low-humidity tolerant cattleya species?

[smweaver]

Does anyone who grows Cattleyas know of any species that are somewhat tolerant of low humidity levels in the winter? In the summer, I have no problem providing good humidity, as the plants all go outdoors and here in the Midwest the humidity is consistently oppressive (to humans at least), averaging between 80% and 90% (and often higher). But in the winter I can only manage to keep the humidity between 43% and (on a good day) 50%. Any suggestions for species (please, no hybrids--and no offense to everyone who loves the hybrids; they're often very nice but I just prefer the species) that could handle these lower winter levels will be very much appreciated. Thank you!

Steve

[justatypn]

I personally am not familar with the species of low loving humidity but you will find other hobbist using humidifiers during the winter months, due to heating needed for ourselves. My catts are doing well and I am an indoor grower and they get 50%-80% summer and low end of 60% in the winter. Plenty of misting is workable as well.

Hopefully one of the members that are a bit more well versed in species growing culture will chime in...

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[smartie2000]

I haven't had problems with humidity on catts as long as they are watered

[Bolero]

I think you'll find that most of them will tolerate those levels of humidity and grow quite well. Just mist in the mornings when you can and things should be fine.

[Shadow]

As far as they are not mounted, they will be fine. And even if they are mounted, but you will need to water them more often.

[Ross]

I am growing C. intermedia (two plants) in 35-40% indoors humidity with no problems. But then so are my Phals, my Brassias, my Miltonia, my Paphs, my Encyclias.... get the picture? I don't sweat the humidity and never spray them with water. I use coarse bark for most of them, waterlily baskets for high drainage and lotsa air at roots and water frequently (daily for many) by total submersion in a large bucket of fertilizer mix (MSU 125ppm and RO water). I haven't lost anything to dryness. Some, like Dendrobiums, are "devil plants" that just up and die for no reason I can attribute to my care

[smweaver]

Thanks to everyone who responded. I'm planning on getting a few Cattleya species (gaskelliana, mossiae and walkeriana, to be specific) to add to my collection and just wanted to make sure that they would be able to tolerate (though I don't expect them to love it) the lower levels of winter humidity. With the exception of the walkeriana, they'll be potted in coarse media and all will be summered outdoors where the humidity issue won't be a consideration. Since I have no Cattleyas at this time (neither species nor hybrids) I wanted to see what they could handle before jumping right in and acquiring the three mentioned above. Thanks again!

Steve

[Rick Barry]

Steve,
For species Catts there few growers more knowledgeable that A A Chadwick of Chadwick & Son Orchids. His articles are online at their website. Google 'em.

Regards,
Rick

[Shadow]

Yes, their articles are very good. I saved it in my favorites. Here is a link Chadwick & Son Orchids