New member beginner to orchids

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by VanIsleVanessa

the orchid I have is a Taisuco Phaenopsis. I tried to upload a picture on my profile, but the site would not take the picture. Thank you everybody for your help this far!

Taisuco is the grower. Phalanopsis is the type. Google that and you will see. They also have videos on YouTube. We have a thread under the Phalanopsis forum called " the Phal abuse stops here." That will get you started.

[rbarata]

Welcome both of you!

Am I also to understand that they like diffused light and not direct sunlight?

It all depends on the orchid. Finding and trying to emulate the right conditions for our orchids is part of the fun of orchid growing.

[jkofferdahl]

Phalaenopsis orchids are among the easier to grow and rebloom. They like warmth, and can tolerate some real heat but hate getting cold. Temperatures dropping into the mid-50s can damage some of them. They also like a good bit of humidity. Light-wise, Phals prefer bright but filtered light, but direct sunlight will most surely burn the leaves.

[Dollythehun]

In my opinion, if you can comfortably read a book, that is good Phal light (as a non technical method).

[jkofferdahl]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

In my opinion, if you can comfortably read a book, that is good Phal light (as a non technical method).

Carol obviously hasn't seem the absurdly low light levels in the library at which I work!!

---------- Post added at 04:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:12 PM ----------

Originally Posted by VanIsleVanessa

ThanksDollythehun. When you say a book is a good Phal light, I missed that one!

I we like on Vancouver Island, we get a lot of gloomy days and rain. Would artificial light help in the home? That is why I have my orchid on my desk at work in the office because of the fluorescent lighting!

Yep, as Carol said, I'll try the artificial light answer. I use banks of 4 T5 flourescent bulbs, even with my Phals which live in a west-facing window. I have Phals which are thriving under them. In my opinion, lights are helpful in ANY circumstance where the natural light level is weak, so I think your plants would benefit from them. With the light output I get from the T5s, the Phals seem happy at about 8-10 inches from the bulbs.

---------- Post added at 04:23 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:21 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Just be sure to check light requirements as well as temps.

And no matter WHAT else you may do, put a running fan near the plants. Orchids absolutely love air movement.

[VanIsleVanessa]

Thank you all for your help! I feel more confident now with my new orchid! Much appreciated!

[VanIsleVanessa]

ThanksDollythehun. When you say a book is a good Phal light, I missed that one!

I we like on Vancouver Island, we get a lot of gloomy days and rain. Would artificial light help in the home? That is why I have my orchid on my desk at work in the office because of the fluorescent lighting!

[Dollythehun]

If the light coming in is good light to read by. You are not straining or squinting, that is good natural light. I do not grow Phals under artificial light but John does and he will answer you soon. It is gloomy in Indiana too.

[VanIsleVanessa]

That is why I am so excited about this orchid, because we had cold weather since early December and it has finally broken now. I am ready to get into plant mode!

[estación seca]

VanIsleVanessa, there are a lot of really beautiful orchids from cooler areas that will do really well for you. Mountain and cloud forest plants will love your cool, humid weather. These are plants like Miltoniopsis, Anguloa, Odontoglossum, Masdevallia, Cymbidium, Cyrtochilum, Dracula, Pleurothallis.