Orchid suggestions for my area?
 

I'm still a beginner in orchid care and I'm still unsure of what orchids will thrive better in my living conditions. I was wondering if anyone had any advise or suggestions for which orchid best suits me. I have a bunch of phals that I have been caring for but I'm needing some variety. I now have a few oncidium/intergenerics and upon the discovery that one of those oncidium is actually not doing okay ever since I bought it, I realize I've been blindly shopping for plants that may or may not even do well in this environment. (More on that situation my earlier thread "HELP! Oncidium/intergeneric emergency :(")

Anywho, I'm just reaching out to see if there are any suggestions or recommendations for me :)

I live in the northern California valley where summers are pretty dry and can range from 85F to 105F. We get our coldest ranging from 35F to 40F in the winter. Give or take for both seasons. I'd say we also get some good rain in the colder months. I believe our hardiness zone is 9 if that matters.

Where I keep my orchids is indoors in front of a eastern facing window. Also the AC/heater is out in my house so the temperature can rise and drop according to the season inside my house. They're not the most pleasant temperatures but they're comfortable enough for me to have lasted years without fixing that thing.


Again. I do appreciate any help and recommendations! ^^ And if you need any additional info I'd be happy to provide it

I'm following that other thread, and don't think it's problems are due to you or your conditions as you mentioned having other Oncs in great condition. It most likely wasn't doing well when you got it, and sometimes it can be really hard to turn a plant around when it has started going downhill. Start buying your plants from reputable sources (so no big box stores) so you have a higher chance of starting with a quality plant.

As to what would grow well for you, if you are successful with Phals you could try Paphs. I know that many people in California grow Catts, but I'm not sure if an east facing window is sufficient.

I don't see the lack of AC, and so widely fluctuating temperatures, as being a problem. Americans are quite unique in their use of AC everywhere. Even hot countries in Europe don't have AC in the majority of homes. My mother is in the lower half of france, and she suffers through 100F heatwaves every summer. I never had problems with my orchids when still living there, I just had to water a bit more often and avoid cool growing plants or plants with high humidity needs.

If I lived in that climate and had space I would have a bunch of orchids outside year round. Vanda falcata, Dendrobium kingianum, Laelia anceps and Cymbidium that require a cool winter would all be on the list.

its very hard to kill a Den. kingianum, I feel its almost impossible.

I think Epi. tampensis is really easy. Both are widely available

If you intend to just grow in the house, then some paphiopedilums or phragmipedilums might do. A good "maudia" type Paphiopedilum is a good beginner plant.

Cattleyas are great outdoor plants if in zone 9. Brassovolas and laelias are very hardy. No one should go without smelling the scent of a brassovola. unlike most phals and paphs, cattleyas have gorgeous scents.

How cold is your house at night in the winter? Are you saying you don't use any winter heat?

Quoting Camille "Americans are quite unique in their use of AC every where." So true!

Princerobby, being in Zone 9 is an important consideration because you have a good range of temperatures that can fit the culture requirements of many orchids--with some modification.

Subrosa suggested Vanda falcata, Dendrobium, Laellia/Cattleya. These are good candidates. You say you are in Northern California valley, Central Valley? Sacramento, Redding? It does get very dry in the summer, so regularly, even daily water will be required.

Modifications may include, growing under a porch to block out mid day sunshine.

If you ever get down to San Francisco/Bay Area, there are many Orchid shows scheduled, usually in the Spring. But there might be some shows in the Autumn.

There is an orchid vendor located in Daly City, called The Tiny Jungle, they offer a huge collection of Orchids and other plants. They are very helpful. They do a lot of sales on eBay "letstalkplants".