Orchids for north windows

[Paul Mc]

I'm noticing my north windows are baren of orchids - so I'm wondering what orchids would grow well in a northern window? All the reading I've read on orchids suggest east, west and south window placement. I need to feed my OCD, and would love to fill the northern windows.

[katierkincaid]

I have only put Phals in my north window and they never did well. What kind of light does your north window get? Direct morning exposure or indirect?

[WhiteRabbit]

I have in my north facing window a noid Phal (possibly equestris x doritis hybrid), Haraella retrocalla, and Odontioda. All bloom great there.

During the months when the sun is higher in the sky, there is a bit of direct light very early morning, and very late afternoon. This time of year, I don't know if it gets any direct light. But the Phal and Haraella continue to develop buds, and the Odontioda usually spikes mid-winter.

I haven't tried any other orchids in that window yet - but may - any that prefer lower light, or bright shade ...

[katierkincaid]

Yeah mine does not get much light being there is a fence blocking any morning light, it just gets alot of indirect light and it proved to not be as much for me.

[Paul Mc]

My northern windows get indirect light. I was told that a few of my bonsai's (evergreens) would do good in the north window during winter and so they sit there. They don't die back very much if any at all. I had a phal there last year but it did not rebloom and all of my others did (which were in southern windows).

[Ray]

If you can keep the temperatures up, a north window might be good for jewel orchids.

[Anisa]

I was wondering about the same. My north window is huge but doesnt get any direct light. I have a peace lilly growing very well there though. I am not sure about a light requirement for peace lillies, but if it grows wouldnt some of the orchids? Would a pharg grow there? or a phal?

[quiltingwacko]

I have Masdevallias in my north window. Some bloom more than others there. It is cool and they like that. CArol

[WhiteRabbit]

You could just try some out - any "lower light" or "bright shade" plants. I have some that bloom well in my north window.

[scerdena]

My african violets do really well in my northern greenhouse window. No sunlight there and we have about a 5 foot over-hang so not too bright either.