I've read a lot on dormancy but the information I've read is kinda general. I've got other care info down pat for VFT's at this point, but this one is still a big hole for me, so I'd like to fill it.
I seem to really have two dormancy options. (I'm in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 90 miles west of Philadelphia):
First option:
Bring inside mid-Nov, place on windowsill. I have a windowsill wide enough for the pots to sit on; it's in a converted garage-to-living room with no insulation work done, but a small heat vent was added - it's still colder than the rest of the house; mid 60's and I would guess closer to ~55, maybe a bit lower, at the window (I'd have to check). It's North-facing window so it gets just about 0 direct sun; likely a problem.
Second option:
Leave them outside as year-long as possible as long as lows aren't consistently dropping below ~32ish. In early October (ish), move the display table to a spot that gets less sun than the full-day they normally get. In mid-November, remove from pot, light 50% diluted fungicide, wrap moist in black plastic bag or ziploc, refrigerate ~35-40 degrees until the weather is right again (likely 3-4 months). Superthrive then back to pot with new medium.
A few questions...
1. Assuming that I'm correct regarding the temperatures at the window for option 1, will this work (even with no direct sun) for VFT dormancy come ~October/November?
2. How long can/should they be dormant (at longest)? Harrisburg PA isn't know for persistent warm weather. VFT-unsafe weather, I hazard a guess, runs from around mid November easily through most of March (lows in 20's even in March sometimes). I could be looking at a potential 4-month dormancy, give or take, unless I move it under a shop light until the weather picks up.
3. What's the lowest night time drop in temp that a VFT should be left out in? ~32 degrees?
I seem to really have two dormancy options. (I'm in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, 90 miles west of Philadelphia):
First option:
Bring inside mid-Nov, place on windowsill. I have a windowsill wide enough for the pots to sit on; it's in a converted garage-to-living room with no insulation work done, but a small heat vent was added - it's still colder than the rest of the house; mid 60's and I would guess closer to ~55, maybe a bit lower, at the window (I'd have to check). It's North-facing window so it gets just about 0 direct sun; likely a problem.
Second option:
Leave them outside as year-long as possible as long as lows aren't consistently dropping below ~32ish. In early October (ish), move the display table to a spot that gets less sun than the full-day they normally get. In mid-November, remove from pot, light 50% diluted fungicide, wrap moist in black plastic bag or ziploc, refrigerate ~35-40 degrees until the weather is right again (likely 3-4 months). Superthrive then back to pot with new medium.
A few questions...
1. Assuming that I'm correct regarding the temperatures at the window for option 1, will this work (even with no direct sun) for VFT dormancy come ~October/November?
2. How long can/should they be dormant (at longest)? Harrisburg PA isn't know for persistent warm weather. VFT-unsafe weather, I hazard a guess, runs from around mid November easily through most of March (lows in 20's even in March sometimes). I could be looking at a potential 4-month dormancy, give or take, unless I move it under a shop light until the weather picks up.
3. What's the lowest night time drop in temp that a VFT should be left out in? ~32 degrees?