Can Orchids Survive A Cold Climate?

Orchids require cold weather protection, with temperatures between 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C) being ideal. However, occasional brief periods of temperatures above 100°F (38°C) or drops into the 30s (0°C) will not harm most orchids as long as no frost forms on the leaves.

Orchids can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C), but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 60°F is not recommended. Cold hardiness, the measure of an orchid’s resistance to or ability to adjust to cold stress, should be considered when caring for your orchids in winter. Some orchids like Miltonia or Miltonia can be affected by cold damage, which occurs when water on the leaves freezes.

All orchids tolerate cold best when they have proper nutrition, avoiding too much nitrogen that might stimulate too soft growth. No phalaenopsis has temperature tolerance below 5°C, so if you can patch up some draughts, you might be able to grow them. Dendrocoryne dendrobiums and cymbidiums are the most cold-tolerant orchids that can grow in summer heat, accepting temperatures down into the 30°s.

Cattlyea orchids can tolerate temperatures below 55, while dendrobiums are okay until it goes below 60. Oncidiums have a cut-off at 55, and Vandas can tolerate brief excursions into the upper 40s but are best kept above 50 degrees. Temperatures below 50 for very long or very often will produce the most damage.

In summary, orchids require cold weather protection, and understanding their cold tolerance is crucial for their health and growth.

How to protect outdoor orchids from the cold?

Insulating wraps and plastic coverings can protect bedding plants like Epidendrums, Arandas, and Mokaras from freezing temperatures. Once the weather warms up, remove the extra mulch. If orchids are damaged, allow them to dry and keep them in a humid environment away from direct sun and high temperatures. Watering may resume after new growth sprouts, followed by a light fertilizer. Winter chills can also help induce or enhance bud initiation and flowering, so it’s important to consider the benefits of occasional winter chills.

How do you keep orchids alive in the winter?

Orchids prefer warm, dry temperatures during winter months, so keep them warm but not too hot. Find a space in your home where your orchid is not directly above a radiator but still close enough to enjoy residual heat. Avoid drafty areas to maintain temperature.

To increase humidity, create a “humidity tray” by filling a shallow bowl or saucer with pebbles or stones and placing your orchid on top. Fill the tray with water, ensuring it doesn’t reach the bottom of the pot. This method humidifies the air around the plant, mimicking the natural tropical environment.

To ensure orchids receive enough light, place them in the sunniest room with the most windows, avoiding window sills that would expose them to too much direct light. Choose an east-facing window for optimal lighting. Remember to avoid drafty areas and ensure your orchid receives enough light to thrive.

How do you save an orchid that got too cold?

In the event that your orchids have sustained damage as a result of exposure to low temperatures, it would be erroneous to assume that they have perished. It is recommended that the medium be allowed to dry and that the plants be maintained in a humid environment away from direct sunlight and high temperatures. It is recommended that the plant be watered only until new growth emerges, after which plain water and a light fertilizer should be used. In some cases, winter chills may facilitate bud initiation and flowering, so it is erroneous to assume that the plants are dead.

What orchids can survive winter?

Orchids thrive in temperatures between 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C), but occasional temperatures above 100° F or drops into the 30s (0 C) aren’t harmful as long as no frost forms on the leaves. Cold hardiness, the orchid’s resistance to or ability to adjust to cold stress, should be considered when caring for them in winter. Some species, like Miltonia or Masdevallia, don’t mind temperatures dropping into the 40s at night. Many Cymbidium species are naturally occurring at higher altitudes that frost at night, allowing them to take a nighttime dip around the 30s without damage.

Cold hardiness is influenced by environmental conditions, plant health, and native environment. During winter, flowering orchids brighten windowsills, so moving plants away from windows or using bubble wrap as insulation is recommended.

How long do potted orchids live?

The lifespan of an orchid depends on various factors, including the type, environment, care, and watering. If properly cared for, orchids can bloom twice a year for 15-20 years, with phalaenopsis orchids typically lasting two to three months. After the initial bloom, the plants go into a resting phase, saving energy for the upcoming flowering season. Some common mistakes made by novice orchid growers include overlooking these details, which are part of the learning process. It’s important to be aware of these mistakes and take steps to ensure the longevity of your orchids.

Where is the best place to put an orchid in your house?

An optimal environment for an orchid is a bright room that is not in proximity to heating vents, radiators, or fireplaces. This is due to the alteration of temperature and the provision of an aesthetically pleasing location for growth.

How cold is too cold for orchids?

The occurrence of cold damage in orchids is contingent upon the temperature dropping below 30° F (0° C), which causes the water on the leaves to freeze. The symptoms of cold damage to orchids include the formation of pseudobulbs with a soft, brown appearance, blackened leaves, leaves that are brown and limp, and the development of brown or black pits. The aforementioned symptoms manifest on the subsequent day following exposure and become more apparent as the orchid warms. It is imperative to maintain an optimal temperature range for orchids.

When should you bring orchids inside?

To ensure orchids can initiate flower spikes, it is recommended to bring them indoors when outdoor temperatures drop below 50°F/10°C. Phalaenopsis and Cymbidiums, two types of orchids, require temperatures below 50°F for flower spikes. Providing proper winter temperatures will enable them to bloom later on. To learn the amount of cold an orchid can take and how much cold they need to rebloom, follow the guide provided.

What should you not do with an orchid?

Orchids are the largest and most diverse flowering plant family, with over 880 genera and 22, 000 species. They are typically tropical plants, living as epiphytes or “air plants” hanging on trees for support. Some are lithophytes or “rock plants” growing on or among rocks, while the remaining orchids are terrestrials growing in the loamy detritus of the jungle floor.

To give general guidelines on orchid care, there are only several dozen species widely produced and even fewer available at local nursery. Hybrids, created by crossing different species and genera, are often sold at nurseries, florists, hardware chain stores, and groceries. These hybrids have desirable characteristics such as color, fragrance, flower size, and ease of care, outperforming the challenges of pure orchid species. Today’s orchid hybrids are rewarding house plants to grow and relatively easy to care for if understanding their basic needs is taken.

What is the secret to keeping orchids alive?

Orchids require bright indirect lighting to thrive and rebloom, so they should be left alone. In the Plant PPL series, we interview people of color in the plant world. The Black Thumb, a superhero, discovered his power through tragedy, accident, and supreme effort. Terry Richardson and Chelsea Richardson, a physical therapist, and their wife, welcomed an orchid into their apartment but killed it due to ignorance and neglect.