More orchids in my windows

[ludviga]

Hello: hello
I feel like a baby here even if I am a senior. I have had orchids since 20 years ago, mostly Phalaenopsis which I am rather successful with. I dip them into roomtemperated boiled water once a week, sprinkle their air-roots now and then, and they get flowers every year.
I also this past winter bought som Dendrobium which I do not know if I can make them come in blossom again
Now I want to increase the number of orchids on my window benches and I really want to find other spieces that I can manage to get into blossom . Can you suggest me some easy-growing spieces: waving
ludviga

[Discus]

Hi Ludviga,

Aside from Phalaenopsis, the next easiest "windowsill growers" are arguably Paphiopedilums.

Welcome to orchidboard!

[ludviga]

Thanks!
I have had some Paphiopedilums and they used to blossom but I have moved into a new apartment and it seems as hey do not like it here. I am trying to rescue one by putting sphangnum around what was left of the roots and actually two more leaves have shown up. (since april)
What about Encyclia and Cymbidium
(what does quote message mean??)

ludviga

[WhiteRabbit]

Many Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, mini and compact Cattleyas can grow on a sunny easy or west facing windowsill.

Cymbidiums usually require more light than a window can provide, as well as many need a period if chilly nights to bloom. If you have a sunny spot outside where one could grow spring thru fall, it could then grow by windowsill light in winter.

[maroonmudskipper]

Originally Posted by ludviga

Thanks!
I have had some Paphiopedilums and they used to blossom but I have moved into a new apartment and it seems as hey do not like it here. I am trying to rescue one by putting sphangnum around what was left of the roots and actually two more leaves have shown up. (since april)
What about Encyclia and Cymbidium
(what does quote message mean??)

ludviga

Quote message means that this (see above) happens... It's useful for letting people know exactly who you're talking to!

I'm old hat at forums, but brand new to orchids. I've only got two so far! I feel like I've got to "catch them all"

[ludviga]

Thank You!

I have now ordered 1 Oncidium hastilabium, 1 Encyclia fragrans and 1 Epidendrum secundum. I hope I will manage to get them to blossom.
I do not have a garden and my little balcony might be too hot to put the orchids there . I have read that many orchids likes a period with night temperatures 5 centigrades below the day temperatures. I have that out.
Anyway to get light enough during the winter period I plan to put a lamp above some orchids
ludviga

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Many Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, mini and compact Cattleyas can grow on a sunny easy or west facing windowsill.

Cymbidiums usually require more light than a window can provide, as well as many need a period if chilly nights to bloom. If you have a sunny spot outside where one could grow spring thru fall, it could then grow by windowsill light in winter.