Vivi's Orchid Corner

January 2005 - Volume 10, Issue 2

Protecting Your Orchids in Winter

Dear Orchid Friends:

Orchids require some special attention in winter even in South Florida. Our cold spells are shorter and not as severe as the rest of the country. Yet, our warm-growing orchids are not tolerant of those "cold" temperatures.

Orchids have optimal temperature ranges dependent upon the type, variety and species of orchids. Florida is home to many vandaceous type orchids, cattleyas, Epidendrums that enjoy sunshine and warm climates. Their system is shocked when the thermometer dips into the 40's (°F) at night. Orchids need protection to keep them healthy.

If your orchids generally are exposed to the outdoors, bring them close to your home, or on a covered porch. Consider placing them under a protective awning. Temperatures below 40°F can cause frost damage and may burn your plants. The cold may cause leaf discoloration, bud drop. Covering your orchids minimizes the risk of heat loss and helps to block the cold drying winds.

Water orchids well before the cold snap; water will give off some heat and protection to your plants. Winter is a time of relatively low humidity and the cold, clear nights may dry out your orchids to a greater degree. Winter is a time of slower growth and dormant periods for some orchids. Generally it is best to water and fertilize less during this time. Prepare your orchids for changes before the winter arrives.

Think twice about moving your orchids indoors in your home during the cold spells. The dry heat acts as a desiccant and your orchids may experience more problems as a result of the dry air. Bud blast is a major issue when orchids are placed inside the home. It may not be practical to move hundreds of orchids indoors. If you choose to move orchids inside for extended cold periods, consider placing them in a garage or in your bathroom. The garage will provide protection from the cold and frost, but it is not generally heated, thus, the orchids fair better. A bathroom provides humidity from the shower which will assist in keeping roots and plants more pliable. I used to bring my orchids into my home during cold spells. Over the years, I have had better luck bringing the orchids under my covered porch if temperatures are in the 40's versus bringing them in the home. For extended and extremely cold spells, the garage is my next best choice.

Each time a plant is moved, one runs the risk of damage; dropping the plant, hitting and breaking flower spikes, bud blast, and general trauma. If your orchids are not in the best of health, the moves and/or temperatures changes from cool to hot dry air may contribute to their poor health. Many orchids do not tolerate changes in location. When the cold period passes, monitor how quickly you introduce your orchids back into bright sunlight.

No, here in Florida we do not experience lengthy winters with 2 feet of snow, but our orchids are temperature sensitive and do require special care. Plan ahead now to develop a plan for your orchids during these winter months. Adequate preparation makes all the difference!

Until next time,

Vivi