Question
Dear Mr. Kawasaki,

I recently moved from WA to TX and in route encountered below freezing temps in the evenings.  I was carrying my orchids in van behind the moving truck.  The leaves on all of them turned dark green and mushy.  Part of the leaves were still strong.  I cut off the mushy leaves and left the strong ones alone and am watering all of them.  I have them all in good light and warm, humid environment.  Can they be saved?  I have 3 different types, but lost the cards with the names of them.  Any information will be appreciated.  I will do whatever needs to be done if they can be saved.

Thank you for your help....
Angel

Answer
Hello Angel,

Sorry to hear about the mishap during your move.  If there are still some live leafs on them, it may be possible to save them with some tender care.  I would caution you about watering them too frequently, you don't want to end up with dead rotten roots too.  Allow the potting media to become almost dry before watering again.  If possible, keep them between 65F to 85F, humidity above 50% with some light air movement around them.  

As day temperatures warm up, you might consider repotting them so you can get a better look at their condition along with the roots.  If there are bulbs and they feel a little soft or mushy, they will soon be dead and rotten.  Also, some of the healthy looking leafs may show delayed freeze damage, at times it can take several weeks for it to show up, especially on newer growths.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.