What exactly does "cool intermediate" means in cultivation outside of natural habitat

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

i have also let the tag labels give me base line. i wont buy a C/I orchid, unless is have a spot for it inside or in a tank, they will die outside here in a year or two. That does not mean all intermediate growers will make it here by any stretch but i know to "keep it moving" when i see that 'cold' designation.

This reminds me of a Sobralia xantholeuca that I ordered from a vendor that we know and love, delivered to me at a show... It is in the same group as Sob macratha, grows well in my (sometimes chilly) back yard. I was surprised to see that the tag said "I", was expecting "C/I" ... I asked the vendor, is there something about this plant that I should know? I plan to grow it outdoors. The vendor's comment... "If I put a "C" on the tag I can't sell them in Florida" ... That's when I learned that "I" means "Inquire" ... it could be truly Intermediate (night temps not below 50 deg F/10 deg C), it could be a relatively new acquisition (many orchids can grow under those intermediate conditions, a good place to start while learning what the plant will actually tolerate) or it could mean that the vendor just wants to be able to sell these in a warmer climate - which the plant can also tolerate.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Roberta

This reminds me of a Sobralia xantholeuca that I ordered from a vendor that we know and love, delivered to me at a show... It is in the same group as Sob macratha, grows well in my (sometimes chilly) back yard. I was surprised to see that the tag said "I", was expecting "C/I" ... I asked the vendor, is there something about this plant that I should know? I plan to grow it outdoors. The vendor's comment... "If I put a "C" on the tag I can't sell them in Florida" ... That's when I learned that "I" means "Inquire" ... it could be truly Intermediate (night temps not below 50 deg F/10 deg C), it could be a relatively new acquisition (many orchids can grow under those intermediate conditions, a good place to start while learning what the plant will actually tolerate) or it could mean that the vendor just wants to be able to sell these in a warmer climate - which the plant can also tolerate.

Slightly off topic. Roberta, I've been meaning to inquire how this recent weather anomaly has affected your outdoor plants? Snow is very unusual there. My being from the Central Valley, I'm familiar.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dusty Ol' Man

Slightly off topic. Roberta, I've been meaning to inquire how this recent weather anomaly has affected your outdoor plants? Snow is very unusual there. My being from the Central Valley, I'm familiar.

Thanks for asking. Actually, no problems at all. Fortunately, I escaped the really serious cold - the coldest it got was 38 or 39 deg F. (I live near the coast, at low elevation, but enough inland and high enough to not be worried about flooding.)They actually seem to have enjoyed all the rain. Blooming running a month or two late on quite a few things because of the colder-than-usual and darker-than-usual days. but lots of buds now.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Thanks for asking. Actually, no problems at all. Fortunately, I escaped the really serious cold - the coldest it got was 38 or 39 deg F. (I live near the coast, at low elevation, but enough inland and high enough to not be worried about flooding.)They actually seem to have enjoyed all the rain. Blooming running a month or two late on quite a few things because of the colder-than-usual and darker-than-usual days. but lots of buds now.

I saw news of snow in LA and have been concerned for all our SOCAL members. Thanks for the update.