Highest humidity

[RobinG]

Which orchids like the highest humidity? And which can stand the lowest? Thank you.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!
There are LOTS of orchids that come from tropical areas and so like humidity. Vandas love to be bare-root, and really need humidity. Phalaenopsis when grown in pots get "local humidity" from the medium, given their preference would be very happy with bare roots and lots of humidity. The difference between the "high humidity" orchids that will put up with much less and those that won't to me is basically tolerance of medium.. if they'll grow that way, people under less tropical conditions can get away with it, the ones that really like to be free (like Vandas) are more of a challenge. The ones that actually want lower humidity... a shorter list - even those that come seasonally-dry areas do have periods when they want water. Great question!

For most of us (who don't live in tropical areas) orchid-growing tends to be a compromise between what they want and what we can provide. That's part of the challenge and the fun from where I sit... What can I get away with? How can I stretch the limits?

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

As Roberta mentioned, Vanda and relatives, Phalaenopsis. Also many Bulbophyllum, jewel orchids, Pleurothallis, Octomeria, Coelogyne, Epidendrum, Anguloa, Stanhopea, Coryanthes, Masdevallia, Dracula, Maxillaria.... That should keep you occupied!

[RobinG]

Thank you for the info!

[SouthPark]

After googling "low humidity orchids", one link came up as:

Click Here.

The level of humidity and other environmental factors/conditions - along with nutrient intake etc - all come together in determining how the orchids and plants grow.

If the level of something like humidity isn't in a range where we want it to be, then there are usually some options to compensate for it.

Generating relatively high humidity is quite possible to do, but at the same time, we have to make sure there's adequate air movement - even gentle air movement - around the plant, to avoid possible known issues, like fungal activity on leaves. That's the humid bathroom condition with no airing ------ where fungus grows on walls, towels etc if the room doesn't get a nice airing and dry out within a certain amount of time.

[DeaC]

FWIW, if you grow indoors and use AC this will diminish r/h quickly.

[estación seca]

Lowest: Some Eulophia, some Cattleya species and hybrids, Brassavola hybrids, larger Encyclia hybrids, Phalaenopsis if you water enough, hybrid Cymbidiums.

Look at Eulophia petersii, Cattleya intermedia, Cattleya (Laelia) purpurata, Brassavola nodosa and hybrids. These grow and flower at low humidity. Some are small and some are large. Also look at windowsill or miniature or compact Cattleya hybrids form Gold Country Orchids and Sunset Valley Orchids (SVO).

[DirtyCoconuts]

there is also the factor of what will they TOLERATE and still thrive,

Almost all of those that ES mentioned will also do okay in a humid warm area ( i know bc i grow many in one) and yet they can adapt.

Roberta once told me to try it if it even seems close because these plants are remarkably adaptable and will often surprise you....she has been right!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

there is also the factor of what will they TOLERATE and still thrive,

Almost all of those that ES mentioned will also do okay in a humid warm area ( i know bc i grow many in one) and yet they can adapt.

Roberta once told me to try it if it even seems close because these plants are remarkably adaptable and will often surprise you....she has been right!

Thanks! It is amazing the amount of envelope-pushing one can get away with.