Questions regarding Australian tree ferns and philodendrons

[smweaver]

Yes, this is absolutely off-topic for this board. But I'm hoping someone may be able to answer a number of questions for me about some potential orchid companions that I'd like to add to my sunroom.

Does anyone here grow any of the Australian tree ferns indoors as houseplants? If so, could you give some feedback about your experiences with these--positive and negative. I basically want to try a couple of them indoors, where they will remain throughout the year. The sunroom faces south to southwest and is a four-season room that's adjacent to my kitchen. Since there's a bank of windows that look out to the sunroom from the kitchen, I want something that's going to be striking and have excellent visual appeal throughout the year (especially since all of the orchids go outdoors and the room then looks barren during the warmer months).

In addition, does anyone know from experience whether or not any philodendron or other traditionally low-light tropical plants can handle any direct sunshine during the winter months? I know that philodendrons in general like fairly shady conditions or indirect light. But I'm interested in knowing if, due to the lower angle of the sun during the winter, if these plants can adapt to direct sunshine at this time of year.

Thanks in advance to anyone who cares to provide some feedback, all of which will be greatly appreciated.

Steve

[estación seca]

I have't grown Australian tree ferns. From seeing them in landscapes in Southern California, your situation sounds promising. I've seen them in the fern house at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, which everybody here should visit.

Philodendrons and other common houseplants should be fine with your winter sun if you move them gradually. Which ones? Some Philodendrons are full-sun plants in the tropics.

[smweaver]

Thank you for the reply. I hadn't really gotten to the stage of picking an actual species of philodendron to try, although the big boys (e.g. Philodendron giganteum) are, to me, quite attractive plants. And I didn't realize just how many varieties of philodendron exist. I'm only familiar with the (often long-suffering) variety that every household appeared to have when I was a kid, which was some lanky wandering vine that looked like it was attempting to escape a miserable existence. So it will be interesting to try a member of the genus that's a little more robust.

Thanks again for your comments.

[estación seca]

Look at the Ecuagenera site for Philodendrons. Keep another tab open to look up other photos of the species. Also consider various Anthuriums

[Roberta]

Well, I have one Australian tree fern, outside. So can't say how it would work indoors. Mine gets both water and fertilizer run-off from the orchids, and it's growing fairly fast. (at least 20 feet /6.25 m) tall lately growing probably a foot/.3 m a year. I don't know if would go slower or faster with more warmth.

[smweaver]

Does your tree fern take any direct sun, Roberta? Do you know what species it is? I have read that they won't reach quite the proportions indoors (and in a pot) that they will outside (thankfully, in my case). They're sold here at garden centers during the summer. So I suppose it wouldn't hurt to experiment with a couple of them next spring.

Thank you both for your help with this!

Steve

[Roberta]

I have no idea what species it is... it was here when I moved into the house. (I used to be able to easily trim the old fronds, now I don't have a trimmer that gets even close)