Growing Ascocenda/Ascocentrum Orchids Indoors

[ViolinFin]

I moved to Seattle recently from Florida and I REALLY miss my "Ascocenda Princess Mikasa" and my "Ascocentrum Miniatum". I grew it outdoors in FL, but I have to ask if it is possible to grow on my sunny windowsill inside?

If so, what culture? I don't have any of the indoor greenhouse equipment, just a humidifier to attain around a 40-50% humidity.

Thanks!

[Roberta]

Those aren't quite as picky about high light as the (real ) Vandas. I agree, supplemental light would be helpful especially in the dark, gray days of winter. But they should do fine with that little boost. I wouldn't stress about the humidity too much, especially if they're potted. (if mounted, you could just pop them into a pot, mount and all, and just fill in with some bark)

(Something a bit weird, I wrote this after I read ES's post, but it got an earlier timestamp... so read accordingly)

[estación seca]

They can do fine indoors. Some Ascocentrums (now lumped into Vanda, but everybody knows what we're talking about) are high light plants for which you'll probably require artificial lighting, especially in winter.

[ViolinFin]

It IS getting pretty dark around this time of year now.
I'd definitely be potting them all up. Maybe Id have to pass on the Ascocentrum due to the "high light" requirement.

Perhaps I could make do with Neofinetia/Neostylis easier than the Ascocentrums? They'd certainly fit better on my window shelf

[Roberta]

Neofinetia should be a lot more tolerant, both in terms of light, and also temperature. Where Ascocentrum/Vanda come from tropical latitudes where they expect lots of light 12 hours a day (and warmth), Neofinetia comes from Japan which is at temperate latitudes and so seasonal variation of light and temperature are natural. It imparts its cold-tolerance to Neostylis and Asccofinetia, likely it would also transfer that winter-light tolerance too. (Though you still might look into supplemental light anyway)

[ViolinFin]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Neofinetia should be a lot more tolerant, both in terms of light, and also temperature. Where Ascocentrum/Vanda come from tropical latitudes where they expect lots of light 12 hours a day (and warmth), Neofinetia comes from Japan which is at temperate latitudes and so seasonal variation of light and temperature are natural. It imparts its cold-tolerance to Neostylis and Asccofinetia, likely it would also transfer that winter-light tolerance too. (Though you still might look into supplemental light anyway)

Exactly what I needed to hear!
I'll just ask my family to send pictures of my Princess Mikasa and try to get some more orchids from Diamond Orchids or NewWorldOrchids next time I splurge

[Roberta]

With the Neo hybrids like Ascofinetia and Neostylis you do get some color, most of the Neofinetias are white. But there are some really pretty pink ones. Look for Neofinetia falcata 'Shutennou' - one of the less expensive ones, readily available, very pretty.

[Louis_W]

Up to you if you want to grow Ascocentrum, but you should definitly check out the genera that would thrive in the cooler darker conditions you find yourself in. Masdevalias for one!