I'am a loser!!

[Cheddarbob14]

It's a great, yet painful learning experience at times, this hobby/addiction we all have. Someone here suggested, and I have followed, having a "graveyard". I have a small glass jar with the tags of plants I've killed. I even have them remnants of my zygopetalum that I specifically drove to Porters Orchids for, sitting in there. Just a friendly reminder of the past failures, which in my eyes will lead to future accomplishments!

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Cheddarbob14

I have a small glass jar with the tags of plants I've killed.

I did that for awhile. But "small glass jar" didn't cut it... I had a modest sized box, then finally dumped the lot. But for those of us hopelessly hooked, there's always the desire to "push the envelope". Some plants will adapt and some won't... that's part of the adventure, learning what one can get away with, and trying to tweak conditions to expand that.

[Leafmite]

I recommend is cheering yourself by buying a few new orchids.

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by katrina

In the beginning, I thought some of my windows were sufficient for growing orchids and while some of the lower light orchids did fine...the higher light plants did not. And, I'm talking Southern exposure for the high light plants! That window is great for a couple of month each year (intense enough to purple-up some of the brassavola!) but the reality is that in our area of the world...the sun isn't out long enough and/or the angle is "off" for a large part of the year and the light reaching inside the window is not nearly enough for many high light orchids. It seemed really bright to me...but the human eye is not a good gauge.

I can honestly say that one of the best purchases I made was a light meter. When I finally bought one...I was shocked to see the readings. What I thought was bright in the dead of winter was barely enough to bloom phals. And, worse yet, the light was only available for a short period in the winter so the space really was lacking and it explained all the issues I had seen to date.

You don't have to spend a lot of money for one that works well and gives you good readings. I spent less than $40 on mine and I've seen the same one for less. You can use this to gauge the sunlight coming in the windows as well as fluorescent bulbs...it's not accurate for many LEDs, I believe. But, for you, the biggest benefit will be in seeing how much light you're getting through those windows.

This is pretty much the same meter I got...but this one is cheaper than what I paid. Very easy to use. DIGITAL ILLUMINANCE LIGHT METER 200,000 LUX PHOTOMETER LUXMETER PRECISE OVERRANG | eBay This one item could make all the difference in your results.

Okay I ordered it but you may have to show me how to use it.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by charlesf6

Okay I ordered it but you may have to show me how to use it.

You won't regret buying this...it'll definitely go a long way in helping you perfect the light needs of your various orchids/plants.

I haven't used mine in a few years as my grow areas are set and everything is the same now but if you have any trouble at all...PM me and I'll walk you through it.

[Tetra73]

I don't think heat is the issue. I am in NYC too and growing my orchids (1 dendrobium, 2 Cattleyas, 3 oncidiums, and 2 phals). Growing them inside a tent, indoor. It has been hot in NY during July to early August. And I have my grow light on too for 10 hours a day. Again, I have already developed the routine to water than every other day. They are getting plenty of air circulation inside the tent too. In fact, my 2 oncidiums decided to grow some flower spikes during this period. My dendrobium is still flowing...since Feb.

The tent is located in the living room and NO AC....

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I recommend is cheering yourself by buying a few new orchids.

In due time

[charlesf6]

Originally Posted by katrina

You won't regret buying this...it'll definitely go a long way in helping you perfect the light needs of your various orchids/plants.

I haven't used mine in a few years as my grow areas are set and everything is the same now but if you have any trouble at all...PM me and I'll walk you through it.

Just unwrapped...powered on..