What Kinds of Orchids to Grow in SW FL - Orchid Board

khill · #1 04-18-2007, 06:50 PM

Hi--I am new to growing orchids and came across this wonderful board with a wealth of information. My love for orchids started a few years ago when I received a phal as a gift. It took me a year or so to kill it when it was just going to bloom again! That's when I decided to really read up on orchid care, etc.

I live in SW Florida and have purchased some cattleyas, phals, dendrobiums and ascocendas and am going to try my luck growing them on my lanai. I also purchased a zygopetalum.

Do you all think my orchid choices are OK? Was hoping to hear from other Floridians to see what they have luck with. So far everything I have purchased is doing OK and showing signs of new growth, etc. I know it can't be that easy!

smartie2000 · #2 04-18-2007, 07:38 PM

People on from flordia here all grow those types of orchids you mentioned so I suspect that it is ok

they also grow Vandas, and other warm growers

cb977 · #3 04-18-2007, 08:21 PM

You living in SW Florida means you can grow a multitude of beauties...and you have a lanai!

If you have the time to do some misting every day, I have one word for you:
Vandas!!!

Where in SW FL are you? I'm in Spring Hill

khill · #4 04-18-2007, 09:45 PM

I'm in Naples.

Vandas are beautiful, but do they have to be misted? What is the difference between a Vanda and a Vanda/Ascocenda? Also, do they take full Florida sun or is morning sun OK?

I purchased several Vanda/Ascocenda. I guess they would be crosses? As you can see, I am totally new at this stuff!

cb977 · #5 04-18-2007, 09:50 PM

Ascocendas are part of the vanda family. They can be potted so care is as it would be for any other potted 'chid. Since vandas don't have any pseudobulbs to hold their own water and nourishment, it needs to be given to them daily. Here in Florida (and it's warmer down by you than here in Spring Hill) I mist the vandas once a day in the cooler months and two or three times during the summer. They are hanging around the pool,, so it is full sun with a 20% shade factor caused by the screen room.

The time you have to spend on the care of your orchids is a big part of what I consider a person's "conditions"

Don't worry about being new at this...we were all in the same position when we started

Ask any questions you come up with and you're sure to get the help you need. Before you know it, you will be answering the questions from somebody else saying "I'm totally new to this"..

justatypn · #6 04-18-2007, 11:39 PM

Khill

Aboard, the best place to learn is here at the OB...

I am just outside of Orlando, raised here, moved away for 15 years to SE Fl, directly across from you north of Palm Beach and our conditions here are exceptional, tropical and lucky in the winter. Your collection is perfect for our weather here in the south. The OB has a

gallery, snap a few and share with other OB members....take a few minutes and take in the sights of other members collection. Glad you have joined us...

khill · #7 04-19-2007, 05:33 AM

Thank you all so much for the warm welcome and advice!

I have been looking at the gallery of pictures--I will try to post some of my own soon.

Boy, this orchid thing is addicting!! Who knew!

Shadow · #8 04-19-2007, 07:26 AM

Nice to meet you! Good luck with your orchids! Looking forward for your photos.

Lagoon · #9 04-19-2007, 08:05 AM

LOL! You got that right, Khill. Welcome to the forum

Charles · #10 04-21-2007, 12:10 AM

I like giving my Vandas some medium for moisture. It's just too hot and dry out here. And I can't be there two or three times a day for misting. One good wet in the morning, and they are good for the day. Others like it too. They dry well. Watch your moss though. Soggy stuff.