Suggestions for first Orchid in non-ideal climates

[bmilla35]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I keep my home in winter 53 overnight, low 60s daytime - of course it's warmer in summer ...

Oncidiums and Oncidium alliance intergenerics, many Dendrobiums, mini Cattleyas do fine. probably most hybrid Phalaenopsis would be fine, too - I grow many outdoors in winter that take much lower over-night temps, not even noted cool growers - tho I'm certain it's less than ideal, but they do ok. I think most orchids sold in stores (except Cymbidiums which are hard to grow indoors, and need a cooler period) would probably work for you. How warm would they be in summer? Some cool growers really don't take much warmth ...

I'm not allowed to set the thermostat below 60 degrees, or else i'd have it set like you! During summer if I kept it in the house it would be around 70 degrees? Maybe mid-70s?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by bmilla35

I'm not allowed to set the thermostat below 60 degrees, or else i'd have it set like you! During summer if I kept it in the house it would be around 70 degrees? Maybe mid-70s?

Ha! I'd keep it warmer, but don't care to give anymore money to the power company than I have to

I don't think you need to worry too much about temps - probably ok for some of the cooler growers - and ok for intermediate - warm growers in my opinion.

East or west facing windows are good for most orchids except for ones that require very high light (the big Cattleyas, Vandas, Cymbidiums) or quite low light (some of the Masdevallias, some Draculas - I think, unless they are shaded)

I think there are many orchids that would do fine for you - Oncidiums and Oncidium alliance inter-generic hybrids, many Dendrobiums, Phalaenopsis (except for maybe hot growing species).

Usually, most orchids sold in stores should be good- except for the Cymbidiums, possibly the nobile type Dendrobiums (tall canes with blooms on short spikes growing from the sides of the canes) which need to be cool in winter, not sure just HOW cool they need to be ...