Suggested orchids for my light levels

[marcoeverard]

Reading with a light meter today, which is bright but cloudy I am getting readings of between 4000 and 6000 Lux. Can anyone suggest orchids to grow in lower light levels. I know Phals and Paphs but are there others? The orchid house is heated to a miniumum of 14 deg C or about 60F.

[cbuchman]

You are very smart to ensure that what you purchase will manage well in your conditions. I have several shady light/intermediate temp orchids in my collection. I'd suggest looking at Aerangis, Phrags, lycastes, Chinese Cymbidiums, Neofinitas (some take higher light, but they are generally very tolerant of varying conditions), Gastrochilus, and Sederia.

So that is just a few. I'd also have a conversation with any vendors you can find and ask them what they recommend for your light & temp conditions. I've found some really unusual orchids this way.

[marcoeverard]

Thanks Carrie. I will note them down. I am hoping I can get away with some Cattleyas in the brighter areas but don't want to spend a fortune on lighting. I have a Phrag flowering at the moment and some dendrobiums seem to be doing ok although not optimal .

[hanzy08]

You can try miltoniopsis and some oncidiums. It's always better to give more light and adjust as needed than less light and having to buy fixtures and light set ups unless you really want specific plants that require high light. My apartment doesn't have enough light in the winter and i wanted to have some vandas so i had to buy fixtures to provide enough light for them to bloom.

[marcoeverard]

I do have a couple of Miltoniopsis one of which is just coming into flower and I have just bought a vanda which i guess was a bit of a mistake but perhaps i can just light one section of the Orchid house.

[MattWoelfsen]

How warm does your greenhouse get? If it gets no warmer than 90*F, you might also consider Pluerothallis alliance plants. These are fascinating plants from Central and South America. I have mine growing in the same light levels as Phalaenopsis.

[galgoa]

You would try some Bulbophyllum. I can recommend Bulbo lobbii.

[marcoeverard]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

How warm does your greenhouse get? If it gets no warmer than 90*F, you might also consider Pluerothallis alliance plants. These are fascinating plants from Central and South America. I have mine growing in the same light levels as Phalaenopsis.

We are lucky here in the UK if we get a couple of days above 90F (or unlucky depending on your point of view ) and i have a misting system to help when temps are high so thanks that is another for the list.

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