Newbie-recommendations for my conditions?

[Stickytoe]

Hi everyone,

I'm a recruit from the reptile world
I've always been interested in orchids and carnivorous plants and I'm finally ready to try my hand at them!

I thought I'd describe the climate/light conditions in my house and see if anyone could recommend some species that might do well.

I live in the Bay Area, CA
Summer lows= 60
Summer highs= generally 80's but can get 90's
Winter lows= 40's
Winter highs=50-60's
House winter temps won't get below 55.

I have several options for placement in my house. Option 1 is a south facing window box specifically designed for plants. It has a ventilated top that can be opened and closed.

Option 2 is a well lit, airy bathroom with a south facing window, although the plant would be rather far from the window.

Option 3 is a East facing windowsill

I am mainly interested in Paphiopedilum, Dendrobium, Oncidium, Phragmipedium , Vanda, Cymbidium, Dracula species.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

___________________
Nicole Chaney
Welcome to Sticky Toe Gecko!

[quiltergal]

Welcome to OB Nicole! I grew up in the Bay Area and my mother still lives there. She grows cymbidiums outside quite easily. They are on the east side of the house and get morning sun.

I'm pretty new to slippers so will let someone else weigh in on the Paphs and Phrags. The only Vanda I had I killed. I don't have any Dracula, so I guess that leaves dendros and onc. Some people think dendros are fussy. I don't find that to be so, I have 4 different kinds and they are all doing well. I think you would be fine with any of them and there are lots to choose from. 1400 different species in that alliance alone! They like high light so would probably do great in your bay window as long as they don't get direct sun. I find open blinds in my south window are enough to take the edge off and keep the light lovers happy. Oncidium can be grown along side of dendros as they have similar requirements. Mine are cohabitating nicely together.

[FinnBar]

Hi Nicole and welcome!

i can't speak from personal experience but with conditions like yours i'd go for some oncidiums, tolumnias if you like minis. Find one/some with blooms that inspire you!

Antti

[watsgw1155]

Welcome!

You can't go wrong with Paphs, Phrags, Phals & Oncs.

Dracs are usually considered a plant for the advanced grower - their cranky! I've killed more than one.

There are some great vendors out there - to name a few:

http://www.orchidweb.com;
http://www.orchidsbyhausermann.com; &
Santa Barbara Orchid Estate Home Page

All have great selections and good prices.

Welcome to the Board!

[gmdiaz]

Hello & Welcome!

Yes, Dracs are fussy. . .pretty much have to have RO water or rain water and cannot dry out. . .low light is required and their leaves will toast up and brown spot if the light is too high or if you've given too much fertilizer.

I've finally got mine stabilized in a tank. It's putting out new leaves. and roots . .but it took a solid MONTH.

[Stickytoe]

thanks everyone! I'm going to do more reading and then take the plunge soon!

[shakkai]

Welcome to Orchid Board! What reptiles do you have? I don't keep any (I could just see my cat's reaction!) but quite a few people here do.

I would agree that oncidiums (and especially the tolumnias) would do well and you would find easy to grow. You've made a great start - better than most of us! - in looking around and doing research on what suits your environment BEFORE purchasing plants.

You could also try looking up your local society. They sometimes have websites which can recommend plants suited to a particular climate. Or go along to a meeting and ask the people there what they grow and how they grow them - I'm sure they would be very happy to tell you all about their collections! LOL!

[Stickytoe]

thanks for the advice!
I keep and breed 4 species of geckos, 12 species of exotic roaches, and 1 species of tarantula. My website is listed under my first post

[cb977]

Hi Nicole Welcome to Orchdboard

Checked out your web site...it's nice to see that so much care is given to the animals you raise

Love that Giant Gecko! Awesome!!!

The huge roaches...not so much