My windows(cyms,phals,and zygo)

[burz]

I am a beginner so any thing that looks wrong or problematic please speak up, thanks. This is also my first post with photos, bear with me if I screw it up

First off this is my zygo: Acacallis cyanea x self(aganisia cyanea I was told). This is an east window with a sheer curtain. Hanging out with it is a Dracena Marginata, two small christmas catus, peace lilly and a palm with a few succulents dangling out of the palm pot. Right now its staying around 65F and 40%RH.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psf98c6f21.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psdb16953d.jpg

Next is a west bedroom window with a sheer curtain(staying open for the most part right now during winter). Day temps have reached upper 70's(thats if the sun is out) with 45-58%Rh, and night temps 68F with 45%Rh. Closest to the window are cymbidiums resting in about a 1/4 inch of peat gravel and water. On the left is a seedling of standerd cymbidium: Plum passion x candy floss and to the right is a division of cymbidium miniture:Kiwi Midnight geyserland. About 2-3' from the window are 7 noid phals. They rest in a propagation tray with roughly 1-2 inches of peat gravel and water on top of a heated propagation mat.

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...sc84aaaef.jpeg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...psc795a09a.jpg

http://i1296.photobucket.com/albums/...ps248aadd6.jpg

[violetta]

I can't see any of the photos, I don't know if it's just me.

[Paul Mc]

Hey there. All I see are boxes with question marks where the pictures should go. Hmmmm... How did you upload them and what sizes are they?

[burz]

what about now?

[NYCorchidman]

The only thing I'm concerned about is the position of your phals. I don't know how much light they get but to me, they are sitting a bit too far from the window. I could be wrong though.

[burz]

I was thinking that myself. The reason they are farther back right now is because I have been leaving the sheer curtain open for the cyms to get direct sun. when spring/summer comes I plan to move the cyms outside or to the east window with the zygo. Then the phals will be placed where the cyms are with the sheer curtain closed, I might possibly put another darker sheer curtain along with the one thats up there now if temps get to high or if I suspect there is to much sun. Does this sound reasonable?
Also with the cyms, I'm hesitant on taking them outside because there so small. I may not be able to water twice a day(thats what I'm guessing will have to be done). What do most people do with there small cyms in a 5b climate? Thinking of treating the zygo like the cyms as far as moving in and out weather permitting. But even right now in winter the zygo seems very happy inside next to the east window. On cloudy days I move it in the west window with the cyms to hopefully get enough light, I'm under the impression so far that zygos cant handle the direct sun like the cymbidiums can.
Thank you for the feedback. Any other input is appreciated. I'm looking forward to a lifetime of orchid cultivation and dont want to be discouraged by any problems that can easily be avoided. Thanks again

[Cym Ladye]

The basic problem here is that you are dealing with genera requiring two quite different cultural conditions. The Phals are very happy with "people" temperature conditions, ideally more humidity, and bright but not direct light. I agree with NYCorchidman that they may not be getting enough light now, but they also do not like the draft from a cold window either!

The Cyms on the other hand, want very bright outdoor light, just short of burning the leaves. The Zypo needs to be outdoors too for best performance, but with a little less light. In your area you will have to bring both genera indoors in the winter due to your freezing temps and give them as much light as possible.

Just as a comment: your Cym seedlings look too big for twice a day watering. In 4" or 5" pots, usually every other day is more than enough. It all depends on what mix they are potted in.

Cym Ladye

[burz]

Thanks cym ladye,
The seedling is in a 2.5 inch pot in Imperial all purpose orchid mix and the division in a 4 inch pot with same mix. the mix consists of:
Medium Orchiata™ Monterey Bark
Small Orchiata™ Monterey Bark
Medium Sponge Rock
Medium Granite Chips
Rice Hulls
I have only a basic understanding of the cultural differences but this is a winter setup. This room stays the warmest and I'm trying to keep the cyms from thinking its time to bloom. But with both of your advice maybe I should set the cyms up in a south window till spring and move the phals up to the west window where the cyms were and use the sheer curtain. The draft isnt bad at all, the window was just installed and they would actually be about a foot away from the glass. Still to cold? The phals are on a heat mat as well.
Should I slowly introduce the cyms to the south window? Or might they be begging for a full introduction to that south window asap? They might look nice there with my green peppers, that I knowingly started to early(there almost 7 inches tall already)
Thank you so much for the advice. All help is very much appreciated.