Newbie in Hudson Valley of NY

[Kino]

Hello everyone,

I have had phals for about ten years now. Never - and still do not - know what I am doing. I live in NYS approximately 50 miles north on the Hudson from NYC.

Currently, I have about eight (8) phals and a couple lady slippers. I have kept them all alive but do not know if they are "thriving". None of them have ever re-bloomed in about the ten years since I have had them.

Over the summer I spoke with a man who worked as a designer as a well known Orchid nursery in Brewster, NY for a number of years. He suspected a problem with fertilization and advised me to alternate weekly between two different fertzs and water.

I have been doing this regularly for about three (3) months and hope to see better results. A bloom or two would be nice.

Additionally, I have been looking for a healthy and challenging hobby. May move my collection to an old dark room in my basement and grow under the under lights.

Has anybody had luck establishing, maintaining and adding to a collection entirely out of the natural light in artificial surroundings? I realize I need lights, humidity trays, timers and maybe even a humidifier, etc.

Would like to use basement room because there is an old kitchen down there with a pair of sinks, counter space and cabinets.

Kino