Good minis/mounts for lights and east windows?

[nancy]

Most of us orchid fans in the hot zones have never even *seen* a Dracula! Many have been present for the deaths of Miltonias, though. These sissies just don't seem to care for our buoyant heat and humidity.
Sigh - Nancy

[Ross]

But many of us Nawtherners haven't seen Live Oaks with Spanish Moss hanging to the ground or Yellow Pitcher Plants in bloom, or sucked the head out of a crawfish. Guess we get what we bargain for.

[irrka]

does that mean we can grow miltonias on windows up north?

[Ross]

Originally Posted by irrka

does that mean we can grow miltonias on windows up north?

I did for 3-4 years, then it pooped on me! Go figure.

[alschiavo]

I don't have a plant recommendation, but I wanted to pop in and say that I love J&Ls plants. I have multiple orchids from them (all miniatures, all of which have been shipped) and they always send healthy, great quality plants.

~audrey~

[chopster01]

Hey Audrey,
Glad to hear J&L is a good supplier. I didn't mean to imply that they weren't when I asked about other Dracula providers. I haven't purchased from them yet. I was just looking into what all my options might be. I would hate to unintentionally "dis" a reputable provider.

Now, what miniatures did you buy from them?... :-)

[alschiavo]

don't worry! it didn't come across as you putting down J&L by any means, I just wanted to throw in my two cents that they had great plants! I meant it more as an encouraging statement to go ahead and buy from them!!

What have I bought... oh boy, you're going to make me fess up aren't you?

Den Mini Snowflakes
Masd Copper Cherub
Oncidium Gold Dust
Mediocalar decorata (hasn't bloomed yet, but is growing like crazy)
Den Pixie Charm - thriving in a west facing full sun window, I bought this one as a NBS orchid and it put on quite a show it's first blooming!! (awesome plant! but not really a miniature, more a compact grower)
Ceologyne Fimbriata

all are growing on windowsils. I have lusted over a dracula but didn't think I could grow them in a window because my humidity isn't high enough.... hmmmmm maybe we'll both have to buy one together and give it a go!

~audrey~

[unhappykat]

You could try Bulbo. picta, a wonderful miniature just remember to water, they have fits when kept too dry. Also dryadella or stellis species would do nicely. they can all be mounted. for something different you might consider an ascentrum or ascocenda hybrid these are quite small and very free blooming. 2-3 times a year if they like you, mine are stingy, my freind has one constantly blooming.

[MZHMD]

I would be VERY wary of most Draculas on a windowsill unless enclosed to increase humidity. Well, if you run your whole house humidifier at 75% - you might do ok. I grow a bunch of Dracs indoors under lights/windowsill but I do it in an indoor greenhouse setup with two foggers going 24/7 and a fan on each shelf keeping the air moving. There are a few that will do OK with less - look for the more intermediate growing types with more succulent leaves. Stay far away from cold growers, or anything with thin, pleated-looking leaves.

I have done fairly well on eBay getting plants for less than Andy's or J&L sell 'em for. SOME of the plants are really quite nice. That is not to say that you wouldn't do well buying from J&L or Andy's, but you ARE going to kill a few of these babies while learning how to grow them on a 'sill so getting them cheap at first is a good idea.

Let us know how you do in about 6-8 months (once the heating season is well underway).

[unhappykat]

Dryadellas are not that difficult to keep growing even the cool ones are okay as long as the heat doesnt get above 90 F. I have several growing here in California and the temps are near 100 right now I just keep them watered and they grow fine, Do be watchful of masdevallias they do not like heat and show unhappiness with a vengence, I have never seen plants die so fast in my life, it couldnt have died faster if i had lit it on fire. Twenty five bucks gone in a week. Thirty more by the end of the month. A hundred bucks gone so far.