diurnal variations

[remo]

I'm wondering what the diurnal variations should be for cattleyas, phals & oncidiums? Keeping my greenhouse at 62 at night then 78 thruout the day. What do you guys think?
Remo

[catttan]

I live almost on the Equator where the diurnal range varies between 6 -8 F and rarely 10 F. I find that cattelyas do very well except the large pink/lavenders which prefer the cooler season at the end and beginning of the year(winter?) to bloom. Even during the cooler season the diurnal range remains the same. The same goes for phals - the pinks preferring cooler conditions rather than a big diurnal range.

Remember I live at the Equator where we can grow 24/7 outdoors. Some people here I talked to,say that your growing conditions seem to be ideal for all the orchids you mentioned and wished we could replicate it and that then we would be able to bloom some of our highland paphs.

[remo]

Thanks, Yew.
I've always heard that a pretty wide temperature swing was ideal, especially to initiate a bloom. Well, this is a new system for me so I guess we will know soon.
Thanks again, Remo.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

A difference of + - ten degrees should be enough in most cases. Some of the orchids that need a serious cool down might require more, but your range seems more that adequate. Good luck Remo!

Cheers,
BD

[remo]

Thanks, Bruce. I'll let you all know how it works out.
Remo