Is it more suitable to keep orchids indoors or outdoors in winter?
For many girls, the explanation of whether it is more suitable to keep orchids indoors or outdoors in winter is an interesting topic in the field of green plants and flowers. Let's find out together below.
Is it more suitable to keep orchids indoors or outdoors in winter?
If you are raising orchids in the north during winter, most orchids need to be moved indoors to survive the winter. In the Jiangnan region, however, they can overwinter outdoors. Among Chinese orchids, the most cold-resistant are Cymbidiums and Eulophias, with wild species able to withstand temperatures as low as -5 to -10 degrees Celsius. Some varieties of Eulophias can even tolerate temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, but potted orchids generally need to be moved indoors when the temperature drops to 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Orchids are warm-loving plants that dislike dry heat, prefer semi-shade, and enjoy a higher humidity and good ventilation. They have some tolerance to drought and cold. So, when winter comes, is it better to keep orchids indoors or outdoors?
Is it more suitable to keep orchids indoors or outdoors in winter?
Most orchid varieties in the Jiangnan region can overwinter outdoors. However, in the north, most varieties need to be moved to a low-temperature room when grown in pots.
So, at what temperature should orchids grown outdoors in the north be moved indoors for care?
Due to the differences in orchid varieties, their growth habits are also slightly different, and their adaptability to low temperatures varies.
The most cold-resistant Chinese orchids are Cymbidiums and Eulophias, which can usually tolerate temperatures as low as -5 to -10 degrees Celsius in the wild. Some varieties of Eulophias can even withstand temperatures as low as -15 degrees Celsius, such as the Hongxiangfei Eulophia in the Qinling area.
However, when potted, orchids do not have the protection of leaves and weeds found in the mountains. With less soil in the pot and being elevated above the ground, this significantly reduces the cold resistance of the orchid roots.
For potted Cymbidiums and Eulophias, it is necessary to move them indoors for care when the minimum outdoor temperature reaches 0 to 5 degrees Celsius.
Among orchids, Mo orchids have the lowest cold resistance, with wild Mo orchids able to tolerate brief temperatures of 0 to -2 degrees Celsius. However, potted Mo orchids should be moved indoors when the temperature drops to around 10 degrees Celsius.
Jian orchids and Han orchids can usually tolerate short periods of temperatures around 0 to 2 degrees Celsius in the wild. When potted, they should be moved indoors when the temperature is above 5 degrees Celsius.
Chunjian and Lianban orchids can tolerate temperatures as low as -4 to -5 degrees Celsius in the wild, but potted plants should be moved indoors when the temperature is above zero (at least 2 to 5 degrees Celsius).
In summary: due to the differences in types and origins of orchids, their cold resistance varies slightly. However, for most orchid varieties, the temperature during overwintering can generally be controlled at around 5 to 10 degrees Celsius, while Jian orchids and Mo orchids can be controlled between 10 to 15 degrees Celsius.
Winter orchid cultivation methods and precautions
For home cultivation of orchids, good ventilation is essential during the growing season. According to proper care requirements, indoor cultivation of orchids in winter also requires a certain amount of ventilation.
However, due to the low outdoor temperatures in the north during winter, it is not suitable to ventilate the orchid plants for extended periods. It's actually fine if there is no ventilation, but some other conditions need to be met.
Practice has shown that when placing orchids in a large indoor space in winter, as long as the indoor temperature does not exceed 10 degrees, does not overwater, and maintains the planting material moist, it is not a big problem even if there is no opportunity for ventilation for a month.
However, during winter care, it is still preferable to choose a warm, windless noon to open the windows and ventilate the orchids, which is beneficial.
The above are some tips for whether it is more suitable to keep orchids indoors or outdoors in winter, hoping to be helpful to you in life!