Florida orchid growers, are you experiencing a cold front, again? - Orchid Board

peeweelovesbooks · #1 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 12:14 AM

It's going to go down to the 40's this week here in Miami, and I finally broke down and dragged my huge vanda and all of my other orchids inside the house. The vanda lost a couple of leaves during our last cold front, so I felt compelled to bring everything inside. It's now laying flat on my dining room table (and the roots take up most of it). Sigh.

Anyone else experiencing a cold front?

I need to move so I can build a greenhouse.

Junebug · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 06:56 AM

Peewee,

Hang in there. We probably won't be out of the woods until mid April. It's true that this year's temperatures have frequently fluctuated, but it's not the norm. I haven't worn jackets or coats for a long time, but every once in a while we have cooler than average temps.

The coldest Central Florida winter I can remember was in the early 80's. I turned on the sprinklers and iced the yard for my children's entertainment. As a result, we had thick ice and ice cicles for about 3 days and the kids had a blast.

Florida residents have it lucky compared to our northern neighbors. During our cold spells it's the plants that suffer the most. Don't pack your bags just yet. Be patient and continue bringing your plants indoors when the thermometer dips into the danger zone. Just think of it as a form of exercise and think how fit we'll be when spring arrives.

This time next year we'll probably have our air conditioners turned on.

Zozzl · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 08:09 AM

Yep. I thought it was going to warm up here in Orlando but I had to start hauling seedlings inside last night. Supposed to be in the 30s for the next 2 nights. I wish it would make up it's mind, mother nature that it

Pat

cb977 · #4 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 09:53 AM

Low 40s last night and a freeze watch till tomorrow morning here! Looking at 32 for the early-morning temp tomorrow

:

Our friend Laura says her grandfather, who was a farmer here his whole life, always said Florida has the chance to freeze up until Easter. After that, we're in the clear

Spent the last 3 days moving plants back into the room

Can't wait for that nonsense to stop

Lorraine · #5 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 10:19 AM

Enough of this cold stuff!!!

It's the wind that I can't stand. I'm sure everyone of us will welcome warmer days and no white fluffy stuff. I wish I had a warm basement to do some repotting. If you are planning a vacation to South Florida bring your longjohns

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 10:26 AM

I was very happy to see the winds calming down here...they were scary awesome yesterday!

JennS · #7 (**permalink**) 03-02-2009, 03:38 PM

I am not very happy about this cold either, but it isn't as bad as most of the rest of the US or other countries are experiencing right now. I had to move all the vandas and everyone in spike or in bloom inside last night. Got a small jungle now! I just covered the rest with sheets and towels.

The part that really bugs me is that I always lose a vanda spike when I have to keep moving them in and out. Last time it was my V. merilli x V. Gordon Dillion "Lea" that would have smelled like root beer, but I lost it! Sigh! Other than that, we have it pretty good here.

Sandy4453 · #8 (**permalink**) 03-03-2009, 08:28 AM

I can't believe I took all my orchids in again yesterday. I swore, "no more" the last time. I know I'll be glad I did but right now, it's a jungle in the house and I'm exhausted. They always seem to get their way with me.