Winter 2014-15 Windowsill Setup

[ELORCHID]

Beautiful space and happy looking plants.

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by NatalieS

Woaaahhh... Hold on a second. You're going to have to explain that vanda, because I'm having a hard time trying to work out what I'm looking at; is that one plant with keikis? Or is it multiple plants all potted together?

Why Natalie, THANK YOU for asking!

The Vanda was a gift last summer from a fellow orchidboard member. Originally a Lowe's bag baby, she gave it exceptional care for years until it reached the size you see today!



There are actually two Vandas: the massive clump on the plant stand, as well as a single-growth plant hanging horizontally on the left, which was cut off the original clump last summer. It would seem that Vandas, when left to their own devices, can get quite large...

---------- Post added at 10:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:51 PM ----------

Couple of photos from the winter solstice sunrise. The days will be getting longer from now until the summer solstice in June.

The sun's lower angle, its southerly orientation, and the fact that the trees have shed their leaves all cause this room to be sunnier in winter than in summer (When the sun decides to come out, that is!).

[gngrhill]

We are having no sun . My new plant place is suffering

[gardengirl13]

holy!!!!!! that vanda is breathtaking to say the least!!!!!!!! What an amazing plant!!!!! I'm hoping someday to have a nice south window so I can grow vandas. I want to try them in the worst possible way! (one quick question- how long are they in bloom for?) I'd love love love to have a room just like yours!! But sadly I'd probably go beyond broke filling it with plants! ha ha ha!! But one day...... sigh.

[My Green Pets]

Originally Posted by gardengirl13

one quick question- how long are they in bloom for?

Thanks for the compliments, I love this Vanda with all my green heart

To answer your question, each flower lasts 5-6 weeks in my experience. The first bloom on a spike, however, may open weeks before the last, thereby extending your total time with flowers.

[SimJam]

This is a spectacular space, everything is just perfect .... views outside and inside.

[GardenTheater]

Looks like orchid and orchid grower heaven in there! Beautiful space and plants.

[No-Pro-mwa]

Fantastic. I remember that thread but not whom it was. I'll bet she is happy her Vanda is still happy. My luck I would have killed it.

Love your space. And I love that Onc.

[gardengirl13]

If you ever divide it again and want to part with babies, let me know!

[My Green Pets]

The past couple weeks have been sunny. I took the screens off the windows to let in more light. Temperatures outside are well below freezing, but things are starting to get interesting in here. Got a few plants in bloom, and several Phalaenopses that are showing buds on their spikes. Maybe there will be Phals in bloom by Valentine's Day.

There have been some fungus issues recently, as one of my Oncidiums started to show some signs of rot. I'm trying to water sparingly, but apparently it was still too much.

I'm also suspicious that a couple of my plants have viral infections. One is a Phal in spike. The suspects are near other plants but their leaves do not touch. I guess it is a risk, but I can't seem to throw a plant away without having a positive test result first. Maybe I will send some samples to Critter Creek before long.

One last thing. I put some speakers in here and have played all kinds of stuff, but I like listening to jungle sounds the most. Being around these tropical plants and hearing the sounds of the rainforest completely transports me to another place. It's just magical.

Some photos:

Morning light


Afternoon light


Oncidium maculatum


Light lovers getting their fix


My little sanctuary




A happy place