New Orchid Species for natural conditions in temperate climates - Orchid Board

Groq · #1 02-14-2018, 12:50 PM

Hello friends, would love to get some ideas on a new species to try in a west facing window with only natural light and no additional environmental support beyond household hvac conditions and outside when the weather gets warmer. I'd like to find a new one to try and have trouble telling what is best for a beginner. Any suggestions? Thanks!

rbarata · #2 02-14-2018, 12:54 PM

What are your temps at night in winter?

estación seca · #3 02-14-2018, 01:48 PM

Does sun shine directly on the windows, or are they shaded by trees? Deciduous or evergreen? Are they normal glass, or is there sunscreen film on them? When you are near the window, and sun shines onto your skin, does it ever feel warm?

Groq · #4 02-14-2018, 02:11 PM

Temperatures at night vary pretty considerably in the region, but at home could get as low as 65 in the house. The window gets some shade in the summer from trees, but not entirely shaded. I have not noticed a considerable amount of heat coming in when sun is shining directly on the window, but there is some direct light.

rbarata · #5 02-14-2018, 02:13 PM

Maybe I've made an incorrect interpretation but my reply was considering that you want them to grow outdoors.
If that's the case, we need to know outside temps in winter/coldest season.

Quote:

...to try in a west facing window with only natural light and no additional environmental support...

Opss....

estación seca · #6 02-14-2018, 02:23 PM

You need to find out whether you have energy-efficient windows, treated to reduce incoming sun. Not many plants can grow behind this kind of window. If your hand doesn't get warm in summer sun through the window, they are probably this kind of window.

If you have regular windows, look for intermediate to warm growing orchids. Most of them will do fine there. Cattleyas, Oncidiums, some Dendrobiums, Encyclias would do well there. Vandas too, but some get pretty big.

Groq · #7 02-14-2018, 02:35 PM

Awesome, thanks for the ideas!

---------- Post added at 01:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:34 PM ----------

rbarata, I'll probably take it outside during the summer when evenings are typically 68-15

malteseproverb · #8 02-15-2018, 12:03 AM

Hi Groq, we live in a similar climate and I've grown orchids for years without lights. People get gung ho with lights but many orchids, including cattleyas, are easy to bloom in windows in my opinion. I've grown in a west window before and the main problem I had was that it can get excessively hot in a room with west facing windows, so I think you should try any orchid labeled as being warm or intermediate growing. I would suggest cattleyas because they really aren't picky about low humidity. They need a lot of light but I have never had trouble growing them. Encyclias have similar needs but in my opinion less spectacular flowers on average. Of course phals are an option.

Roberta · #9 02-15-2018, 07:53 PM

In the Cattleya department, consider the "mini-Catts"... they are bred to stay smaller, so that they lend themselves to windowsill growing (limited space) Take a look at Sunset Valley Orchids as a source... lots and lots of Catts that have been bred to be very forgiving of a wide range of conditions, and not eat you out of house and home.