How Much Overnight Cold Can Phalenopsis Orchids Withstand?

Phalaenopsis orchids are the most tender of commonly grown orchids, with their large, ornate blooms requiring warm temperatures. They are classified as “Warm Orchids”, meaning they prefer warm temperatures and detest cold. Phalaenopsis orchids enjoy daytime temperatures of 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C), with a slight dip at night. To maintain this tropical balance, they need high humidity levels and a temperature that doesn’t get too cold at night or too hot during the day.

Phalaenopsis orchids require nighttime temperatures between 55-60ºF to induce the formation of a flowering spike. They also need to be away from both hot and cold drafts. The optimal temperature for Phalaenopsis orchids is between 21 and 29 degrees Celsius during the day and 16 to 21 degrees Celsius at night. High humidity levels between 50 and 100 are essential for their growth.

Dendrobiums, like Phalaenopsis, are stimulated to bloom with sharp drops of temperature into the 50s at night, especially when the temperature can be induced to climb. Phals can comfortably go to around 55 Fahrenheit overnight, though window sills can be colder than the actual room temperature. They thrive when daytime temperatures range between 65 and 80 degrees F. and nighttime temperatures drop slightly to between 60 and 70 degrees F. Phalaenopsis don’t like the temperature to drop below 60 degrees, and temperatures below 55 can cause damage.

What temp do orchids need to come inside?

Temperature is generally safe for indoor orchid cultivation in climate-controlled homes. However, older homes and high-rises with large windows may experience temperature swings. It’s important to know your space and avoid growing orchids that can’t handle these temperature swings. Cool-loving orchids may not thrive in hot rooms. To address this, consider using a cold case or growing in a humid basement, as these areas are underrated for orchid cultivation.

Can you leave orchids outside overnight?

Phalaenopsis orchids are highly sensitive to light, water, temperature, humidity, and drafts. To care for them outdoors, it’s essential to monitor the weather and take necessary precautions. Keep your orchid indoors at night, during storms, and extreme heat, and inspect it daily for signs of disease or insect invasion. Place your orchid in a location that won’t be exposed to drafts or debris, and shield it from rain to prevent root rot. Choosing the right spot for your orchid outdoors should consider these elements to ensure its health and longevity.

At what temperature should orchids be brought inside?

When placing Cymbidiums outdoors, ensure they are placed at 40F/4. 4C or higher consistently. For other plants, wait until nighttime lows are 55F/12. 7C or higher. In the fall, start bringing all plants indoors or in greenhouses when the nighttime low reaches 55F/12. 7C for the first time. Be more cautious in the fall as frost damage can be irreversible and potentially kill the plant.

Temperature is generally not an indoor concern for climate-controlled homes, but older homes may experience temperature swings from day to night and season to season. Living in high-rises with large windows may also experience temperature flux indoors. Don’t grow orchids that can’t handle temperature swings, as rooms tend to get too hot. Consider using a cold case or growing in a humid basement for optimal conditions.

What happens if an orchid gets too cold?

The text discusses the experiences of orchid owners who have experienced a “culture shock” due to exposure to near freezing conditions. The orchid, which arrived from California by air, experienced dropping flowers and yellowing leaves within a few days. There are two viable options: contact the orchid grower and explain the situation, hoping to receive a free replacement orchid, or try to nurse the orchid back to health.

The good news is that the temperature was above the critical 32 degree point, so the plant should not have been actually frozen. If the pseudobulbs are still intact, it may begin a new leaf growth soon, and years later, the orchid may return with a vengeance. Many stories of orchids being “given up for dead” by their owners only to gloriously re-bloom at a later date.

The text also discusses the issue with a baby Phalaenopsis, which has purple markings in its leaves. This is due to the unique pigmentation in the foliage of many purple flowered hybrids, with the newest, most tender leaf showing the beautiful markings while older leaves tend to fade to solid green.

The text also discusses the problem with Oncidiums, which are suffering from a fungal condition manifesting itself in the plant’s most vulnerable area – tender new leaves. Poor culture is the cause, and poor culture can be reversed easily and turned into good culture, eliminating the fungal condition. To do this, start by watering only on sunny mornings, keeping the plants away from cold windows, and spreading out the orchids so that air moves freely around the leaves. Some growers even sprinkle cinnamon on the infected areas to help dry things out.

How cold can orchids get at night?

Orchids typically thrive in temperatures between 50° and 80° F (10° to 27° C), but occasional periods above 100° F or even in the 30s (0 C) can be harmless as long as no frost forms on the leaves. Cold injury, chill injury, and freeze injury are all types of damage caused by temperatures above and below freezing. Symptoms usually appear days after exposure to low temperatures, with the rate of development depending on the severity of the exposure and the conditions in the growing environment.

The post-exposure environment affects the degree of injury and symptom development, with the importance of post-stress handling varying with the severity of cold stress. Overall, proper post-stress handling can significantly influence the damage to plants exposed to extreme temperatures.

How cold is too cold for phalaenopsis orchids?

Phaenopsis and cattlyea orchids prefer temperatures below 60 degrees, while dendrobiums and oncidiums can tolerate temperatures below 60. Damage from chilling is variable and doesn’t always show up immediately. Chilling is a stress, similar to root rot or drought, making orchids more susceptible to insect and disease problems. Diseases and bacteria are more flexible about temperatures and are never fully dormant in these conditions. Some species are always killed by a chill, while others tolerate it fairly well.

Can orchids go 10 days without water?

Orchids are a beautiful and rewarding plant to grow, but they should not be left without water for more than 3 weeks. Regular watering is recommended, with 1-2 watering sessions every 7-10 days, depending on the weather and light conditions. Orchids can be complemented with air-purifying plants like the Rubber Tree, Areca Palm, and Coconut Palm, which will contrast beautifully with the colorful blooms of Orchidaceae varieties. Taking good care of your orchids, watering them regularly, and meeting their variety-specific light requirements will ensure their aromatic blossoms last for months.

What is the most cold tolerant orchid?

Neofinetia Vanda, also known as Neofinetia falcata, is a vandaceous orchid that exhibits cold tolerance and can withstand temperatures in the lower 40s. However, prolonged exposure to low temperatures can result in leaf drop, which may negatively impact the plant’s aesthetic appeal, giving it a palm tree-like appearance.

How do you protect orchids from the cold?

To ensure optimal orchid growth, avoid placing your orchid too close to the window, as a thin curtain can provide insulation. Open the curtain during the day and close it at night. If growing outdoors year-round, cover your orchids with a frost cloth or blanket if cold temperatures are forecasted. Mulch around your bedded orchids. For winter-care tips, refer to this post for more information on preparing your orchids for reblooming.

Are orchids sensitive to temperature?

Growing orchids indoors is a challenge, as they can be exposed to cool temperatures. Some warm-growing dendrobiums may drop their leaves if temperatures drop below 65° F/15. 5° C. To protect your orchids from cold, dry them off in the morning, water them in the morning, and wait until spring to fertilize if they go dormant. Temporarily enclosing them with plastic sheets, bedsheets, or freeze cloth can create a warmer microclimate. Move the orchids to a warmer location, and use incandescent Christmas lights and seed mats to slightly raise the temperature.

Greenhouses are an ideal method for regulating temperatures, with heaters, coolers, waterproof thermostats, shade clothes, ventilators, and partitions between warmer and cooler areas. These measures help ensure your orchids receive the ideal temperatures for optimal growth and health.

At what temperature do I need to bring my orchids inside?

Most orchid species require a 10-15 degree drop in nighttime temperature, ideally 55-65°F, and seasonal variations in temperature to bloom. To ensure flowering, it is essential to maintain cooler temperatures for part of the year, which happens naturally in the fall. Common issues of orchids indoors can be caused by environmental problems, insects, or diseases, so it is crucial to address these issues when growing orchids.