Can I grow orchids in trees in Austin, TX?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Dewberry

I live in Austin, TX. I’d like to try to grow orchids in trees outside. Austin is in zone 8b, and I think it’s been many years since we got a temperature below 17 degrees.

I know that’s pushing it for an orchid. We also have hot summers.

Do you know of any orchids that could survive in an Austin tree? Do you have any tips for making it work?

Sadly no, there are none that will make it through the winter here! This coming weekend's cold temps will give a lot of natives a run for their money.

The only way to make it work would be to have them on a tree with some type of heated cover for cold temps like we're about to have. You'd also have to water it several times per day during summer!

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Sadly no, there are none that will make it through the winter here! This coming weekend's cold temps will give a lot of natives a run for their money....

Yikes!

How cold will it get away from the city center?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Yikes!

How cold will it get away from the city center?

Shoot, our local forecasters are estimating temps will be a good 5-10 degrees colder than that. Subtract another 5 degrees just west of town and probably the same north of town. Counties east and south are usually a bit warmer.