Winter Orchid care

[Jimisox]

Hello there I am new to orchids and have a few. Is there anyone here near Chicago that could give me some culture advice on winter orchid care? I have one paph, 4 phals, and 4 catts, I got them all when it was warm, and so far I see growth, but now in the winter I don't really know how to treat them. Feed them? water them? and the light requirements, with the days shorter what to do about substitute light? Just curious as there's 2 more months of cold and I don't want to lose any. Thanks in advance...Jimi

[let_it_grow]

I'm in canada so I imagine you weather this time of year is kinda like mine. I use supplemental lighting all year cause i have a north facing apartment but i would recommend using some supplemental lighting in the winter anyway. One thing you gotta watch out for is the draft near the windows and the cold from the windows. I have seen frost on the inside of my windows on a cold day and that is more than a chid can handle. I have mine on a shelf in front of the window but not too close to get cold. I dont recommend putting them on a window sill in winter. As far as feeding and watering, you plants need food when they grow so dont starve them. Some like a rest in the winter but if they are growing they need to take nutrients from somewhere or they wont grow. If you increase the lighting in the winter they may grow a bit better/ faster and will need food. Hope that helps. I have some experience keeping chids happy in the long cold winters of canada so if you have other questions dont be afraid to ask.

P.S. Welcome to the board

[Judi]

and welcome to the board! I live in upstate New York and I have to bring my chids in for the winter--as a matter of fact it was -10 degrees last night! I have them by my sliding door--but their main source of indoor light is artificial. Make sure they aren't too close to a window or the plants may be damaged and if you have buds you may experience bud blast. Also, make sure that there isn't heat blowing on them and they get adequate air circulation and humidity. I have humidity trays under my chids as well as a large fish tank to help with the humidity.