Moving Catts - HELP!

[Diane]

I put the Catts outside this year for the first time. They've been doing great. But there are changes in weather coming and I need help. I may be selling my home and moving in the near future. That said, the orchids should stay outside, as 70 orchids in the kitchen and family room make it too 'cluttered' for house showing...

BUT -

1. Nightime temps are now dropping into the mid to upper 50s. I have several in sheath, some with buds. Too cool?? Should I at least bring in the ones in sheath???

2. The Santa Ana winds could start any time, sending tempuratures skyrocketing, and humidity into the low teens. I'm thinking the 'chids can't stand that low humidity....

3. I can't logistically move them in and out for when the house is being shown.

Any suggestions gratefully accepted!!

PS - I'm thinning out more plants, mini catts and some intergenics are up for bid.

[WolfinKW]

Hmmm I know some retailers have these things called cobra misters for patios for when it's really hot they just screw onto the end of a hose. Maybe you could possibly set one of these up and put on a water timer thing that would help with humidity

. As far as the one's in sheath/bud ummm maybe what you could do is do what we used to do for tomatoes that we planted early in the spring - cover them with some light weight cloth or even plastic.

[Gin]

There are mist kits for about $20 each I have 2 in the green house .. But that will not solve the wind problem if I remember right it is like standing in front of a clothes dryer on high . They will need wind protection . I would bring them in, if a person is really interested in the house it won't matter . Gin

[Diane]

that will not solve the wind problem if I remember right it is like standing in front of a clothes dryer on high . Gin

Exactly right. Last fall we had 70 mph gusts, temps in the 90's and humidity so low your nose would crack and bleed.... Guess I'll see about a nice little shelving unit for inside if I do have to put the house on the market...

Thanks Gin, Wolf..

[LJA]

Night time temps in the mid to upper 50s aren't a problem, but that wind can suck the moisture out of anything. If you can't protect the plants with some kind of barrier and use the misters, I think I would definitely bring them inside. So ditto on the other responses!

[thistle]

So, Diane, where are you thinking about moving to? Are you excited about going to a new locale? Moving is quite a hassle, but it's balanced if you have a nice new place on the other end (I've moved quite a bit, my husband's in the Army, it's gotten to the point where I'm disturbed if I DON'T move every 2-3 years...-I still would like to get to Hawaii)...Thistle

[Diane]

Thistle - well, I've never lived in anywhere longer than 6 years my whole life, so moving isn't too frightening an undertaking . But it looks like I am going to have the opportunity to take a position with a company in my most favorite place in the world - the Sonoma Valley (Wine Country) in northern Calif. I've dreamed of living there since I first saw the area 30 years ago. The only drawback is, it is one of the few places that is MORE EXPENSIVE to buy a house than where I live now (Southern Cal.)

As for Hawaii - it would be nice for a while, but I'd get island fever for sure! Great place to grow orchids, tho! I'll be back asking for orchid relocation tips if the move comes through!

[thistle]

Gee, Diane, if I won the lottery tomorrow (I have my tickets$-it's a contribution to the schools), I'd move to Sonoma & buy a vineyard & build an orchid greenhouse-that sounds like a lovely place to move to-such a perfect climate! I hope everything goes well for you with your move, hope the kitties (you do have more than one, right-or if you have just one, it's the same) move happily with you & that you settle in smoothly & enjoy your new community...Thistle/Linda

[Diane]

If I do move, you have a standing invitation to visit - all the forum folks do! And we'll be sure to go to the Burr Winery and Greenhouses. Founded by the actor Raymond Burr, they still maintain one of the largest private collections of orchids in the world near the winery.

Now that would be a dream - a winery and a 10,000 sq ft greenhouse!!

[Gin]

Diane you would love it , I lived in Petaluma and spent a lot of time riding horseback in the Napa Valley it is beautiful . Can't go home (sigh) because of the cost . Gin