Help deciding what orchids to put in bright spot - Orchid Board

peeweelovesbooks · #1 02-15-2009, 01:32 PM

Hi everyone.

I have somewhat of a dilemma. I have a small walkway leading to my front porch that receives bright, direct light pretty much all year long--and all day long.

I want to hang some orchids there, but I am not too sure what could survive those conditions. I've thought of Laelias, but I'm not sure if they can take such bright light. I have space for about 8 plants, I think.

I'm looking for suggestions was to what can actually go there. I don't like cymbidiums, oncidiums, etc. I like big and showy, preferably scented and white or with light colors. don't like purples either. I am obsessed with cattleyas, but don't like epidendrums.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!!!

mojomick · #2 02-15-2009, 01:51 PM

How about vandas? They love bright light. Can you give them humidity there? If so, there are some gorgeous ones out there. Brassavolas love bright light as well. Betty

peeweelovesbooks · #3 02-15-2009, 02:29 PM

Hi betty.

thanks for your suggestion.

I had vanda there, but it was a struggle to keep it hydrated. I actually ended up moving it to my backyard and it's slowly starting to come back. The catts on my front porch are doing very well, but they are somewhat shaded.

Brassavolas may be a good choice. Hmmmmmmm..

Ross · #4 02-15-2009, 02:41 PM

Laelias should be fine. As long as the sun's rays are not shining directly on the leaves, I would suggest they will be fine. Yes Brassavolas would be fine and so would Encyclia tampensis (it's native to Florida).

peeweelovesbooks · #5 02-15-2009, 02:43 PM

Hi there.

How about schromburgkias?

I've been doing some research.

beanluc · #6 02-15-2009, 04:00 PM

Peewee, have you thought about arranging some shadecloth there in a way that won't be too obrusive/unattractive?

BL

peeweelovesbooks · #7 02-15-2009, 04:23 PM

BL,

I can't...although I did think about it. There is a wall (the garage wall), then the eave, which is part of the frontwalk. So there isn't any way to hang shadecloth there. The width is about I'd say 2 feet at most.

It's bearable for plants during the winter (as much as there is here in Miami) but in the summer it's just hot and bright. I'm telling you the vanda I had there was basically drying up, even though I watered it religiously.

That's the problem with my house. The front faces the east, and it's situated in such a way that all the sides (front, sides) get A LOT of sun most of the day. I am able to use the back (which is a covered terrace and has a mango tree) because that is less bright.

The front part is one of the sunniest/brightest portions of the house.

slpjennifer · #8 04-22-2009, 01:52 AM

you should be ok, thats morning sun. Mine are all east and as bright as it gets, the beach. Its the nature of the beast here that we have to water alot depending on the pots media, etc. Maybe you can put a trellis over your walkway with bouganvelia (I know I spelled that wrong). They love our weather and provide great shade, I plan on doing that to the side of my house in the keys that faces south so I can grow there since it gets so sunny. Soroa orchids has huge epinendrums and they love the light, maybe you should give them another look.