Baby orchids - dumb move??

[JaynetLee]

I have always wanted to be able to grow orchids. But I don't have ample good light. So I bought a mini greenhouse and some LED lights and ordered some young orchid plants from an Etsy seller. The plants are very young and some don't have a very developed root system. I didn't have the right kind of medium, as the bark seemed much too coarse and large for these small plants. I did finally get more appropriate medium and have since repotted a few of them. A couple of them look okay, a couple are getting some yellowing on some leaves. I think that it's possible that the LED lights were too much for these young plants all at once. So, I now have them on a shelf in front of South/West facing windows with a sheer curtain that I pull for the afternoon sun. The Phals are in a north-facing window. I am so desirous of some kind of sign that I'm doing something right. I have had them for almost a month but have seen very little if any growth and just wonder if I'm doing anything right. I have been watching Miss Orchid Girl videos - but until I see some success, I'm just very insecure and unsure of my ability to keep these little babies alive. I should mention that I'm in Upstate New York (where winter never ends). Just to help out my impatience, I did just order a Paph which is in spike - so I should see some blooms soon on that once I receive it. But how long might it be before i see something from these babies? Even just some growth?

[estación seca]

Most orchids don't grow much in winter. Did your seedlings arrive bare root? It's probably not a good idea to repot seedlings in winter, unless they are just beginning new roots.

[JaynetLee]

Yes, they were bare-root. I didn't have a clue...lol

[Roberta]

Those little orchids may be 2-3 years, or even more, to get to blooming size. So you will need to be very patient. That Paph will give you some more immediate gratification... Also, consider buying small Cattleyas (some even in bloom) from Sunset Valley Orchids Small plants that were bred for windowsill growing - you can get flowers while you are waiting for the little 'uns.

[JaynetLee]

Thank you for the suggestions, Roberta! I will check out Sunset Valley Orchids! I am learning a lot in the meantime.