Hello, I'm new to the boards and new to orchids. I want to expand my small windowsill collection of orchids into a project. I planned to build a few wooden shelf units in a room in my basement and to grow under fluorescents with humidity and climate control.
I don't know which genera to focus on. Phals aren't interesting to me. I was thinking about Dendrobiums. Are these not a good choice?
What I plan to do is order just species, no hybrids and learn to cross pollinate, and grow in flasks.
What are the requirements of Dendrobiums, temperature, humidity, food wise? Which species are desirable and not too hard to grow?
Dens can vary widely in their culture. Some are warm - hot growers, some cool and intermediate growers. Some want a complete winter rest, others not. Some need a good deal of light, others less.
There should be many you can grow
I'm sure others can advise on that better than myself - but maybe bigibbum (likes to grow a bit dry in winter, but not a true rest). aberrans, violaceum (both from latouria section - like to remain evenly moist year-round)
bigibbum may need more light than aberrans or violaceum.
I'm sure others can help with suggestions. I've only branched out into Dens a bit the past couple of years, and am figuring out what I can grow lol