Have grown phals indoors - what next?
 

I’m attending an orchid club auction this week. Can you recommend any other types of orchids that I might consider? I’m looking for something suitable for S/H and that would likely work in my current conditions.

Thanks for all the help and advice so far. I’ve learned a lot from existing posts and answers you’ve given.

I grow plants indoors, in a home, in Pennsylvania, USA.

They grow on tables in front of shaded south facing windows, with sheers over them.

I provide some minor supplemental light with a grow bulb a few feet over the plants. This is just a little extra light 12 hours per day. The main light comes from the window. Variability in day length currently comes from the window. The center of the table and the edge by the windows get more light than the back of the table or far sides. So there is some minor ability to provide a slightly lighter or darker environment.

Room temperature is a fairly steady 71-74 degrees all year round. Temperature by the window (kept closed) is more variable, but not excessively so. Warmer during the day, especially in summer, and colder in the evenings, especially in winter.

Phals in traditional media have done well there for a few years, growing roots, leaves, flower stalks with little if any problems.

Most of those are now in S/H with IKEA Odla LECA. We’re waiting to see how that works out, but so far so good.

I water (fill pot and let flush) with 25ppm N MSU at least once per week, usually twice. When this batch of MSU is done, I’ll likely switch to K-Lite If recommended. Water hardness is 70-80 ppm and the TDS is around 150.

That’s as much as I can think to say other than that the physical environment (temp and location) are not really subject to change. I will not be able to change temperature, open windows, etc. I can change supplemental light brightness somewhat, or adjust the timer.

Well Good for you JeffreyR... taking it a bit at a time, instead of jumping in with three or four feet. Doing a hella lot more research than I did when I started out. I gotta get to bed (long day). But my best and short answer to your question is Paph or Phrag. Or one of each. ;)

The auction was a lot of fun and I got to see many orchids I’ve never seen before.

There were only 2 paph and I got outbid. :angry:

But I did end up with another Phal, plus 2 oncidium. 1 newly split, unpotted (4 pbulb ) that I put in S/H and one large growing in (and on and outside) a clay pot with moss. I’ll see how that goes and decide what to do after it blooms and begins new growth.

Thanks for the advice and I’ll let you know how it goes.