Introduction
 

I'm a newbie to growing orchids - & I believe I've gotten in over my head.......which is currently spinning as I try to sort out each one's needs. I'm here for HEEEEEELLLLLLLP!

Welcome L-E-Mae!:)

So... you need help...Shall we start?
What kind of orchids do you have?

Welcome to Orchid Board.

Hello and welcome!

Oh boy......I have too many for someone as inexperienced as I am. First: I think I need help organizing who-lives-with-who. I have them grouped below the way I think I understand they could live together
GROUP 1: brassidium & psychopsis
GROUP 2: a couple of oncidiums
GROUP 3: cymbidium & zygopetalum
GROUP 4: dendrobiums
GROUP 5: masdevallia, phal (incl. a bellina), papà, phrag, Ludisia, miltoniopsis
GROUP 6: dendrochilum
Yeah, don't ask. It's a long story. I've got no business having this variety. What I'm looking for at first here, is grouping together by light needs. If I need to give more specifics about any of the plants (probably all of them) I will. Keep the following in mind: I'm growing in my home (not a GH). I can grow about 5' from a W window, right next to a SW window, and 10' away on the opposite wall (no window). Light is the factor I have least control over currently. (Humidity & temperature I'd like to save for another time)

Variety is the spice of life! At least, that is my policy with plants, including the orchids. :)

I am going to let some expert with these various orchids give you advice. I grow mostly Cattleyas with a others thrown in (but not enough of the others to be an expert). My Phal bellinas, though, really seem to be happy with shade.

Welcome. Great thinking to group them.
While light may be a key focus for some others are temp critical. Cool Intermediate or Hot and you can get all three requirements in one genera.
For example Cymbidiums are grown outside in New Zealand. masdevillias are usually cool growers but grow better in a shade house with plenty of air movement, where some miltoniopsis can require a level of warmth. If you can find someone with Orchid Wiz use it to reference your plants background as it provides an excellent indication as to light Temp watering and Fert. requirements.

Welcome!

The plants you list should do well outside in your summers, protected from critters. And your winters will be like those of many other indoor growers. Many people in the Great Lakes region grow those plants.

The chief winter problems for many indoor growers are not enough light, and not enough humidity. Many of the plants you list won't mind typical indoor winter temperatures, but the very low humidity secondary to heating will be a problem. People use humidifiers in their orchid room, or build an enclosure to keep humidity up. People often use artificial lights during the winter.

The Orchid Board has many forums dealing with many different kinds of orchids. You can find them in the menu at the upper left, if you click on Forums.

You can also search on words with the Search function in the top maroon bar. Advanced Search is just that. For example, do an advanced search on "masdevallia winter" and see what comes up.