Windowsill setup for Oncidium and Mini Dends - Orchid Board

DManley · #1 08-09-2010, 11:52 PM

I am getting a few "Real" orchids to join my 3 NOID Phals on a South facing windowsill table. They will have South and West exposure. I live in Michigan, and we have trees in the yard, so the light will be a bit subdued in the summer, but decent in the Winter when the leaves are down. The Phals have done fairly well in spite of the temps dropping a bit in the Winter, and some low humidity. I plan to put Orchids outside for the Summer starting next year.

I am getting Dend. Bardo Rose, and Dend. Berry. I am also getting Oncidium Gower Ramsey and Oda. Marwill. I am hoping that these will all work with Windowsill light and be okay with the humidity. (I will keep a teapot on the woodstove this winter.) Any advice on these orchids? Any advice on my growing setup? Will any of them need some artificial light in addition to the sunlight? (For winter rest, I can move the Dendrobiums upstairs to a cool bedroom with South windows too)

Lastly, are there any other groups of plants that would work well for windowsill growing? I am hoping that the Oncidium takes off. If it does, I will try a couple others like Sharry Baby, or another fragrant one. I am also thinking of Mini Catts, but I would need to add some artificial light to make them happy.

Thanks,
Dave

Zoi2 · #2 08-10-2010, 02:43 AM

Hello and welcome to the OB. Your window sill setup sounds fine, how far away will the plants be from the window? Your dens will probably require more light than your phals and oncs.
Joann

CTB · #3 08-10-2010, 07:17 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board! Enjoy, Hope you'll post lots with pics too.

DManley · #4 08-10-2010, 11:55 AM

Thank you for the responses.

I am keeping the Phals on a plant stand towards the corner. They are a couple of feet from the window. If I think they are getting yellow, I slide them back. If the leaves look too dark, I move them in a bit. I will do the same thing with the new plants, but I am going to set up an old typing table along the window. I will give the Dendrobiums "Front row seats" and place the Oncidiums behind them. I can easily adjust their positions based upon the appearance of the plants. I will probably keep the Phals in their corner location, as they like the afternoon shade. I will post some pics as soon as the new plants arrive.

Thanks again,
Dave

Izzie · #5 08-10-2010, 12:37 PM

I'd give everyone as much light as you can- front row seats for as many as you can accommodate. You know they are getting enough light if their leaves get a purple tinge. (think of it as sunscreen) I suspect you will get better flowering for everyone with better light.

grasshopper · #6 08-10-2010, 12:41 PM

I think your set up sounds great, so please post pictures! The dends and the oncidiums will definitely enjoy their front row seating.

I think Beallara's do well in windowsills and will enjoy light similar to your phals. They can get quite large, though, due to their leaf span...just something to think about.

WhiteRabbit · #7 08-10-2010, 03:24 PM

well I'd be careful with the Phals and Oncidiums in a south window in winter (not only are your shade trees bare in winter, but the sun is a bit south in the sky, so if nothing is shading it, south window can receive direct sun a good portion of the day in winter)- sounds like you have the right idea about watching and adjusting as needed. In winter I have "high" light plants in a south window - but they are on the sills right next to the glass. The plants that want a bit less light will probably be good a few inches back (?) I'm sure there are people here who also grow in a south window who can advise you better than myself, but I think you have the right idea.

I think mini-catts would be fine in a south window - but I don't know how cold from outside might affect plants right next to the glass ... hopefully someone can also advise on that ...

Izzie · #8 08-10-2010, 04:28 PM

My phals love it in my south window- and it has no trees or anything in front of it.
The strength of the light will also depend on how "good" your windows are- if they're double paned, filtered, etc., or if the plants are on the side of the window that has a screen, if it has one.

Orchid126 · #9 08-10-2010, 05:13 PM

The oncidiums will need more light and water than the phals. They can also take western light . The dendrobiums will need more light than the oncidiums. They also can take western light. And depending on what type of dens they are, they may like it cooler in the winter.

Bear in mind that besides how close to the window the plant is, the position in the window is very important. To one side the plant will receive early in the day light. To the other side the plant will receive afternoon light. And in the middle the plant will get the full day light.

Izzie · #10 08-10-2010, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Orchid126

Bear in mind that besides how close to the window the plant is, the position in the window is very important. To one side the plant will receive early in the day light. To the other side the plant will receive afternoon light. And in the middle the plant will get the full day light.

Hey! I've noticed that, but never really gave it much thought. Thanks for pointing it out.