Question
I have my Cyms, dens, reed stemed catts (epicatts) and catts all outside on a table.  With the current weather being as it is they all appear to be happy.  The dens and cyms are growing new "shoots" the Cyms from the bulb, the dens from the side of the "cane".  I am still watering them every 2 days or so and feeding everyother week.  This goes for the catts too.  They live outside also, but they are babies (maybe a year old, never have bloomed). When will there winter start?  I understand at that point I am suppose to slow down watering to every other week?  I plan on them living outdoors, what do you think their survival rate will be?  I can put them under an eave when it begins to rain, but do I have to bring them in?  

Thank you so much for your help
Pam

Answer
Hi Pam,

Glad to hear all your orchids are growing well and producing new growths.  As for their winter season, it is the same for you and me.  Orchids are pretty adaptable and will adapt to the seasons where they are being grown, although it can take a year or so for them to do this if they are moved from the southern to northern hemisphere or vice versa.  

Depending upon where in No. Cal. you live, winter temperatures may dip into the 40's and lower.  The cyms can easily withstand temperatures down into the mid 30's but the others won't like it that cold and should be moved indoors (if possible) once night temperatures dip below 50 F, especially the baby catts (exception would be any with an SLC before the name of the catt).  You mention phals in the subject line, are those being grown indoors all year round?  While phals can benefit from being outdoors during summer, they do not like temperatures below 55 F.

Winter watering, as you noted, can and should be less frequent.  Depending upon what type of dens you have, this can be from keeping them barely moist to little or no water in winter (evergreen kept barely moist, deciduous kept dry).  The cyms, catts and epicatts should be kept barely moist in winter.  

Hope this answered your questions.  If you have other questions or questions about the above, write back and I'll try to answer them.  Good luck and good growing.

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.