Best Low Light Orchids?

[cutefish707]

Hello Orchid Lovers!
So I have 11 orchids and I love them all!! Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum, Cattleya and Cymbidiums. The question that I have is my Paphiopedilums have been in a window for a long time now and the leaves look beautiful but they are not flowering. I have since moved them to a window that gets more light to see if that makes a difference but now I have a big space that I would love to fill with orchids that may do better on this side of the window. I read that the jewel orchid or Ludisia may be better in low light but I am very unfamiliar with this type of orchid.
Any suggestions?

[WhiteRabbit]

Which direction does the window face? Does it get any direct light? If so, how long?

Masdevallias are generally pretty low light, tho some like brighter. Haraella retrocalla. Ludisia (a terrestrial). Aerangis citrata tolerates deep shade.

[PaphMadMan]

What kind of Paphiopedilums do you have? There is a large difference in light needs within the genus. Knowing what Paphs you have would help narrow down your light level.

[JanS]

Your Paphs-not-flowering problem may not be just low light. I learned some time ago they need a good seasonal day-to-night temperature drop to flower. Winter night temperatures should drop down to 55 deg.F or even a bit lower. Before I learned this trick I had a bunch of them in various light conditions and like yours - they looked good but never flowered. Now they do....

Good Luck!

[NYCorchidman]

In orchid gorwin, low light doesn't mean deep shade. Even "low light" paphs like maudiae do not flower if there isn't enough light.

Now, seasonal temperature variation is not required for all paphs, but for some. Many of paphs are from tropicals where they do not experience such cool temperature, and it can actually be harmful than beneficial.

Many complex hybrids benefit from cooler night temp to set flower buds. even then, it's only 58F that is ideal. lower than that is tolerated not required.