I need help in taking care of my new orchids

[CG1108]

Hi!

I am a newbie...my husband bought me all these orchids but I don't know how to take of them and where to start. I live in the bay area, California and my patio is facing north...Can I put up a shelfstyle green house for these in my Patio but im guessing It won't work on winter right? I also read about having a flourescent light...what do I need for these? I bought a driftwood so I can transfer them soon but I can't decide whetherto put them outside on my patio and have a small green house or should stay indoors and put up a shelving.

I need your advices...thanks so much!

I will send an image of the orchids...

[CG1108]

[nutgirl]

Welcome to Orchid Board!

Very pretty, your husband did good.

These are Phalaenopsis orchids. They like warmth and moisture so your patio would work in the summer. You don't necessarily need a greenhouse unless you want to use one.

In winter a east,west or south facing windowsill will work or you can use artificial lighting.
They burn easily, so no direct sunlight.

What are they currently potted in? It's a good idea to repot as soon as possible. You mentioned driftwood, are you planning on mounting them?

Maureen

[CG1108]

Thank you Maureen! Yes I was thinking of mounting them...if i put them on a shelf style greenhouse and buy lights and heater. You think they will survive in my patio?

Thanks again.

[bellini girl]

First off, Glad you found us. Secondly, kudos to hubby for buying the 'chids. Plants look great

[nutgirl]

I'm not sure what you mean by a "shelf style greenhouse". Do you have a picture?

Keep in mind that mounted plants may require more of your attention because it's a bit harder to maintain the moisture/humidity, especially in the dryer CA climate. They would definitely do better in a greenhouse situation.


Maureen

[james mickelso]

Where in the Bay area do you live? It makes a difference. East Bay or west. Greenhouse? I had a greenhouse made of double walled plastic and it worked very well with only a small 750 watt electric heater at night from around 7pm till 7am in the morning when it would get sunlight. Even my miltonias were fine. I just didn't water anything until it really needed it then I watered lightly. Are you in a condo? Small patio? North light works ok in most cases except for the most light loving orchids like catts although even they will grow. Mounting? What are you mounting the phals onto? Drift wood from the beach is a no no. Too much salt. But as long as it isn't from the beach it will be fine. But you will need to water more often. Say once every tewo or three days. Some of our distinguished members live near you so they can be of more help. Good luck and they look like very nice plants. Probably planted in spagnu,m moss so go lightly on the water and water with bottled water from the store.

[CG1108]

[CG1108]

I was thinking of putting up something like this in our patio. Yes, I live in a condo south bay area-Cupertino.

Our patio faces north area though...Im concern during winter days if they will survive in this greenhouse with lights and maybe cover it with additional shade.

The driftwoods were called cool driftwoods...I got it from craigslist. I believe its not from the beach but I will doule check it from the seller.

Thanks everyone!

[WhiteRabbit]

Just want to say - I live in San Jose. I do grow some orchids outdoors, tho not in a greenhouse. I only have a couple of Phals, and just been growing them on windowsills, tho have in the past had a Phal that I grew outside during warm weather months, and brought inside when it was getting cool.