question for Ross (or anyone who is familiar with minis)

[VickiC]

Hi Ross,
I know you grow a lot of miniatures, so my question to you (and/or anyone else who can help me) is simply which of the mini orchids have the lowest light requirement? I'm sure I can supply the humidity, temp. and water that would be most likely necessary....but I could not offer more than "low light lighting" for minis at this time (I would like to grow them in front of an east facing window inside the house...rather than with my other orchids outside sitting on shelves on our covered back porch....which gives those MUCH more light....then put those in my "projected" new orchid room that my husband HOPEFULLY is gonna fix up for me, but when is debatable right now lol).
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[Ross]

That's actually farely high light for a number of minis. East window light, if the window does not have a screen, blinds, curtains, etc. will accomodate Aerangis (well some of them), many Draculas (these are curious plants, many of the mini Bulbophyllum like B. psychoon, Haraella odorata, most Cischweinfia (these are fragrant, also) etc.

Best way I know of to do an up to date search is use Andy's orchids web site and do a power search (upper right pull down on Home page) His web site is Andy's Orchids - Orchids Species - Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick In the power search page, select "shade" in the Light pull-down and then check box "miniature" in the pink line. Hit search and you should get several pages of candidates. If you don't want mounts then be sure to select either pot or basket under "mount" when you do your initial search. Hope this helps.

Oh, yeah. Most of the so-called Jewell Orchids would be great candidates as well.

[VickiC]

Hi again Ross,
Thank you so much for the info! Your advice about going through Andy's worked just fine for me! Before I asked the question to you, I had initially wanted to place a mini in a pot in front of an East window, as I mentioned, but somewhat shaded in front of another large plant. After I looked through Andy's, I changed my mind because I found one in a basket that I really like....and I decided I wanted to buy it to hang in my kitchen....back from a South window....somewhat shaded....approx. 750-1000 footcandles. It is a pretty Dracula / sodiroi. I read that it likes from 500-1500 footcandles. I hope these are easy to grow.
Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Ross

That's actually farely high light for a number of minis. East window light, if the window does not have a screen, blinds, curtains, etc. will accomodate Aerangis (well some of them), many Draculas (these are curious plants, many of the mini Bulbophyllum like B. psychoon, Haraella odorata, most Cischweinfia (these are fragrant, also) etc.

Best way I know of to do an up to date search is use Andy's orchids web site and do a power search (upper right pull down on Home page) His web site is Andy's Orchids - Orchids Species - Orchids - Species Specialist - Orchids on a stick In the power search page, select "shade" in the Light pull-down and then check box "miniature" in the pink line. Hit search and you should get several pages of candidates. If you don't want mounts then be sure to select either pot or basket under "mount" when you do your initial search. Hope this helps.

Oh, yeah. Most of the so-called Jewell Orchids would be great candidates as well.

[Ross]

Dracs tend to be either easy or beyond difficult. For your situation I would recommend D. lotax as it is really shade loving and likes cooler temps as well. You'll have to water like crazy, cause these guys like plenty of moisture. Daily watering should be fine and a kitchen sink sounds great. I have no personal experience with the one you selected but it sounds fine as well. His come in baskets all set for hanging (with the wires.)

[VickiC]

Thanks for the info. I'm gonna keep that in mind: D. lotax. Got it. I'm excited about the one I ordered....can't wait to get it. Andy should give you commission cuz you just make a sale for him ($41.00). lol

Originally Posted by Ross

Dracs tend to be either easy or beyond difficult. For your situation I would recommend D. lotax as it is really shade loving and likes cooler temps as well. You'll have to water like crazy, cause these guys like plenty of moisture. Daily watering should be fine and a kitchen sink sounds great. I have no personal experience with the one you selected but it sounds fine as well. His come in baskets all set for hanging (with the wires.)

[Ross]

If yours does as well as mine has, you'll be dividing it into more plants! They grow up and out of the basket freely. I now have three baskets from the original one. Andy referred to this as a "weed".