odd weather patterns :(

[pk93]

Here in southern California we have been having somewhat odd weather patterns; it has been rather warm during the day, and very cold (well cold for us in SoCal anyways >_<) at night and in the morning (in the 30º's).. Well this has been a very good thing for some of my orchids outside (my cymbidium and Zygo.) but terrible for my mounted Epidendrum nocturnum (frost damage )
Well my question is; how should I protect some of my orchids from frost bite (other than moving them inside, because my Epidendrum is mounted on a huge piece of driftwood)?
thank you!

[opaline]

Bump! To throw some light over your way Jesse from here in winter England Uk, to battle the frost keep moisture levels reduced. Some plant tropics can overwinter outside here if kept a lot dryer but will sustain some degree of damage which will affect the aesthetic value at the very least but not kill it and as favourable weather conditions return new growth hides the old. More specifically for orchids, many tropical ones wouldnt survive very long at all unless its our hardy natives. Tree fern stumps, palms, some banana sp are wrapped in straw (hay), newspaper, bubble wrap to act as insulation. We use specialist fleece, atype of synthtic fibre woven fabric.

Moving to shelter/ garage/ shed or house is unfortunately the only solution for some and a make do temporary enclosure improvised with tools and household stuff lying about. My cymbidiums have never experienced frost but have tolerate cold temps but above the frozen mark.

[Cjcorner]

If you have room in your garage, but worry if the windows provide enough light; I added an led panel or two last year and it really helped. I had even cattleya blooming out there.

[pk93]

Thanks for the advice!!. I think i might try covering it up before nights that are expected to be freezing. Well on the brightside, the dramatic temperature changes have triggered my cymbidium to send up 2 more spikes
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[Dorsetman]

Now if it had been Matt asking the question (Opaline) the answer would have been simple - just move to SoCal...or at lest the plant, if its too far for you to commute .
More seriously its cold + wet which is the fatal combination. Keep it dry , bundle it in straw or newspapers and put a plastic bag over it. In the garage ? No problem, it won't need light if it is too cold to grow - I take it you don't expect these conditions to last very long !

[opaline]

Now if it had been Matt asking the question (Opaline) the answer would have been simple - just move to SoCal...or at lest the plant, if its too far for you to commute .
More seriously its cold + wet which is the fatal combination. Keep it dry , bundle it in straw or newspapers and put a plastic bag over it. In the garage ? No problem, it won't need light if it is too cold to grow - I take it you don't expect these conditions to last very long !

Definetly a good and simple answer Geoff. Off to Cali!!!!!!but not yet. my pension not quite matured enough. Have done 25yr, just another 30 odd to go! Would rather tenerife though, my mortgage gone past halfway overthere, not such a painful thought!

[pk93]

Thank you Dorsetman! I hope this pattern doesnt last long; what i think is doing the most damage is the dramatic temperature change from day to night (days are usually around 75º f).. Just checked the weather and its going to be in the mid 40º's during the nights this week so frost shouldn't be a problem, but who can really know >_<.
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[k_andreev]

i got the answer from your tread.for the new mounting catts,i'm going to move them in the green house and leave only 2 Vanda outside home but in the cover patio./kitty

[Jef09071984]

like in the Philippines,,, today it will be sunny, tomorrow will be rainy etc etc it really affects the plant growth....

[Dorsetman]

We are used to variable weather in UK - in our geographical position off the edge of Europe, the weather changes from Atlantic ( mild, wet or at least , cloudy) to continental which in the winter means cold, dry ,bright , back and forth, too frequently . We had severe gales two days ago - 80 mph winds blowing up the English Channel ( which separates us from France) with over an inch- actually 30mm of rain in the morning, then yesterday was calm, no wind, no rain , and I was able to be out walking on the hills. Today, I have to carry all the plants decorating the house , into the greenhouse, because this is my last day at home for a time, and we have the ***** wind back again - bending my garden bamboos flat to the ground...I hope it drops before we sail !