Question
I inherited over 50 plants all ranging from orchid from the orient and over 30-50 years old, which was her hobby.  She keep them outside in San Diego, but I live in Brentwood, CA, northern.  I have created an area much like hers, here, but I have this one plent that bud up, and the buds turn yellow, shrink up and fall off.  And Ideas.   So, far, they have been here for 2 years.  I haven't lost any and half a blooming and budding up.

Answer
Hello Julie,

I apologize for being late to respond to your questions, had taken a few days of R&R with my wife after the holidays.  

Living in Brentwood and so close to the Delta, the weather should be good for growing many different orchids without too much trouble either indoors or outdoors depending upon what kinds of orchids they are.  

Are there names with the orchids?  Knowing the names would help in determining whether they can be grown outdoors or are primarily indoor orchids.  Here are some of the more popular orchids being grown by many in N. Cal.: cymbidiums are best grown outdoors, cattleyas grown outdoors when temperatures are above 55F, phalaenopsis grown indoors all year round, dendrobiums grown outdoors above 50F.  

If you can write back with the names of the different types of orchids you inherited, I could offer more information.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.