Farmer orchids come from the Chilean highlands and are therefore used to a lot. They can even cope with sub-zero temperatures as long as the thermometer doesn't drop too much. However, the farmer's orchid is not winter hardy. It has to be sown again every spring.
Farmer orchids tolerate light frost, but are not hardy
The highlands of Chile have very different temperatures. Everything from icy cold to hot periods is represented there. The farmer orchid is therefore used to extreme climates. In our latitudes it can cope with temperatures down to minus seven degrees.
The icy times shouldn't last too long, and it shouldn't get any colder if the farmer's orchid is to survive outside. That's why the split flower, as the pretty ornamental plant is also called, is only described as partially hardy.
- Hardy to minus seven degrees
- not too long frost periods
- Protect from frost in the bucket
- cannot be overwintered
- can go outside in March
You cannot overwinter a farmer's orchid
Even if you create ideal conditions in the house, overwintering a farmer's orchid is not possible. In any case, there will be no re-blooming after winter. Farmer orchids are therefore never grown as perennials, but only as annuals.
You have to reseed them every year.
Raising young farmer orchids in winter
If you want your farmer orchid to bloom early, you can sow it indoors in the fall. However, you must keep the seeds in a bright and warm location at 22 to 25 degrees until planting.
Unlike most of the popular balcony and garden plants, you can plant the farmer's orchid outdoors from March. The plants tolerate temperatures down to minus seven degrees. But it shouldn't get any colder.
Farmer orchids in pots or balcony boxes can also be brought outside from March. However, the flowers in planters are not quite as robust and should be protected from sub-zero temperatures.
Tip
The farmer's orchid is easier to care for than its reputation. As long as it grows in a favorable location without waterlogging, it will delight the gardener with its flowers for many weeks. You can achieve a second flowering if you cut back the split flower after the first flowering.
