Cold temps for Cattleyas?
 

Hi all,

So I have a collection of mainly cattleyas, some phalaenopsis and a previously abused Miltassia that may very well be my favorite plant.

Well, here in Houston we're enjoying the benefits of a large cold front. Mainly, a ridiculous amount of rain and massive temperature drop (it was in the low 90's this morning, temp is currently at 57). 57 is the estimated nighttime low. I actually have every intention of leaving my windows down with fans going to help compensate for my slightly painful electric bills from the summer. I have my orchids on a shelving unit mainly covered in shadecloth on my balcony, but most of the cattleyas are on top with no protection. I live on the second floor and the walls of my balcony are slatted so I get a fair bit of windflow through my plants.

I'm wondering whether I need to bring my plants inside. I was beginning to prepare for this possibility, but hadn't gotten there yet. Thankfully the lovely (sarcasm) weather caught me off-guard. It would be possible, but not easy. I'm also wondering if maybe I'm just being over-protective, in case the cooler temps would be beneficial. Any thoughts?

Just watch the plant. It may be genetically able to tolerate the cold and eventually adjust.

57 degrees is no problem whatsoever for 99% of Cattleyas and a very minor problem for the other 1%. Many northern greenhouses in which Cattleyas flourish run a nighttime temperature of 55 degrees year round.

Carl

Thanks!

Yea, I was still overprotective and moved them just inside. It was windy, wet and cold... which I didn't like. I was also concerned that they didn't get a gradual cool-down (Yesterday night it was 79 degreees). So I just moved them inside the glass screen door. The door was open, so they got significantly cooler but were still protected from the wet wind. :)

Hello Wtamuboi

I live in houston off and on and know the weather you are talking about.I hate Houston in the winter its unreal how cold 40 to 50 can be when its soggy wet and raining.
I would keep them inside if I were you the ocassional frost does hit there and do some damage but you still have months before its that cold there.

I find that waiting too long to bring in any plants from outside will cause shock if you wait untill the heating has already been turned on for the season.I Think its best to get them in before that usually when inside and outside are fairly close temp wise.