Recommendations for zone 6b?

[gdupont]

Hi!

I moved recently and I’m looking for recommendations on what might grow and bloom well for me.

I’m in central New Jersey (zone 6b) in an apartment with south-facing windows that get good light, plus I have a grow light. My temps are always between 68F and 75F, with little variation between days and nights. Humidity is low, probably around 30% (plus a humidity tray if that helps). Air movement isn’t very strong, but I have a small fan that runs continuously on a low setting. The local water quality is quite good.

I know these aren’t great conditions, which is why I’m having trouble finding a good option!

I definitely prefer species and would like something that blooms throughout the year if possible, and preferably something on the small-to-medium size (not a micro-mini, but not a Grammatophyllum either!).

Might anything come to mind for these conditions? I really appreciate any recommendations!

Thank you!

[estación seca]

The non-jungle, white to pink Phals should tolerate that. Many Paphs should do well for you. Neofinetia falcata should grow and flower. Hybrids will be easier than species in less than optimum conditions.

[camille1585]

Your conditions sound very similar to mine, grow lights included.

Phal species do well for me (with the exception of the really warm growing ones), and you could consider species such as schilleriana, stuartiana, pallens, parishi, mannii, equestris, lueddemanniana, hieroglyphica.... Primary hybrids of these are also great options. They retain the appearance of species, but are so much more adaptable.

Leptotes species grow and bloom well in those conditions, though you might consider them potted instead of mounted due to the humidity. These bloom in the spring. Mini/compact Catt hybrids would probably do fine as well.

As for species that might bloom more than once a year, maybe some Oncidiums, but I'm not familar enough with the species in the genus to advise anything. Psychopsis bloom year round for me but note that they are NOT compact, the spikes are extremely long. I solved the problem by sticking the plant on top of my shelves.

I partially disagree with the Neofinetia suggestion. I have about a dozen of them, and while they do grow and bloom, the flower count is very low because they really do need have cooler winter temps, particularily at night, in order to bloom well.

[orchidman77]

Have you considered buying an enclosed growing tent/indoor greenhouse? You can supplement light, humidity will be higher, have fantastic air movement with a fan, and you'll get a better day/night temp swing. I'm in 6b with a tent in an apartment (albeit at a higher elevation) and it's been quite successful. It's not aesthetically pleasing, but it's done a fantastic job.

David