What Temperature Does an Orchid Flower Take?

Phalaenopsis

• The Phalaenopsis genus, often called moth orchids, range in color from white to pink to lavender and yellow. An individual blossom might have a solid color or multiple color, depending on the variety. Blooms typically are about 2 to 5 inches wide. The optimum growing temperature for these orchids is about 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. The University of Florida recommends a minimum nighttime temperature of 65 to 70 degrees. Moth orchids also need humidity of about 50 of 75 percent.

Cattleya

• The cattleya genus contains some of the most familiar orchids, such as those used for corsages. One reason for this group's popularity with gardeners is that a cattelya blossom might last for two to six weeks. A huge variety of cattleyas exist since growers have cultivated numerous varieties for over 75 years. Most cattleyas bloom once a year, either in the spring or in autumn. Cattleyas prefer daytime temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit and nighttime temperatures of about 60 degrees, according to the University of Missouri.

Dendrobrium

• Species and hybrids in the dendrobrium genus, another favorite of orchid growers, produce white or lavender blooms during the fall and winter. Dendrobriums, a diverse group of plants, have varying cultural needs and optimal temperatures. The spatulata dendrobriums need 75- to 90-degree Fahrenheit temperatures in the day and 60 degrees at night. The formosae group requires 50 to 60 degrees at night and a maximum of 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, according to the American Orchid Society.

Cold and Heat

• As tropical plants, orchids do not thrive in cold temperatures. Very few types of orchids do well in temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When growing orchids indoors, avoid placing them next to windows during any cold spells. Since most orchids flourish in warm or hot weather, gardeners might not realize that high temperatures can damage orchids. For instance, temperatures in greenhouses can sometimes reach as high a 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer, depending on location. Orchids subjected to these temperatures for more than two hours might suffer foliage and flower damage, advises the University of Florida.