Orchids!! Beautiful Orchids

Nancy,

Can you recommend some orchids for me? I want to have them in my sunroom, which is brick with French doors. The only light they would get is from the French doors, but there are 3 sets of them. I'm not sure which direction the room is facing. I plan to put a fountain in the corner, so humidity shouldn't be too much of a problem, I wouldn't think. Any recommendations?

2purrcats

2purcats,

The cattleyas are my favorites - http://www.crazyorchidlady.com/stores/viewstore.aspx?id...2&op=0&hint=Cataleya Their flowers tend to on the larger side and the ones I have for sale are fragrant as well.

The epidendrums would do well too. These are especially nice because you can hang them from the wall or window (they're smaller and don't weigh very much - I hang them from suction cups on my windows for an interesting effect). The flowers are smaller and more delicate. http://www.crazyorchidlady.com/stores/viewstore.aspx?id...op=0&hint=Epidendrum

Depending on the amount of light, the phalenopsis (commonly known as the "Moth Orchid") are nice, they have a rather large colorful flower and do better in brighter conditions. I have some for sale but don't have them listed yet, let me know if you're interested and I'll pm you the information.

I like my Vanda(s) - I have several in my private collection, one is over 8' tall! They require less humidity but more light.

All of these do well under normal house conditions. The more light the better, but just having lights on in the evening for a while is usually enough.

Note that orchids are much easier than "regular" houseplants to grow, requiring less care and longer lasting beauty. I've posted care sheets at http://www.crazyorchidlady.com/blog.aspx?tab=3

Hope I didn't over answer your question, I get a little excited when it comes to orchids, I think they are by far the most interesting group of plants on earth.

Nanci

Nanci,

Do you know where I can get grow light for orchids (phals) and other plants? I'm looking for either a standing lamp or bulbs that I can screw into standard floor lamp sockets. My sun room isn't sunny!!!

2purrcats

Depending on where you live, try Ace Hardware, Home Depot, or WalMart. They are commonly referred to as grow lights. You can buy plant lights in sizes that will fit a regular lamp or if you want to go more expensive you can buy specialized fixtures and bulbs. My experience on line with plant lights hasn't been great, besides in this case I like to see them before I purchase.

Nanci

I live in a super-small town. Lowe's and Wal-Mart say they both had them last year but not this year. I checked with the garden people, but I'll go back and check in the lightbulb section. Any other recommendations in case I strike out?

Nanci,
I double-checked at Lowe's and they do have grow bulbs after all. Have you found that Sylvania grow bulbs work? The only mountable fixtures that they have that look decent will only accept a 100 watt maximum, so I'd have to use a 65 watt bulb (the only other choice was 120 watts which is too much for the fixture). Also, do you know if the Sylvania bulbs would need a reflector hood to make them work well?

Thanks for your help!
2purrcats