How Cold is Too Cold

[Molly Taco]

I have been growing my orchids outside for 9 years, we only bring them inside when the temps are going to be below 40 deg F. but my orchids (Dens,Phals,Catts and Schombs) that are on the trees obviously can't come in. We have had temps as low as 31 and they have not suffered any ill effects except occasional bud drop. These temps don't last long usually no more than 2-3 hours. So my question is how cold is too cold or is it the length of the cold snap that does the damage?
Cin

[Tednz]

I would say as long as they are dry it shouldn't cause any problems.I could live with those temp ranges.My shadehouse went down to 24 last winter.
Tednz

[Cjcorner]

It's the cold wind and wet roots that does most of the damage I'm told. They can handle short cold snaps as long as you prevent most of the cold drafts from getting to them. Also; run them dry during cold snaps to help save roots. But, there too, once below 40-45 you are rotting roots even if they are dry. I'm told by a local nursery that they can keep the air temps up some if they wet the cement floors during cold snaps. Something about the moisture in the air keeps the temps from being so cold.
I've lost lots by that route. Is there some special penance for killing orchids I should be doing yet?? lol
Connie

[JoeW]

Wow, nine years. That is really nice. Joe

[mycologist]

Unless it is fairly windy, the temperature near the bark of a tree is usually much greater than the surrounding air.