Question about root rot

[Jirel]

I have a question about the possibility of rot - I know people are saying its not a problem in the open - but what about an extremely humid area like Florida. With roses we call it the Blackspot capital of the world and some things that work on blackspot (a fungal disease caused by wetness and humidity) in other parts of the country aren't strong enough here. Admittedly my orchids will not be out in the open where they will be rained on, but they will be on the back porch and could get covered in dew every morning. (Thankfully its and east facing porch but it only gets some lightly dappled sunlight.) Could rot be a problem - ie, should I be very careful of the dampness with them?

I've only had them about 48 hours at this point.

[evagentry]

I understand what you mean about the humidity in your area, I think crown rot is a problem only if the moisture is trapped in the crown of the plant, if they dry quickly it shouldn't be a problem.

[Jirel]

Thanks! I appreciate the replay.

[jbigio]

Jirel the environment you are in actually will be great for most types of orchids. Remember that many orchids come from tropical areas such as yours. You should be more concerned about heat then humidity depending on the orchids you grow. A list of what you have would help in giving you a better idea as far as growing tips.
Joe

[janet_a]

if your mix is open enough (i.e., no sphag) and in clay pots, the roots will probably be fine.

[Jirel]

I only have 6 at the moment, all bought from a chairity sale and all Phals (I can only remember how to spell the short form.) Some had tags and some didn't.

They can be seen at: Orchids - a photoset on Flickr

[mayres]

Good air movement is one of the keys to keeping disease organisms at bay. The dampness in the morning will not be a problem as long as they have a chance to dry out during the day. As it cools down in the evening - damp stagnant conditions are an invitation to the things you are concerned.

[E-Jag]

Jirel, you are good to go. Keep them outside year 'round unless the temp drops into the 30's. My phals stay outside on a south-facing screened porch which receives a lot of indirect light in the area where I keep them them and some direct sun. I water them every 3 days or so and they bloom every year, and each year's blooms are a little larger. I know I'll get blasted for this but most orchids (phals, in this case) can take a lot more light then is typically recommended. Better too much then too little. Usually they will acclimate to a "hard" grow but if the leaves develop brown (sunburned) spots, move them into more shade.

___________________
E-Jag

[Jirel]

Thanks for the encouragement. I'm especially glad to hear about the low-temperature hardiness. I don't think I've seen the temperature at this house get into the frost area since 2001. I'm closer to the gulf than I used to be and seems to be a little warmer. I've been thinking of ways to protect the plants without bringing them in for two reasons - 1) Cats, I have 3 and 2) I'm not well physically (frankly if I were it would still be all roses in the yard) and its possible that I might not be physically able to do anything if we have bad weather. I might havae to back the table into a corner, cover with a sheet and cross my fingers.

But I have almost 10 months before I have to worry about that. Meanwhile I have blooms to enjoy!