Recommendations for a Newbie

[lexusnexus]

I've seen some recommendations but am not sure they address everything for me. I live in the NW corner of a condo in the DC suburbs of MD. So the light is probably considered to be low. Outside temperatures can run as high as 100 in the summer to as low as 5 in the winter. DC is normally very warm to hot and always humid (but not as bad as SE Asia or Fla) in the summer. I typically set the thermostat to 72 year round. I have no plans at this time to set up my living room as the Himalayas or a misty cold coastline. What genus('s) would do best in this environment for a beginner? Thanks...

[Subrosa]

I would think a Stanhopea jenischiana would be a good choice in your situation. It's a shade lover, would do well outside in the heat and humidity, and prefers to be a bit drier (although never dry!) in the winter. Although individual blooms only last a couple days, they make a big impression to both the eyes and nose while they're around!

[tucker85]

Both phalaenopsis and paphiodpedilums should be good candidates although the big multi-floral paphs might need more light than you have.

[Ordphien]

I'll second that.

And maybe a twinkle oncidium.
They require significantly less light to flower then their larger brethren in my experience.



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[lexusnexus]

Thanks for the recommendations. I truly appreciate it. While at the Philly Flower Show I picked up these 2 from Waldor Orchid (Linwood, NJ).

[james mickelso]

Good choices. There are mini catts that would also grow and flower for you. With the saphro in them they will do with less light.

[weederwoman]

It's not hard to set up a small light area. A shelf and a couple of T5 "daylight" florescent lights could open a lot of possibilities. Simple Home Depot stuff. Can you lower your temps in one room 10 degrees at night for the winter? Some need that to flower well.
Any one have a list of plants that flower without a lowered temperature requirement?

Laurel