Very Cold Winter Temperatures & Orchid Care

[@lenorepeloso2378]

I am so excited to see posts from all over the world who follow the Orchid Whisperer. How cool is that! An international family.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Awesome comment, Lenore! It is really exciting to see where everyone is from! :)

[@Bes8406]

Hi ! I am from Colorado, I have an orchid plant and a mini. I hope they survive. I am learning a lot from your chanel. Thank you for sharing all your insight really appreciate you. Thank you for your blessings and for sharing your beautiful blooms.

[@Susan-L193]

Thank you so much. So many people assume that if you live in Australia then the cold is not a problem but I live in the Northern Tablelands, New South Wales, at 1000 m. This is very helpful to me. 🙏❄Most of my life was lived in tropical and sub-tropical regions and learning cold climate gardening is quite the adventure.

[@ursuladove9773]

I love ❤ my orchids taking care of them and I have struggled keeping them happy this winter thank you for the humidity tip

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Happy to help!

[@ardyyorgey2969]

I just started listening to you. Very informative and easy to listen to, I will definitely listen to more of your videos. I loved the blessing you spoke at the end...totally tracking with you! :-)

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Welcome to my channel and thanks for the kind words! Blessings! Amy

[@granne6886]

I enjoy listening to your orchid tips but most of all, hearing proclaiming blessings at the end of your video. That’s very important thing of all! Speaking God’s blessings over you too.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you so much for your comment. Proclaiming the blessings are my favorite part of the videos. God bless you! 😇✝️

[@MFT-yz1pv]

Thank you for all your tips and for sharing your gorgeous orquids. They are absolutely incredible!. Blessings from Madrid, Spain

[@shirleyholt898]

It’s been bitter cold here in south west Ohio too. We have had lots of snow to go along with it also. I say everyday Lord I will be so happy for spring. It is a challenge for our orchids, but you definitely are right on with your advice. You surprised me mentioning my advice about using grow lights. They really do help a lot in winter. Thanks for sharing this great video. Shalom, and many blessings to you.🙏🏻🥀🥶

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Shirley! I think I need to do a Celebrate Spring video on the first day of Spring! I appreciated you sharing about grow lights...I've never used them. So when you answered that question in my comment section, it helped out quite a few growers, including me. Now I can pass the info along! Thank you and many blessings to you! :)

[@anneliu5355]

Your orchids are so beautiful! I am from China.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you so much, Anne!

[@swokatsamsiyu3590]

Thank you for your nice videos. I started growing orchids around 3 yrs ago after my beloved African Grey passed away. Your channel has been instrumental in improving on my caring skills although I always managed to keep them alive. So, here's a big thank you from Breda, North-Brabant in the Netherlands😄

[@lilylily9012]

Your orchids are beautiful.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you very much Lily! :)

[@andrewmonteiro4341]

Hello I really enjoyed this video I live in New york and I struggle with finding the right care for my orchids during the winter and this year I decided to try fertilizing with slow release fertilizer especially on all my phals and so far they seem very happy some of my orchids began growing new root tips already and some have new leaves and more blooms and I am not entirely sure if I should introduce them to a new fertilizing regimen yet I have calmag and kelp I even purchased the better gro fertilizer

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! If your orchids are doing well, which you are obviously taking really good care of them, then I wouldn't change anything. There are so many ways to fertilize, and it sounds like the slow release fertilizer works for you. If the slow release fertilizer contains calcium and magnesium, you don't need to use the CalMag. If it doesn't, then add the CalMag, and you'll see even better results. Calcium and magnsium are really important for keeping new growth strong. It sounds like you're doing a great job growing them, Andrew...if they're doing well, just keep supplying them with the same care. :) Happy growing!

[@lydiaperez3130]

All your orchids are just heaven so beautiful thank you for good advice for all of us God bless and I'm in Texas 30 miles to south of Dallas TX the weather over has been in 17 degrees and 25 degrees but finally some ice is melted tomorrow more l am just a beginner my daughter Deanna she started me on orchids and so blessed she now l have about 26 orchids I'm hook on them God created all the beautiful types of plant's to enjoy Blessing to you and family and information.😊

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks for your sweet comment, Lydia! I know Texas got hot hard with ice storms, and I'm glad to hear it's melting. I can hear your excitement about growing orchids...you are a kindred spirit! :) Many blessings to you and your family! Amy

[@sherlineomeallymunroe5791]

I have a vanda which is a sequential bloomer it's facing east in my garden. It's such a pleasure as always to watch your videos.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you so much, Sherline! :)

[@mahnli]

Dear Amy, I am so excited to share that my very first bloom opened up fully today! Now I understand why you get so excited, it's almost like a baby being born, 😄. I have no idea what kind of orchid it is, but after watching your videos, it is probably a Phal. Thank you for helping us always with orchid growing!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Melissa! Congratulations on that first bloom! :) I'm excited for you! Happy growing! Amy

[@shawnamuschamp8972]

Everthing is so Beautiful 😍

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks so much, Shawna! :)

[@katiewoodford9107]

We are in Michigan and it has been very cold! I, too, move my orchids back from the window on the coldest of days. I noticed today that the aerial roots of some of my orchids are getting tiny growing tips, though, so that’s a great sign that Spring is on the way! My most reliable bloomer is my oldest orchid, about 12 years old. It has bloomed faithfully every year, even though I didn’t start taking wonderful care of it until I found your channel four years ago. Thank you, Amy, for your extremely valuable teaching (and ministry 😊). Phal Legato is so stunning. 😍

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Always great hearing from you, Katie! Thanks for your awesome comment...many blessings to you and your family! :) Amy

[@miamianz]

I'm in Orlando fl, its gonna get in the 30s at night next week so I generally put them hanging on a shower rod over my bathtub let the steam do the job. this is of course when it's bittter cold below 50f.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

That's a really good idea!

[@lenorepeloso2378]

Thank you for the information. I always learn from your video’s. Here in Eastern Pennsylvania, in the foothills of the Appalachian Trail, we have had very cold weather this year and lots and lots of snow. I’m thinking to move my orchids and CC away from the windows now. I do bring down my honeycomb shades every night, but maybe move them more. Great video. Blessings to you and your orchids!

[@ll-qq9qr]

Hello from. Catskill NY! I use seedling mats under my orchids because my window sills are chilly. I spray my air roots every other day and I have inexpensive grow lights that just stick up on the top of the window sill ceiling (they weigh less than 1 lb and stick up with command picture hanging strips. Thank you for the prayer at the end your video. Blessings Lisa

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for sharing your clever growing tips! This is genius for cold weather growing! Blessings! Amy 💖

[@commodorezelda]

I've just started my orchid hobby. In Minnesota, we just had our first snow of the year yesterday (in October)! I'll definitely keep an eye on the humidity in my apartment, and I've already got some lights on timers.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Zo! It sounds like you're off to a great start! Welcome to my channel and happy growing! Amy 😇

[@karlandreasen]

Out here in Denver, Colorado my psychopsis mendenhall hildos never seems to not be in bloom. Plus the leaves are really cool.

[@joannweber4393]

Thank you for your information and blessings.. I am trying to help my orchids grow and bloom as they should down here in Florida!

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you for watching, JoAnn! :)

[@louisech1963]

I love your channel and the informations it contains. I live in Montréal Québec Canada where it is way colder then Tennessee

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thank you so much! :)

[@myherbsbythesea2240]

Hello. Greetings from Nova Scotia, Canada. I've just discovered your channel and find it very informative. We're having a relatively mild winter here (so far). I'm a beginning orchid grower and have a few Phalaenopsis that I've rescued that had no flowers and very few roots. It will be a fun journey to try and rejuvenate them and discover what colour flowers they have. Again, many thanks for your channel. I am thoroughly enjoying it. Regards, Ann

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Ann! Welcome to my channel! I wish you the best success with your Phalaenopsis orchids. Happy New Year! Amy

[@sharonholmes4444]

💚 You are so correct on moss drying out in low humidity 👌 I had no choice but to buy a much larger one. I love my "Elechomes humidifier" and would definitely recommend it especially for arid climates like mine. Thank you for the shout out on the Sharry Baby! I loved that! 🤞🤞🤞Crossing my fingers for spring to arrive real soon in all those frigid places. Spring is here I think. Suppose to be in the 70s here this weekend and full 🌝 🌞 sunshine. Blessings dear friend 🎋

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Sharon! We've had 2 sunny days now in a row! :) We're on a roll! lol! I need to buy a humidifier like yours...especially after this winter. These 2 small desktop models work really well, but not for this kind of cold. Your comments always make my day, and you're so helpful...so I wanted to do a shout out to let you know that I appreciate you. :) I'm so glad spring has arrived for you in AZ, hope it arrives here soon! Blessings! Amy

[@sharonholmes4444]

@@OrchidWhisperer You'll love this humidifier. You'll have time to get a power nap in, in that extra time you're not filling😂 Spring will soon arrive🤞btw...my Sharry Baby originated from Signal Mountain, TN. my paperwork reads.

[@MissyBlongs2God]

OMGoodness! You're from East Tennessee, too!?! I'm originally from Grainger County, Rutledge right outside Knoxville. Wow, you have some of the most beautiful orchids I've seen and I've seen many, I've sort of become obsessed w/them lately. LoL I have 25-30 other plants and have been told I have a green thumb, all of my friends bring their sick plants to me to nurse back to health, but just began growing orchids in the last couple of months. Anyways, sorry I'm rambling, I heard East TN and got excited! LoL Thank you for sharing your gorgeous orchids/plants and God bless you!! And, thank you for the blessing!😇

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! I'm so glad you shared that you're from East TN! :) You're going to love growing orchids...they're AWESOME! Thanks so much for watching and have a blessed day! Amy

[@TrishsOrchidLife]

I would love to tell you a reliable bloomer but as most of my collection I have not had long enough I cannot this year. Maybe next year though 😍. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and have a blessed day!

[@4chappels]

Hi Amy. We did end up with 2-3 inches of snow one evening this week. We built a snowman and Pixie ran around in the snow like a crazy dog. She loved it. I'm glad it's almost gone. ☺️☃️ I now have two Sharry Babies. One bloomed for me last year. The other one is getting a new section. My orchids are ready for spring. They all need to be repotted! Tammy in N AL 🙋‍♀️

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Tammy! I can just see little Pixie running around in the snow! My Buddy doesn't like snow. It clumps up in the fur on his paws and he doesn't like that at all. LOL! He's the first schnauzer I've ever had that doesn't like snow. And oh yes, I'll be repotting this spring....right along with you! :) Always good hearing from you, my friend! Amy :)

[@icy_icenhour]

Hello from my orchids in New York, NY! Many helpful tips here; thank you! We’re also in the market for a humidifier since it’s terribly dry here. My Sharry Baby is my pride and joy- I call her Big Momma! 😆 Such an easy grower, blooms 2-3 times per year, and to say it has a chocolate fragrance is so limiting! Truly, the most beautiful, complex floral scent! I purchased mine from Hausermann’s almost two Easters ago. You’ll fall in love!

[@thatplantguy93]

My phal elegant Karin ‘Aloha’ is one of my best growers. It’ll put out a huge branching flower spike that will stay in bloom for close to six months. Then, as soon as those blooms start to fade the spike and branches elongate and continue to bloom. While all of that is happening it’s still growing leaves and roots and more often than not it’ll even start growing another primary flower spike. It looks a lot like your phal brother pirate King, but has a deeper burgundy/wine color to the veining and the veins gradually turn to spots the closer they get to the lip. And to think it was a $12 Home Depot rescue with almost no leaves or roots. 🥰

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Wow, that sounds like one amazing orchid! Thanks for sharing...you got a great deal for $12!!! Happy growing in Montana! :)

[@kingjames4886]

very cold temperatures... here in tenasse!

[@dannisorchidjourney]

😩 Here in Ohio I’m so tired of the snow and cold. The older I get the more I dislike it. In the greenhouse I’ve had to put two heaters in it at night and put up bubble wrap. Your sunroom looks beautiful.

[@lilylily9012]

I'm in chicago, I'm with you. Had to move my mini orchids from my window sills.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks so much, Danni! I know you all have had a lot of snow. We missed it here this time, and it's just been really cold. Spring is in 29 days, so there's hope! :)

[@dannisorchidjourney]

@@lilylily9012 oh Chicago! I know it’s windy and cold there. Stay warm🥰

[@dannisorchidjourney]

@@OrchidWhisperer SPRING!! I’m counting them days down! Lol.

[@dankavargova7701]

Thank you soooo much, Amy.... I also had those beautiful mini purple phals....but unfortunately I lost them both..... I'm from Slovakia.... ❤️🔥🙌 Lord bless you too....

[@lenorepeloso2378]

Orchid Whisperer's from around the world. How cool is that!

[@cathyharston9632]

Hi Amy, love your sunroom. I'm here in SE Texas where the bad freezing is going on. It's been a struggle keeping my orchids comfortable. I think one of my cattleya's has a problem. One of the leaf's has a large dark spot. Kinda looks like a bruise. I'm not sure if I should cut it out or wait and see if it will get better. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Wish could send you a picture. Many blessings to you.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Cathy! I've seen pics of the freezing in your area. It's unbelievable. Is the spot on your Cattleya black? Does it look like cold damage? How much of the leaf is affected? Happy to help you. :)

[@cathyharston9632]

Amy, I got two baby cattleya's for Valentine's . Not sure if it got cold before I got it. But it's away from windows and my home is 70 to 71 degrees. I also have four Phalaenopsis that I'm keeping atop my refrigerator. It's warm and they like the humidity when I'm cooking or heating water to wash dishes. The black spot on cattleya is on one side of leaf in center about 1 1/2 inch in size. Since I started watching your videos I got the orchid bug really bad. I'm a plant lover anyway so now I have a new addition. Oh yea, I got a Thanksgiving cactus also. It's doing good. I have so much to learn and it's a good challenge.

[@woowooone]

I see that you have your phalaenopsis facing into the room vs facing the window. I love that idea, I'm just afraid that they won't take in as much sun. What are your thoughts?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

I'm facing the orchids this way so that the blooms will face the camera. They dont get less light this way. Happy growing! 😇

[@woowooone]

@@OrchidWhisperer thank you, so do you keep them that way all of the time or only when you record your videos? So sorry to keep asking you questions, I just want to make sure that I understand if you mean only while you are recording

[@OrchidWhisperer]

@@woowooone when they're in growth mode, I keep them pointing toward the windows. When they bloom, I point the blooms toward the room so I enjoy the blooms. I understand your question completely, I wondered about that when I first started growing too. Have a great day! 😇🌸

[@carmentraverzo972]

Hi Amy. I’m getting my sun room ready here in the Dallas, TX area and was wondering if you can share the specs of the space heater you use. Thank you for the blessing! I love your videos, they are so specific and simple to follow. I miss Rick L so much, have you heard of him? Have a blessed day and stay warm.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Carmen! I published a video last month with specifics about how I set up my sunroom, and I show and describe the space heater I use. It's a DeLonghi and you can see the model I use in the video. I think I bought it at Lowe's. Happy growing! :) Amy

[@lenorepeloso2378]

Do you have a recommendation for where to purchase orchids? Even online.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Lenore! I've never bought orchids online...I like to find them locally, at grocery stores and garden centers. You might try a Google search...type "how to find orchids in my area".

[@lenorepeloso2378]

@@OrchidWhisperer ok thank you!

[@zuzanagucka8779]

Hello Amy! I'm from middle Europe- Slovakia. I would like to ask you about your vanda orchids - where they dissapeared? You had some a year or so ago. Thank you and have a great day 🙂

[@ariellioness9384]

Hello! Have you found keeping your orchids in media is better than water culture in cold climates? I live in upstate NY and have had a hard time with water culture in the winter.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! Yes, I found it very hard to keep orchids on water culture over the winter. I highly recommend Orchiata bark or New Zealand sphagnum moss...or a combination of the 2. That's what I grow all my orchids in and I've had a lot of success with them. Happy growing! :)

[@suethompson6497]

Hi Amy, How are you? I have the same type of heater in my room. Wish I could send you plants from the U.K., I have a spare Sharry baby. I find my Dendrochilum glumaceum the easiest to grow. It happily grows on without fuss and flowers profusely with heavily scented flowers. This plant is the equivalent of your human reliable friend! I gave away my old plant because it grew too big too fast but I missed the scent and ease of growing it so much, I bought another one last year. The new plant threw out thirty flower spikes in its first year - can’t ask any more from an orchid can you? Stay well and warm. 🌸💕

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi Sue, I'm doing great! :) I love these heaters...I can move them around in my sunroom so easily and they do a great job. I'm going to have to find a Sharry baby! They come so highly recommended. Den glumaceums are beautiful. I believe they're cool growers, so that's a perfect one for you in the U.K.! And your plant threw out 30 flower spikes its first year!? WOW, that's amazing! So good to hear from you...many blessings to you my friend!

[@007trudig]

I'm in Virginia, born in Kingsport. I have 80 phals, and no buds, 1 new spike. I have a constant 71F house and sun porch. Any tips? Im gonna order some seaweed extract. Have used cal mag for awhile.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Hi! If you're keeping your house at a constant 71F, that's the issue. They need a cooldown in the fall...down to about 62 to 65F for 4 to 6 weeks...to trigger them to spike.

[@tomasck2973]

Do you ever get cold burn?

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Yes, I had some experience with cold burn several years ago. That's one reason why I moved the tables out away from the window. And I check my orchids often to make sure that the leaves and spikes aren't touching the windows. Happy growing! :)

[@tomasck2973]

@@OrchidWhisperer thank you!

[@wandashaw3551]

Hi, I sometimes use a cut up microfiber mop strips to wrap around my areal roots, it tends to stay damp longer than paper towels and they are reusable! 😊🌱🌸🌻🌷💮🌸

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks for sharing...that's a great tip! :)

[@annturner7088]

Hi Amy I am in the U.K. & although my Orchids are in flower , they don’t have as many flowers as yours

[@jillmillburgrealtor]

Hello! I am new to orchids and love watchibg your videos! I live in Central Illinois and it has been windchill of negative 22 last week. This is my first winter with orchids. Is there a reference you suggest reading to also help with identifying my orchids and specialized care? I hope I can get my orchids to be as happy as yours. 🙂

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jill! My tips about identifying orchids is to be sure to keep the ID tags that (sometimes) come with them. If you buy one without a tag, it's difficult to find the actual name of the orchid, and they're simply called "NOID". I didn't know this when I first started growing, and I threw my ID tags away. Happy growing!

[@orchidsbythelake]

Hi! I am from Greater Seattle are in Washington. We did have snow storm as well but not that severe like your area. How about Oncidium Heaven scent? This one is pretty much like Sharry Baby. I have a quite a few to myself... if you want one, I can donate... let me know.

[@OrchidWhisperer]

That's so kind of you to offer! I think I can find one locally...if I can't, I'll let you know...and again, thanks so much for your kindness! :) Have a great day! Amy

[@gamertag4253]

Here in Houston we also had a winter storm it was horrible and we didn’t have power and my orchids kind of suffered ☹️😞

[@OrchidWhisperer]

Bless your heart...I heard about the winter storm in Houston. I hope things are back to normal for your area soon. Blessings, Amy

[@heartandsoulfunandmix3082]

Oil heaters don’t turn too high the plug at the end get very hot and melt the plug socket and the plastic on the end. I have that it melted at the plug socket.

[@ChanChan-wl8mg]

👍👍👍🥰💖💖💖🇲🇴