Hi from Ottawa, Canada.
 

Good morning!

I just wanted to introduce myself, I'm Mike from Ottawa, Canada.

I created an account here a while back but only just started using the forum.

I currently have 36 Orchids in several genera, including Paphiopedilum, Tolumnia, Masdevallia, Vanda, various Oncidium and Cattleya alliance hybrids/species, and of course phalaenopsis species and hybrids.

I still very much consider myself an abject beginner but luckily Orchids are very forgiving in general, I think a lot of you will agree.

I get the majority of my Orchids from Le Paradis Des Orchidées in Laval, Quebec. I recommend a visit to anyone who finds themselves in that area.

I grow most of my orchids under very strong LED light panels intended for Marijuana plants as I live in a condo that luckily has hydro included in the rent. I've just had a Vanda Fuchs Sunset x Dr Anek put out 14 very large blooms with no issue in 25% humidity, which was a pleasant surprise but also made me want to continue with my current lighting setup. I had planned on growing this plant outdoors during the summer since I wasn't confident the led panels would be enough. I also wasn't sure how well this particular plant would do as I've potted it in an unglazed terracotta pot with half leca and half aroid mix as an experiment.

I have had to do a lot of guesswork since I have trouble finding very specific information on growing Orchids indoors and under artificial lighting. I dream of someday having a heated greenhouse but this is a very costly endeavor, especially this far north.

I look forward to learning from you all and to enjoy seeing all your successes.

Have a wonderful day!

Welcome 2U. But, at least for me, orchids are forgiving IF you know your growing conditions and do lots of reading. I hate failure and don't want to mess up. We've all lost plants along the way and finally now after many yrs growing I see what's possible. Glad you came back to OB.

Hello Q-
Welcome...I visited Ottawa-Gatineau last summer, and found it to be a very nice place...museums/river and locks/parks/food were wonderful.
...If you ever have a g'house try one fit into an "L" of a house so you only have 2 exposed sides (that's how mine is) or a big bay window instead.
Have fun trying out some species that tolerate cooler temps.
Best wishes and happy growing,
Maryanne

Welcome to the Orchid Board q