New and moving to a new place

[Mtownbootgirl]

Hi I'm Marlana and I'm an orchid addict.
I'm new to this board and growing orchids in general. I have 12 orchids and many other plants. I got my first orchid a year ago. Anyway my question is about moving. We are in the process of buying a house and I'm extremely nervous about getting all my plants settled. I'm in an apartment right now and on the top floor. My apartment stays about 70-80 degrees and 55-70% humidity (pacific northwest).
I'm really not sure how big of a change it will be. We have baseboard electric heat right now. The house has forced air. It does have a lot more Windows and I am hoping the lighting at least will be easier with more options. I'm most worried about humidity...does forced air lower the humidity more than electric?

All my orchids are Phals. I have a few Noid. 3 Cornu-cervi, 1 Bellina, gigantea x stuartiana...ect. Oh and a Dendrobium hybrid.

What can I do to make the move easy on my orchid babies?

[WhiteRabbit]

I would imagine forced air heat is more drying to the air. How much it is running affects how drying it will be. I have forced air heat - but it's not on constantly. Many orchids aren't too bothered by dry air if they are potted, and the potting media is kept watered to their liking. Try to keep the plants so they aren't too near the vents, getting the warm, dry air blowing directly on them.

[judith_arquette]

Welcome! We're hoping to buy a house soon and my orchids have done so well here (compared to our last rental) that I'm almost scared to move when the time comes. Congratulations on your new home and best of luck! Will be looking forward to updates

[Mtownbootgirl]

Thanks for the replies. Hopefully it will go smoothly. I'm pretty limited right now with lighting. South, North, and a tiny east window. I'm really excited to see how my plants do with more or less lighting.

It's good to know they can stand dryer air. I know my humidity is pretty perfect right now (or so I've read).

Another question...do you have any tips on growing Phalaenopsis Bellina? I just got it and have read it's harder. I've done great with my Cornu-cervi...gotten them to bloom.

Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Leafmite]

Good luck with your move!
Just try to give your orchids the same conditions and avoid putting them where they will get a cold draft or where the drying air will blow directly upon them.

I think the only difference with Phal bellina is that it really prefers temperatures over 70'F, even at night. I have been told they are more tolerant but I have not found it to be so and when I received the latest bellina seedling as a freebie in an order, I ordered a heating mat and a miniature (tabletop) greenhouse to keep it a little warmer.

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! I really like some of the place names in Washington.

[DeaC]

Good luck with the move. If there's room in the budget,buy a humidifier or humidity trays. Even a basic setup of plant saucers and stones or pebbles with water sitting below bottom of pots will improve humidity levels.I have forced air heat also and use the first 2 options.Air movement is also appreciated.

[Mtownbootgirl]

Thanks for all the help. I think I will get a humidifier and heat mat. I have a small toddler so limiting the heat in favor of humidity isn't an option (and the Bellina won't like that). I did some readings at my dads house and his humidity was substantially lower with forced air.

I know I'll lose orchids along the way but I'd like to give them a fighting chance. And I have expensive taste ;-) I love species and fancy hybrids. I know it's not the best to start with but I've had a lot of luck with Cornu-cervi. My Noid seems pickier. But maybe it's in my head.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[estación seca]

If you're worried about heat, get a cool ultrasonic humidifier. The drawback is you should use very pure water or there is mineral buildup on the active parts.