Question
Hi Jim!
Thank you for your reply previously.I have been misting my dendrobium and cymbidium orchids around 7:00 am and they are currently at the westside of the house since that is where the morning sun usually is. They do get some direct sunlight here and many have said to only put them where there is indirect sunlight. I have also been using 20-20-20 fertilizer diluted down to 1/8 tsp in a 32 oz spray bottle. I also water just the top layer once a week since it has been pretty cool lately.I live on the westside of Los Angeles where it has been pretty cool lately close to the mountains. The orchids are right next to my bedroom which has the heater on at night. Should I cover them when it gets to be 48 degrees at night or are they okay? During the summer it gets to be about 50 degrees at night. Additionally, where should the orchids be when it rains? The last rain they got pretty wet even under the eaves. What water should I use if we are getting a water purifier for indoors and water conditioner/softener for outdoors.

My phalaenopsis leaves are indoor by a southeast window without direct sunlight, yet the leaves look pretty thick and green. The leaves have also developed some cuts in them. I don't see any bugs or signs of rotting. I have been careful not to keep them in too much water, yet the bark may have dried out a bit. The flowers have been blooming, yet they do not look healthy. I also mist these in the early morning so they have time to dry out and fertilize with 20-20-20 about once a month. Should these be moved.

Thank you so much for your help. I really appreciate it.

Sincerely,
LJ


Answer
Hi LJ,

Got a note from the Allexperts web site that I had not responded to your questions.  Thought I had and sent it to you but, for some reason, it did not register on their log.  So here goes, I hope this one makes it to you.  

The dendrobiums can probably do well where you have them now as they do not require as much sunlight as most cymbidiums.  If night temperatures will drop much below 50 degrees, I'd suggest moving them indoors for a while until night temperatures warm up a bit.  Rains won't harm them unless day temperatures are cool or below 65.  

Most cyms can easily take temperatures down to freezing, the exception are those in spike or bloom and many of the miniature cyms.  These should be kept above 50 degrees if possible.  

The cuts on the phal leaves may be due to low humidity.  Do you have them atop a tray filled with pebbles and water?  If not, get a plastic tray and fill it with small pebbles and water, just make sure the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water.   

Other that the above, what you're doing sounds pretty good.  Keep up the good work!  

Jim