Question
Hello Jim,

I live in Santa Cruz, CA, a coastal town that is often foggy with a mild climate. I have an oncidium and a phalaenopsis, and was wondering if I could grow them outdoors? I heard orchids like the fog, but I don't know if it's too cold for them in Northen California (temp is average 80-55 degrees F).

Thank you!
Mary

Answer
Hi Mary,

I would not grow either the oncidium or phalaenopsis outdoors in Santa Cruz.  The oncidium would be marginal outdoors but the phalaenopsis would probably not survive over the winter.  While both could be grown outdoors from mid spring through mid fall in Santa Cruz, you can have occasional temperatures below 50 in winter which can be fatal for phals.  

By the way, I'm over the hill from you in San Jose.  My grandkids love going to the beach in Santa Cruz and Capitola.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.