But be careful. I once took a phal to photograph it in the
snow and it died shortly afterwards. Study up on the different species
since some can survive colder temperatures than others. It just
depends on their natural growing region
Diana (exNY, FL now)
"NY orchid lover" <iraqm...@gmail.com> wrote in message
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"Cold" is not necessary to induce spiking; a couple of weeks of 10�-15�
cooler overall temperature than their normal growing temp is.
Ray Barkalow - First Rays LLC - www.firstrays.com
Orchid Plants, Supplies, Equipment, Books
Artwork, Free Services & Lots of Info!
Intentionally, no. But there have been occasions when we've had a cooler
than normal night, without warning. It hasn't bothered them. If we are
expecting cold weather (and yes, we do get some) I bring them inside, along
with the Vandas. Everything else gets covered. It's a pain, but such are the
vagaries of growing in my environment.
Of course, you are right about the 10-15 degree differential.
Diana
"Ray B" <ray...@nospam.firstrays.com> wrote in message
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