Night temperature change needed to bloom catts?

[Austinerd]

Hello All,
I have read that some if not most catts require a temperature drop of 10-15 degrees (I think this is correct) temperature drop in order to induce flowering.
I have the following:

Slc. Hsin Buu Lady 'Y.T.'
Blc. Haw Yuan Beaty 'Hong'
A NOID which I suspect to be another small Blc.

These are all fairly small plants. I live in central Texas (Austin), and lately the night time lows have been in the 50s and 60s....although we do get cold snaps that push the temps down below 50 at night. What I'm wondering if it would be helpful (or harmful) to move these three little plants outside (I have a sheltered spot on my balcony) at night as long as it doesn't get too cold. Would this help induce flowering? During the day they get plenty of light and humidity under my CFL setup.

Thanks in advance for any advice on this!
Dan

[Virgil]

I think you are good on temp. change and if they are getting enough light you should look forward to getting blooms, some catts bloom at different times of the year. so be patient and good growing

[Austinerd]

Ok thanks Virgil! I will try putting them out at night...and hopefully not forget them out there in the morning!
Thanks
Dan

[Don Perusse]

Hi Dan. I think a temp. difference is good for cats. BUT as a general rule they should not go below 50. The 50-60 range at night would be good. I live in SW Ga. and my G/H has gone down to 46-48 with not damage to my orchids. I don't like that as I try to keep above 50. Good luck with yours but the can bloom just about anytime during the year.

[Austinerd]

Thanks Don! Should I be concerned if the humidity is below 50% when I put them outside (provided it does not get below 50 degrees)?
Thanks

[thumperinflorida]

I agree that there are many of my specie and primary hybrids that really enjoy the dip in temp. I seem to get a better bloom and a bigger harvest on the next cycle when we have some solid colder temps here in south florida.

Many Catts and Laelias hail from areas in the south americas that have pretty drastic changes in daytime to nighttime temps.

[Don Perusse]

I wouldn't worry about the humidity so much at this time of the year. Tho you could just mist the down if you are inclined to. It is more important during the growing season to keep humidity up.

[Becky15349]

Good post!! I've always wondered about this - and its a great relief to hear that these silly catts can bloom just about anytime of the year! I have some that are putting out new growths right now, but was afraid that those would not bloom...but maybe they will...I sure hope so!

[Don Perusse]

Becky - That's what you want. New growth, turns into a new pseudobulb, put out a sheath, then buds, then WOW! blooms.

[thumperinflorida]

Plants in general - With colder weather growth slows down. Orchids and just about any other plant goes into a semi-sleep. They just don't require the moisture that you pour on them during warm/hot weather.
Adding water and or lots of humidity is a rot just waiting to happen.