Best orchids for west facing windows? (Northern hemisphere)

[Dimples]

I know you said curtains won’t work but could you apply a heat blocking window film? Even cutting a bit of the heat would help.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Dimples

I know you said curtains won’t work but could you apply a heat blocking window film? Even cutting a bit of the heat would help.

I'm 100% gonna try that even if it's just for insulation purposes.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

So, even though this post was originally meant to find out more about orchids on west facing windows. We finally moved into our loft and discovered that we're actually facing NW. We have unobstructed views of the skyline but a building to the left blocks the sun from the west, so I actually don't think I might need to worry about temperature at all.

Using Photone (which has worked great for me) I measured 173 ppfd at 1pm, I think this spot might be fine for my Phals without need for supplemental light. I will probably need to move my cattleyas to shelves under artificial light.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by MateoinLosAngeles

So, even though this post was originally meant to find out more about orchids on west facing windows. We finally moved into our loft and discovered that we're actually facing NW. We have unobstructed views of the skyline but a building to the left blocks the sun from the west, so I actually don't think I might need to worry about temperature at all.

Great view! Before you draw any conclusions about light coming in the windows, you need to be vigilant at least until summer. Remember, the sun direction moves. We're still 6-7 weeks until the equinox, and the sun will continue to shift toward the north until the solstice, and also move higher in the sky for longer.(You will see an increase in sun angle as day length increases) So what looks like gentle Phalaenopsis light right right now may be very bright in a few months. I have found late March (right around the vernal equinox) to be the most dangerous time... when the sun suddenly clears obstacles - like buildings. I have toasted more plants at that time of year than any other, so I speak from hard experience. (Orchids can adapt to gradual changes but they hate going from shady to full sun in a couple of days, which can happen)

So stay alert, and flexible. This is a dynamic situation! After you have lived in a place for a year, you'll know what to expect, but until then you will be on a learning curve, particularly in a complex architectural environment such as your neighborhood..

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Great view! Before you draw any conclusions about light coming in the windows, you need to be vigilant at least until summer. Remember, the sun direction moves. We're still 6-7 weeks until the equinox, and the sun will continue to shift toward the north until the solstice, and also move higher in the sky for longer.(You will see an increase in sun angle as day length increases) So what looks like gentle Phalaenopsis light right right now may be very bright in a few months. I have found late March (right around the vernal equinox) to be the most dangerous time... when the sun suddenly clears obstacles - like buildings. I have toasted more plants at that time of year than any other, so I speak from hard experience. (Orchids can adapt to gradual changes but they hate going from shady to full sun in a couple of days, which can happen)

So stay alert, and flexible. This is a dynamic situation! After you have lived in a place for a year, you'll know what to expect, but until then you will be on a learning curve, particularly in a complex architectural environment such as your neighborhood..

Thank you so much for such an informative post, Roberta! You're an orchid blessing.

I definitely need to watch this light and temperature like a hawk. I was considering just placing all my orchids under lights but I would like to have some plants by the windows.

I think instead of risking it with the Phals, I'll keep some guinea pig cattleyas there (not all so I don't burn my entire collection) and supplement light for the next month or two, then reevaluate during the Spring. Whatever I end up doing, I know I'll need to be able to act nimbly.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by MateoinLosAngeles

Thank you so much for such an informative post, Roberta! You're an orchid blessing.

I definitely need to watch this light and temperature like a hawk. I was considering just placing all my orchids under lights but I would like to have some plants by the windows.

I think instead of risking it with the Phals, I'll keep some guinea pig cattleyas there (not all so I don't burn my entire collection) and supplement light for the next month or two, then reevaluate during the Spring. Whatever I end up doing, I know I'll need to be able to act nimbly.

You're welcome! Things I have learned the hard way as an outdoor grower... Your loft residence isn't outdoors, but you get lots of wonderful light. (There is a reason that lots of artists live and work in your neighborhood) Don't be afraid of it, just observe and learn the patterns. As the year progresses, you will move things around. But certainly take advantage of that resource, orchids do love natural light. Then supplement where you need it, give some shade as needed. (Utilize different parts of the room... the side away from the windows will get softer light without need for shade)

[lobotomizedgoat]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Great view! Before you draw any conclusions about light coming in the windows, you need to be vigilant at least until summer. Remember, the sun direction moves. We're still 6-7 weeks until the equinox, and the sun will continue to shift toward the north until the solstice, and also move higher in the sky for longer...

We have a NE facing apartment at a similar latitude and it's quite a difference. Plants on my in-set balcony get no direct sun near the winter solstice. Six months later they get direct sun from sunrise until ~11:00 am and it heats up to 10° above the daily high from the local weather station by 10:00 am.

If you're in a new place suncalc.org might be a useful tool.

[MateoinLosAngeles]

Originally Posted by lobotomizedgoat

We have a NE facing apartment at a similar latitude and it's quite a difference. Plants on my in-set balcony get no direct sun near the winter solstice. Six months later they get direct sun from sunrise until ~11:00 am and it heats up to 10° above the daily high from the local weather station by 10:00 am.

If you're in a new place suncalc.org might be a useful tool.

Woah. That's so helpful. Thank you!

Makes me think it might be a good spot for Catasetum.