Placement for Best Light for Phals, Onc, Catt & Enc/Epi?

[Jenna09]

Hi Everyone

I am trying to figure out the lighting for all my different orchids...and I think I must be doing something wrong.

Some of the Phals seem to be very happy, others not so much. Some have new buds developing, while others buds dried up and fell off with no new growth.

I had my Catt, Oncs & Enc/Epi Hybrid in a different window because I can keep my dogs out of that room (sun sets on that side of the house so they were getting afternoon/evening sun) but the big Oncidium dropped all of it's flowers after a month and it's spike died off as well. My mom bought this orchid for me and I don't want to loose it. My mini Oncidium seemed to like that area and so does my Cattleya.

As of yesterday I moved everything onto the same area with the ones that prefer more light closer to the window.

Any suggestions? Pics attached of their current setup which can easily be changed. Is this a lighting issue? Or Am I maybe not following the right train of thought and it is something more along watering/fertilization?

Pic 1 - Where everyone is sitting today (pic of room so window sizing can be seen, not sure if that matters or not)
Pic 2 - Oncidium when I got it in bloom & old placement
Pic 3 - Oncidium now...
Pic 4 - Mini Onc "happy"
Pic 5 - Cattleya "happy" with new growth
Pic 6 - Enc/Epi Hybrid new so it looks good.
Pic 7 - Enc/Epi Hybrid roots/bulbs
Pic 8 - Happy Phal?
Pic 9 - Happy Phal?
Pic 10 - Happy Phal?

Thanks
Jenna

[Dollythehun]

I think your space and orchids are very beautiful. Your furry child is adorable too.

Your orchids look happy. Remember, flowers naturally fade, some quicker than others. Losing them may have been a natural occurrence. It could also be low humidity, you might want to check that. You can buy a humidistat thermometer combo at Lowe's for $10.00.

As a rule of thumb (my thumb), catts and encyclia take the most light. My oncidiums will take less, but will adapt to more light if its given. You may notice red tinges to the leaves under (high end of) optimum, and they will look darker green if the light is too weak.

It looks like you are pretty successful so far but, I would give the catts and encyclias more light, as close to that window as they can stand. If the light is too intense, you may have to add a sheer curtain to prevent sunburn, and remember, sunburn can happen very quickly.

[Jenna09]

@Dollythehun: Thank you very much! That is one of my 4 mutts in the picture lol My humidity, according to my thermostat, is sitting at 51%. I wish I could put the Catt and Enc right in the the big back window but my other dogs will knock them down. If they seem to be doing poorly I will move them back to the front window.

Is the 51% humidity ok? I am on well water that is naturally soft and has a ph of 8.31. I am not sure if that may be effecting anything?

I am really hoping to get some of these babies to re-bloom in the next year and want to have them be as healthy as possible.

Thanks
Jenna

[Dollythehun]

Others will have differing ideas but, my humidity hovers in that range, and I grow successfully. You might start investigating LED lights to supplement in your Canadian winter's. I know my windows alone can't bloom Catts or Encyclia.

[Jenna09]

I will look into LEDs for sure. A great option so the dogs don’t accidentally knock them over in the sills.

Jenna

[Ray]

Yep, if that's where the plants will be, you'll need supplemental light, especially for the brighter-growing plants, because that space is simply too far from the window.

What direction does it face?

[WaterWitchin]

They look happy to me... especially the furry one. I have some in the oncidium family whose blooms last no more than a month, others that last three or four months. Perhaps your #2/#3 is simply of the former?

I'm a decently successful grower, and when inside can't keep my room humidity that high. For some who just won't flourish without higher humidity (my tolumnia come to mind) I have to create micro climate humidity for them. In odd and various ways, of course.

Were it me, I'd have shelving on a couple of those side windows, high enough up so the furry playthings couldn't reach. I have four very tall fur-friends, and my shelving has to start fairly high. Then figure in the "cold" factor when your weather necessitates.

Having said that, everyone has different "styles" of decor. Your space reminds me of a dear friend's home... more of a sleek and uncluttered look. I'm of the eclectic/boho cluttered look... pretty sure it's a genetic trait from my Aunt Virgie. That "look" may not suit ya. In that event, yes, bring on the LED's!

[Jenna09]

What direction does it face?

Picture attached. South with a hint of east. (That is me standing looking out the window).

I do have a higher up bathroom window that might be suitable (facing the same way) BUT I do bath everyday, would the steam/heat be an issue? The window is right over the tub.

I'd have shelving on a couple of those side windows

I have been looking into this as well and found some on amazon but I don't know if the hubby could be convinced.

Any LED brands I should look into or avoid?

Thanks
Jenna

[Dollythehun]

Bathroom humidity is a good thing!

[Ray]

This may sound rude, so I'll apologize right now, but it sounds like you've jumped into orchid growing without learning much about their needs, and that's pretty much a basic requirement for success.

Orchids have evolved to be "niche" plants, and each has its own, individual needs in terms of watering, light levels, temperature and humidity, to say the very least.

Based upon your photos, I think you're doing pretty well, but do a little bit of reading, and you'll be light-years ahead of your current state!