Window position.

[Melonballs76]

Hi,

I was wondering if this west window was ok for my orchids?

Thank you in advance.

[FranningtonBear]

Hi

I would think so, I am also based in the UK and grow all my Phal's on east & west facing windows, producing abundant blooms and healthy growth.

I do grow various Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Oncidiums etc. with the addition of lights but the Phal's are all happy on my windowsills.

[rbarata]

It all depends on your location in the world and the orchids you want to grow.
I see you have Phals...west windows generally are not recommended during summer time because from noon onwards direct sun hits the window (and I see you have an obstructed view that I assume stays that way in summer). Phals are low light plants so direct sun will be no good. Blinders or curtains will do the job.

[Mountaineer370]

For many of us who grow inside our homes, there are not always choices about which window to use. We use the one(s) where there is space for orchids. We don't have the convenience of having a "plant room" with perfect exposure and/or the ability to put up multiple lights.

I believe your west window will be fine, with a few considerations. Have they been there long, or are these fairly new orchids? Do you plan on having other orchids besides Phalaenopsis? Different orchids have different light requirements, and for some, that window will be fine, for others, it's not nearly enough light.

If the afternoon sun shines brightly in that window, consider getting some sheer curtains, slatted blinds, or some other kind of window covering that can be opened and closed easily. You may also find that during the time of day when there is no sun on that side of the house, that location may benefit from supplemental lighting.

In my case, I have a large south-facing window. You would think that would be more than enough light. But I had trouble getting Phals to rebloom for me until I added supplemental lighting, at the recommendation of several members here. I also have sheer curtains that I draw at times the sun is coming in strongly. But there have been occasions when I'm not home to close them, or I simply forget, and there has been no detriment to the plants.

But everyone's particular circumstances are different, and we have to adjust accordingly.

[Melonballs76]

Thank you for all of your replies.

They are new orchids. I got 4 yesterday from Love Orchids who are based in the uk. I brought my mother in law some from him in October and they still have original flowers on. This Guy is the king of orchids. I just have none in my bedroom so wanted to add some colour. I have others in another room With a south facing window but these are not in direct sunlight but they do get a lot of light and they seem to be thriving with new buds forming. The are just not directly in the sun. I did have one previously on that west window sill but I lost a couple of buds so wondered if it was because it was getting too much light or sun? I do have a big tree that shields some of the sun but I just don’t want to harm them at all so will move them. How amazing to have a plant room.some of us can only dream of that. Thank you for all of your replies.

[rbarata]

Originally Posted by Melonballs76

How amazing to have a plant room.some of us can only dream of that.

If you get caught by the orchid bug, soon your house will be a plant house.

[Melonballs76]

Originally Posted by rbarata

If you get caught by the orchid bug, soon your house will be a plant house.

HA, I love that. You are right. I have 9 and one Dendrobium but I’m not sure about her as her roots are all white and she was planed in some really wet soil or something so I repotted in bark but she is losing flowers and a few leaves. Will keep giving her TLC and just hope for the best but my other orchids are amazing. I have one that I got last year and it has multiple new stems with buds growing. They are the most beautiful flower. I am obsessed and no one is allowed to touch them. Thank you again.

[estación seca]

The time to repot most orchids, including Dens., is when they're making new roots. Young, normal roots are white or tan when dry.

[rbarata]

Some Dendrobiums shed their leaves during the winter. When flowers start to fade, usually that's when new growths appear.