Westerly window about 1 hour of full sun, suggestions?

[denvervet]

I have a westerly window, its not true west and it gets bright light all day and about an hour of full sun. I was thinking of having glass shelving made so that I can put orchids there. Can anyone suggest what kind of orchids would thrive there? I live in Denver and its very dry here, I do use humidity trays and sometimes mist depending on the type of orchid. Thanks!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Depends on your skill level, but if you're a beginner, I'd say try Cattleyas or epiphytical Laelias. Preferably Laelia.

[Gage]

A lot of Oncidiums would probably do well there. But I agree with Philip that Cattleyas are a good option.

[denvervet]

Thank for your reply. I have an Onc. ornithorhychum and its just in bright light? Is it supposed to get sun? It bloomed this winter and the flowers were just ok, they didn't last long. The leaves seem to get black spots on them so I stopped misting, I must say its my least favorite Orchid thus far. I don't have a Cattleya yet. I have seen pics and they are beautiful, what are the humidity requirements for them? I live in very low humidity but use humidity trays. Thanks you guys.

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[Hedge]

Have you got single or double glazing - I find I can grow some Paphs in a west window with double glazing, likewise Phalaenopsis, except in high summer.

Other than the very dry air, you might want to consider how much air movement you can provide - splitting the window up with shelving may make that diffficult if you use a fan. Solar powered fans would be an option as they 'd stir the air up whenever it was being heated most.

Also, I definitely think you need humidity trays

[denvervet]

Its double glazing, do you think the Onc. should be in that window?

[tucker85]

I would say phalaenopsis or paphs. My phals get two hours of direct sun in the mornings and bright shade the rest of the day. If you're going to try a cattleya, go with one of the compact or mini-cats. You can look at the web-site for Marble Branch Farms. Read the descriptions and you may find something that will grow in lower light. Small oncidiums may do well there. What you've experienced with your oncidium is leaf spotting fungus. They all get that unless you use a fungicide on them regularly. Good luck.

[denvervet]

Ok, thank you for the tip on fungicide! Will do.