What orchids are good for my environment?

[demosthones]

I've been trying to find a list of orchids that would do well under my growing conditions.

I already have a setup that I will be using for my orchids.

Right now, here are the growing conditions.

Foot Candles ~6,000
Relative Humidity 40-65
Temperature 60 F - 82F (MOST of the year this will be more like 75-85.)
Photoperiod (between 12/12 and 20/4)


I can pick my grow medium based on what sort of orchid I decide on.

Where could I find good orchids for these conditions, or does anyone know of some off the top of their head?

I would prefer to start with an orchid that is not extremely sensitive to light cycle until I have an environment just for orchids.

Thanks.

[CodiMN]

Do you currently have any orchids? Phalenopsis are usually great to start with. Very forgiving and tolerant.

[demosthones]

I have had a few Phal's before just as casual houseplants(sadly I lost them in a move). I was afraid that strain wouldn't react well to the amount of light in my grow area?

I've just been reading the descriptions of different types of Orchid on Ray's website. I thought the Catasetum might work well for my environment, based on the descriptions.

Does anyone know if this plant could handle a change in light cycle?

[isurus79]

My guess would be as you said, Catasetinae (Cycnoches, Catasetum, Mormodes, etc.). However, any of the Brassavolas (or Rhyncholaelia) will do well with such high light, as will Grammatophyllum scriptum. Many of the bifoliate Cattleyas should be ok as well. Ive also heard that many Vandas like high light, though I have no experience with Vandas. Just remember, no matter what 'chid you choose, they probably were not raised in that high of a light and will need to be introduced over time. If you could create a screen of some sort, that would help you grow more varieties. I think the high light situation is your only drawback.

[FinnBar]

don't worry, having too much light is easier to cope with than too little..

my suggestion would be to try out some ascocentrums or vandas etc.
as your plant collection grows you'll be able to grow lower light plants in the shade of the higher light ones.

[demosthones]

Well I'm stupid. I had done all this research to find a great plant for my grow room. Then I was walking through the supermarket today and saw an Ondontoglossum I loved. So, needless to say, I picked it up.

I'll not be leaving this one in my grow room. I'm putting it in a fairly shaded window for now. I have it setting on top of some pebbles with water (actually hydroton if anyone is familiar with it.)

I don't think there's any way I will be able to find a place cool enough in the summer for this plant. I read the generic instructions for orchids on the pot I bought (even though they're assorted orchids with many different genus) and it didn't mention that Ondontoglossum's could not handle higher heat.

I do notice the accordian shape on one of my leaves. (I read that was from insufficient watering or low humidity.) The medium (some sort of bark) is still moist so I probably will wait to water it until Monday (going out of town for the weekend.)

[Ross]

I don't recall, where are you located? 6000 FCs is a lot of light so I am guess either Arizona, So Cal, or So Fla. I'd stick with Vandas, certain Cats, many of the Epidendrums can take full sun, Encyclia can take light up to approx 3000 FCs. You can also shade the area with light weight curtains or screening. Forget Phals, Paphs or Phrags!

[Gwenchanter]

I grow Phals in So. Fla on a shady west facing patio.

They only get a lot of sunlight in the evening when the sun is setting in the west. I'm sure they would be just as happy with less light but I don't think their growth or flowering is being hindered in any way by the light. If you do live in one of the sunnier states, try finding a window that faces west ?

[CodiMN]

Originally Posted by demosthones

Well I'm stupid. I had done all this research to find a great plant for my grow room. Then I was walking through the supermarket today and saw an Ondontoglossum I loved. So, needless to say, I picked it up.

I'll not be leaving this one in my grow room. I'm putting it in a fairly shaded window for now. I have it setting on top of some pebbles with water (actually hydroton if anyone is familiar with it.)

I don't think there's any way I will be able to find a place cool enough in the summer for this plant. I read the generic instructions for orchids on the pot I bought (even though they're assorted orchids with many different genus) and it didn't mention that Ondontoglossum's could not handle higher heat.

I do notice the accordian shape on one of my leaves. (I read that was from insufficient watering or low humidity.) The medium (some sort of bark) is still moist so I probably will wait to water it until Monday (going out of town for the weekend.)

You are not stupid! You just found something that you liked! Tends to happen to us quite a bit actually I first became comfortable with phals and then created and shifted my growing environment to handle different orchids that I liked (I still change it too, constantly checking and monitoring). Kinda makes me wonder how my orchids tolerate me!

So it's totally ok that you found an orchid that you love! It's ok to do little adjustments here and there to help it along. Besides, that's half the fun!

Have you studied any other orchids that sound interesting to you?