Greetings! - Orchid Board

Izobel · #1 02-20-2017, 06:16 PM

Hello!

I never thought that I would get hooked on orchids, but now I've bought 5 orchids in one week... Oh god, I'm glad I realized how beautiful and fascinating these plants are.

So far all five orchids are Phalaenopsis, though I plan to get a Vanda next month. I'm still pondering about where to put my Phals. I have a south and a north window. Two Phals seem to like the southern windowsill, the other buds are all opening. The three on the northern windowsill are opening their buds, too, but I'm unsure how they will cope in the following months, also the Phals in my sleeping room (southern exposure). I plan to put all of my Phals to the northern window, which is huge and bright. Would it still be too dark? I live in Germany, so the winter months can be quite gloomy.

I'm looking forward to the time here on Orchidboard, to many discussions and nice photos.

Yours, Izobel

estación seca · #2 02-20-2017, 06:26 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Every day another week starts.

A suggestion... first determine what temperature, humidity and light you can provide all year in your windows. Then find orchids that will do well in those spots. It would be better to read for a while, then buy plants you have the best chance of growing. For example, Vandas require high light to flower, much more than Phalaenopsis need.

There are other members here in Germany who can help, as well.

charlesf6 · #3 02-20-2017, 06:37 PM

Izobel · #4 02-20-2017, 07:10 PM

Thank you, estación seca and charlesf6.

I bought the Phals and had just a vague idea how to care for them. Now I know much better and will care for them properly. Of yourse I will be careful with my next purchases. I'll check double if I can provide the right conditions for other orchid species.

Dollythehun · #5 02-20-2017, 07:11 PM

Welcome! My Phals are in a large, bright north window...Can Germany be drearier than Indiana in the winter?

estación seca · #6 02-20-2017, 07:52 PM

Gary, in northern Indiana, is at latitude 41.6 north; Munich, in southern Germany, is 48.1 north; Bremen, in northern Germany, is 53 north! Why do you think Europeans were such great explorers? They wanted to get warm for the winter!

Dollythehun · #7 02-20-2017, 09:09 PM

Somehow I knew you would correct my sarcasm. Was that Bremen Germany or Indiana?

The point being, there are dreary places all around the world and light bulbs are sold world wide.

thebluecatapilla · #8 02-23-2017, 11:09 PM

Guten Tag! Grüße aus Kalifornien!

Good luck on finding a good sunny spot for your orchids, I would also suggest the trial-and-error to see where your orchids like it most!

jkofferdahl · #9 02-24-2017, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebluecatapilla

Guten Tag! Grüße aus Kalifornien!

Good luck on finding a good sunny spot for your orchids, I would also suggest the trial-and-error to see where your orchids like it most!

I'm afraid I have to differ with the opinion of our new friend. Trial and error will eventually lead you to answers as to what orchids you can successfully grow. It can also cost you money when you buy plants that simply won't survive in the conditions of your home. On an annual basis, is the spot where you plan to grow a warm one, or intermediate, or cool? A Phal in a cool area could quickly fade into sadness and/or death. What sort of light is in the area? If you buy Cattleyas but only have low light areas to grow you're not going to see flowers or much good growth. I know I'm echoing Estacion here, but it's an important point IMO. It takes just a little effort.

thebluecatapilla · #10 02-25-2017, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

I'm afraid I have to differ with the opinion of our new friend. Trial and error will eventually lead you to answers as to what orchids you can successfully grow. It can also cost you money when you buy plants that simply won't survive in the conditions of your home. On an annual basis, is the spot where you plan to grow a warm one, or intermediate, or cool? A Phal in a cool area could quickly fade into sadness and/or death. What sort of light is in the area? If you buy Cattleyas but only have low light areas to grow you're not going to see flowers or much good growth. I know I'm echoing Estacion here, but it's an important point IMO. It takes just a little effort.

Ah I agree with you. My mistake completely!