Setting up for cool growing orchids.

[Syrinth]

Hello, I figured I'd start asking because I seem to innately be attracted to orchids that are termed as 'cool growing.'

I live in Ottawa, Canada and the current temperature right now is 1 degree Celsius, rather pleasantly warm for this time of year.

My main growing position is a set of shelves and a desk set directly in front of my South-facing bedroom window. My bedroom gets cold enough at night that I tend to sleep with two blankets, although since I am a wuss to cold it might not be that bad. House temperature is normally kept at about 70 degrees F.

I do not at this point in time have a temperature gauge to check min-max temperatures, but I'm looking for suggestions on how I could set up for cold growing orchids, and indeed if I have any options.

A picture of my setup can be found at: http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos..._6782804_n.jpg

It should also be noted that my windowsills are tiny, tiny narrow little things not designed to hold anything...

Any suggestions or are cold-growers doomed?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

What kinds of cool growers are you talking about, please mention the genus and the species.

If it's a hybrid, please post the name of the hybrid you have in mind.

Right now, it's too general a topic.

[Syrinth]

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize how general of a topic it was lol.

I currently have a Dendrobium Kingianum and a Dendrobium Nobile *clonal name Brazil or something along those lines* as well as Propertalum Mathina although I've been assured that cool temps for the Mathina are not a major concern.

I really like the thought of getting Draculas at some point, especially Dracula Vampira *I'm a dork, I admit it* and while wandering around I found Bollopetalum Midnight Blue 'Cardinal's Roost' which looks absolutely gorgeous but is, also a cool grower it seems.

My main problem is that I have no experience at all dealing with plants that have different requirements and I'm just overwhelmed at the thought of needing different "zones" at it were for taking care of them.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't have experience with the intergeneric hybrids you've mentioned.

However, the Dracula vampira I do have experience with.

It is not a true cool growing plant. It grows on the cool side of intermediate (around 50 F - 85 F).

Shade to bright shade.

Dracula spp. need moderate to high humidity to flower properly or even at all for some species.

Not all Draculas are "cool growing", btw.

Dendrobium kingianum is a temperature tolerant species. It grows in temperatures ranging from 45 F to 100 F. It may be able to take brief periods of 36 F and 110 F weather. This one needs bright indirect light to flower. It needs a drier fall/winter.

[nutgirl]

I have the Bollopetalum. It grows in summer 65-85 (in the 90's occasionally), winter, 65-75.

Maureen

[trdyl]

It would also be good to know what the peak and average light levels are in foot candles or lux. Different orchids take different light levels to bloom.

[Donald]

Greetings. Here is a list of what I have growing quite wonderfully in a sunroom with north,south and east facing windows where the temperature varies from 55 at night to 78 during the day. They reside there all but during the summer. All bloom nicely. Summer time you need to be careful with the temps. I've found that out the hard way.
The list:
Masdevallia Angel Tang (veitchiana X tonduzii)
Masdevallia Red Baron (maculata x coccinea)
Masdevallia Rosemary (glandulosa x coccinea)
Masdevallia Ted Khoe (constricta X welischii)

[Syrinth]

Thanks for all the info, I really have to find a temperature and light level gauge...

I also discovered that my mother's old room is apparently unheated and quite chill at night so that is also an option as well I suppose.

[Brotherly Monkey]

I keep a cool growing light shelf in my basement.

I just used two separate shelves to form a primitive framing,and closed it off with plastic sheeting.


Not the most aesthetic option, but it works great.

Also I plan on building something more permanent using some ideas I got from building large terrariums for Monitor lizards. It will most likely be nothing more than a wood box with the interior treated with a Marine Grade Epoxy.

[silken]

Did you buy your Bollopetalum in Canada? I haven't found one in Canada yet and would like to order one.