Hello Orchid people !

[chantrelle]

Originally Posted by rbarata

...And if you have an idea of them, maybe you could post them here so that we can give you some sugestions.

I did not see the offer that I could post here about my home conditions. This is so nice.

Light : in all room where I can place the orchids the lightning is fair to average. It means one window per room but the shelf can not be installed in front of the window. However I have enough T5 neons. Therefore, I believe I could grow orchids needing low to medium light. (Vanda are out of question for me)

Temperature : We have a air central systeme heating and cooling system.
Summer 71.5F to 77F average 75F
Winter day 68F night 66F

I have spots in the bassement (window edges) for the winter around 50F to 59F (depending on the outside temperature ) where I can but a plant or two for the night. (It is the kind of things I'm willing to do, bring a plant or two to a specific spot every day for a period being to get it to bloom)

Humidity : around 30 % to 40 % year round because of our air heating and cooling system brings it down. However, I was thinking of making a plater with water and rocks under the pots of the orchids that may needs more ambiant humidity. Or if needed set a humidifier close to them.

With the air system the air circulate a lot in the house plants soil dries quickly and I have to water my plants more often. If I'm carfull with the orchids that should not get dry completely between watering I guest I'm ok.

In the summer I have a garden and and terrasse. I have part shade and suny spots, can put the orchids that would benefit from the outside there.

Any advice on what not to get and what I could try ?

[jkofferdahl]

First, if you have T5s then you have light output sufficient for high light-need plants. I have several under my T5s, and just keep them close to the light. Your main temperatures are fine for warmth-loving plants. Your basement, where it's cooler, would be good for cool-lovers. The humidity is a concern, and it's normal in homes where HVAC systems are run. I recently measured that on an outside reading it was over 70% at my house, but inside with the heat running the humidity was under 30%. Water trays with pebbles, humidity trays, etc., are a waste of money. The amount of water which evaporates from them is barely even measurable, and of no effect on orchids. I use humidifiers, and have been able to raise that under 30% level to above 65% on a good day. Keep in mind, though, that you also want air movement, so a couple of small fans to drive it.

While you get started I'd suggest staying safe. I think Phals should do really well in your house. Paphs may also be a good choice. I personally would avoid Oncidiums/Tolumnias for now as they can get dicey.

[AJW]

There are some great books out there . If you can get a copy of either "What Orchid is this" or "Orchids for Every One" or Orchids of the World". Any one of these books contains a large variety of the various common Genera. They contain photos and a brief description of growing conditions etc. Any one I believe is a beginners must have reference.

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by AJW

There are some great books out there . If you can get a copy of either "What Orchid is this" or "Orchids for Every One" or Orchids of the World". Any one of these books contains a large variety of the various common Genera. They contain photos and a brief description of growing conditions etc. Any one I believe is a beginners must have reference.

Yes. The one I mentioned (Orchids to Know and Grow) is specifically designed to make it really easy to determine if a type of orchid might be suitable for the available growing environment. It's a bit of a dry read but the information is excellent because of the arrangement and graphics.

[chantrelle]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

First, if you have T5s then you have light output sufficient for high light-need plants. I have several under my T5s, and just keep them close to the light. Your main temperatures are fine for warmth-loving plants. Your basement, where it's cooler, would be good for cool-lovers. The humidity is a concern, and it's normal in homes where HVAC systems are run. I recently measured that on an outside reading it was over 70% at my house, but inside with the heat running the humidity was under 30%. Water trays with pebbles, humidity trays, etc., are a waste of money. The amount of water which evaporates from them is barely even measurable, and of no effect on orchids. I use humidifiers, and have been able to raise that under 30% level to above 65% on a good day. Keep in mind, though, that you also want air movement, so a couple of small fans to drive it.

While you get started I'd suggest staying safe. I think Phals should do really well in your house. Paphs may also be a good choice. I personally would avoid Oncidiums/Tolumnias for now as they can get dicey.

(I brought my post back I was going to move it to the beginner section but since you answer before...)

Well I will not waste my money on water trays and all that kind of stuff that is good to know.

I really think you are right I should calm down ans not go with so many breeds all at once.

There are so many cute Phal out there specially the mini ones. I might look at Paphs too, I might like them more in real than on pictures ? There are those plants that pick just can not make them justice.

I'm glad to know that T5 neons would be fine for hight light requirement if the orchids are close enough.

Thanks for taking this time I appreciate,

[estación seca]

Welcome!

[bethmarie]

Bienvenue!

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by chantrelle

([COLOR="Blue"]There are so many cute Phal out there specially the mini ones. I might look at Paphs too, I might like them more in real than on pictures ? There are those plants that pick just can not make them justice.

Mini Phals are delightful! There are two different sorts referred to as mini Phals, though, so please forgive me if I'm going too deep. A lot of plants called mini Phals are certainly small, with a leaf span of six inches or so. These are awesome, and a great choice. There are also true miniature Phals, such as lowii, thailandica, braceana, etc., which, while also utterly delightful are also quite small, with a total leaf span under 3", and usually less. These can be tricky to grow and aren't as good a choice for beginners. Likely the minis you're talking about are the first sort, so enjoy!

I don't have a lot of experience with Paphs, but those I've grown have been pretty interesting. I can't speak for others, but to me pictures of Paphs never really interested me. Then someone gave me a spicerianum, it bloomed, and I was in love. In another lifetime I'm going to focus more on them.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Welcome to the board.