Looking for full sun orchid to grow in window

[Mercurianmad]

Hi guys :-) well the greenhouse is going to take some time to build. The quarantine has really affected getting contractors out for it so it might not be able to be built until all this hullabaloo is over.

With that in mind I’m looking to expand my orchid growing in the windows.

Right now I’ve got three phalaenopsis and one oncidium growing on top of humidity trays in my Southeast facing windows. My plan is to get a 14 inch shelf to put above those orchids so I have another layer of growing space.

But I have all this air space at the very top of the window that I might be able to hang some orchids from in pots or baskets. And I’m looking for some full sun or very sun loving orchids to put there.

We have hot days now. Even with hanging plants close together and using humidity trays and a humidifier the relative humidity in my house Max is added about 50 .

Do you know any sun loving orchids that will tolerate a relative humidity of 50? I really would love to grow some vandas but I have a feeling even with daily soaking of the baskets it’s still not gonna be enough for them. Nighttime temperatures are around 61 daytime temperatures are around 76.

---------- Post added at 11:18 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:15 AM ----------

I also thought about growing some boat orchids too on the shelves but I’m worried that they would need colder temperatures then my house is able to provide

[rbarata]

Rupiculous Laelias, milleri, for ex.
Laelia anceps is another choice.
Those temps I assume are indoors. Your location says Northern California Mountains...how low are night temps now oudoors? And how high?

[Mercurianmad]

Thank you for your quick response :-) Well right now nighttime temps are around 40° High winds, 25mph. daytime temps are around 75 to 80.

Once we reach summer time nighttime temps are going to be in the 50s daytime temps are going to be close to 100.

Once we reach fall and winter nighttime temps are going to be around 20° daytime temps are going to be around 50°.

The humidity here is about 25%

[rbarata]

In summer both of them can be outside...in winter, not so much.

[Mercurianmad]

Can I hang both those from pots or should I use those Vanda baskets? I’d probably pot them up in lava rock and soak them every day/other day. They’re cute thank you!

[rbarata]

Clay pots for both (although anceps can be mounted if you have time to water it everyday, several times a day in hot weather).
For milleri, inorganic medium on top of a layer of sphagnum at the bottom or sand mixed with some soil.
With plastic pots, the sphagnum must be on the top.

For anceps, coarse bark only ok a good medium, preferencially medium or large size, depending on plant size.

[Mercurianmad]

Does lava rock count as an inorganic medium?

---------- Post added at 02:35 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:22 PM ----------

I only ask about the pots cause I have tons of those slotted plastic pots, but I can buy some slotted clay ones too

[rbarata]

Does lava rock count as an inorganic medium?

Sure!

[Subrosa]

Cattleya aclandiae and trianae.

[Fairorchids]

if you put Vandas in baskets with spaghnum, they will do fine there.