Looking for low humidity tolerant 'chids

[Becca]

So I decided today that my office at work looks bare. I would like to add and orchid to it, but I don't want to take any out of my orchidarium. I am hoping to buy a low humidity tolerant/adaptable 'chid or two since I won't be able to boost the humidity at work, nor the lights. I know Phals are known as great beginner 'chids because they tolerate lower light levels and humidity and still bloom. I have my eye set on a Phalaenopsis deliciosa but I am not sure how well it would do with lower humidity. Does any one have any recommendations on this particular phal or any others that they recommend?

[kavanaru]

Hi Becca,

I do not have (yet) orchids in my office, but can tell you what my colleagues have. You would be impressed with the amount of Phalaenopsis and Dendrobium (Phalaenopsis type) you can find in our offices, more impressed to see how good they do it there. Both groups are very popular in offices and windows hills both in Germany and Switzerland, and normally you can buy them in almost every supermarket

In this link (unfortunatelly only in German) you can find several Phalaenopsis Hybrids that are recommended by the Schwerter team for window hills and office environments: Phalaenopsis Hybriden Orchideen und Orchideenzubehör der Schwerter Orchideenzucht This nursery is very serious. I am not really sure if it would be worth for you to order from them, but at least you can have a look on their sortiment and try to find your favorites in the USA... I am not very much into Phals, but I have to admit that these two are gorgeous and will probably end up in my office some day: Phal. Memoria Liu Jin- Chyuan'KF#3' and Phal. Mini Mark

A colleague also has an Epidendrum ibaguense since one year and it grows like crazy (including many keikis), however it has not flowered again yet...

[Ray]

I find that phals and paphs do pretty well in my office.

An editorial comment: I think that a complex hybrid is a better choice than a species for a less-than-ideal scenario like that. Hybrids tend to be more adaptable, thanks to the multiplicity of traits potentially passed on from its lineage, while species tend to have more narrow and tightly-defined needs.

[quiltergal]

I agree with Ray. I don't think deliciosa has the same vigor as many of the hybrids. It's needs are more specific and I don't think there would be as much "wiggle room" in cultural conditions. Save deliciosa for your orchidarium.

[caseydoll]

Becca, I really am too bad at this to offer any suggestions but was just curious about what kind of light exposure you had in your office? My office has (smallish) north and west windows and I was wondering myself if any orchid would do well there. Keep us updated on what you decide!

[Becca]

Hi Sarah! My lighting probably isn't the best in my office. It is a north to northeast facing window, but more north. I am not sure if I want to keep them on the window sill since the glass gets cold in the winter and I wouldn't want to risk a leaf touching the glass and getting to cold. My end of the office also gets cooler the the rest of the office I will have to figure out temps as well. But as far as lights....I have these crappy dull T8 lights above me.....I have been thinking of offering to buy my own that would be more beneficial or easier on my eye's....yep my eye's....lol.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Hi Sarah! My lighting probably isn't the best in my office. It is a north to northeast facing window, but more north. I am not sure if I want to keep them on the window sill since the glass gets cold in the winter and I wouldn't want to risk a leaf touching the glass and getting to cold. My end of the office also gets cooler the the rest of the office I will have to figure out temps as well. But as far as lights....I have these crappy dull T8 lights above me.....I have been thinking of offering to buy my own that would be more beneficial or easier on my eye's....yep my eye's....lol.

Becca, If you were planning on replacing the overhead lights - DON'T! The ballasts are designed for the type of bulb. Now a small desk lamp might work. Try exploring Full Spectrum Desk Lamps or go down the left side (blue) and try other entries. I use the Blue Max CF bulbs in my grow window upstairs. They're awsum and light up the side of the neighbor's house!

[caseydoll]

Becca, your lucky I have T-12's in my office! They flicker and buzz, just terrible! I had an idea though. How ablout getting one of those temp/humidity gauges that you can get at Wal-Mart for less than $10. I have one and it's surprisingly accurate. It also has a min/max reading so then you can see how cold your office actually gets when you're away. Just a thought. I think I may try that in my office.

Ross, I was curious on what you thought of those full-spectrum desk lamps they sell at Wal-Mart etc. I have one at home and the bulb is 27w. Or does the bulb have to be more like the link you posted? Do those give off a different color spectrum (or however it is descrbed )? Just wondering....

[Becca]

Sarah, I will pick up one of the temp/humidity guages...my spare one is in my Exo-Terra now...lol.

Ross, I was just thinking of replacing the T8 bulbs with better T8 bulbs....they seem really dim except one or two of em.

[Becca]

Ross, what is the difference between a 42 watt lamp and a 70 watt lamp? Or maybe I should ask what purpose does the wattage serve?