Define Draught, its Advantages and Disadvantages on Orchids.

[Gurj]

Hi all, I have come across this numerous times. It's ambiguous, draught or draft? And how does it affect orchids? Please contribute to this topic.

[pavel]

My understanding is that "draught" is a variant of "draft". "Draught" is more typically used in the UK, whereas "draft" is more typical in the US. (Have no idea what spelling is typically used DownUnder or in other english speaking countries.)

[RedEcho]

Draft is beer were I come from. And although I do give my orchids a sip of beer from time to time, it is the movement of the air that is most important to keep fungus and mildew from starting on the plants.

[raybark]

...and when it comes to orchids, you want gently tumbling, buoyant air to prevent stagnation, aid in evaporation, and help prevent settling of pahthogens.

[Gurj]

So it seems to me that it can only be good for the orchids. Why is it mentioned on the instructions of a plant packet "Keep away from draughts"?

[pavel]

If you have an orchid in spike, suddenly being exposed to cold/chilly draughts of air can cause many types to abort buds. IME, phals are especially prone to bud blast under such circumstances.

[Gurj]

Okay!

[catttan]

Gurjeet, your cold English draught, especially in the winter can't be good for the orchids. I can still remember the times as a student when relaxing in the Common Room, another student coming in from the cold and we got the full blast of a cold draught from the open door. You bet the culprit got an earful from those in the room. One particular incident still remains fresh in my mind....On one particularly cold day the door was left open a wee bit too long, and soon, "Shut that b...dy door. The draught is shrivelling my........" and followed by another's "Be quick or there'll be nothing left of the little tiddler." Think of what it can do to your orchids.

Of course, we students were not averse to a draught or two at the local pub. Before Massey Ferguson draught animals , especially horses, were indispensable on the farms. Draughtsman do make work easier for the architects. Boats with shallow draught are easier to manoeuvre through the reefs. 'Draught ' is normally used in English English while the Americans use 'Draft'. Oh yes, the English do use draft.as in 'draft a letter' or what I used to welcome every month as student - a 'bank draft' from home.

A game of draughts, anyone?

[phraggy]

Well said cattan . A very well worded reply.

Ed

[Bumblebee]

Thank you Pavel. Is this why my phal dropped some flowers early on in full flowering? I have a fan going in the heat of the summer (now), and the air from the fan does make the spike of flowers move, not desperately, but very gently.