Orchids for window growing?

[David]

I need to seek advise from orchid experts. I would like to grow some orchids at the window of my apartment. Appreciate if someone can tell me what species of orchids are best for this environment. I understand that there are species that can be grown indoors or with lesser sunlight.

Below is a picture of my window growing area. I posted this before in my thread on Tills.
Attachment 1443

The window receive evening sunlight from around 3.30pm to 7.00pm and I spray water on my plants there once a day.

[funkychips]

Hi David,
I'm no orchid expert, but on my part, I would personally go for jewel orchids, like Ludisia and Anoectochilus as I understand they are adapted to grow under low light conditions, ie: forest floor. They have a special vein pattern structure and red colouration beneath the leaf to allow light that penetrates the leaf to be absorbed back into the spectrum. Jewel orchids are interesting in that they come in a variety of colours and shapes so you might want to consider growing them.

[David]

Thanks for the info. Will check them out

[atmccmn]

David,

Me on the other hand would suggest phalaenopsis. Go for novelty type like violacea. It's free flowering, very fragrant especially in the morning and they have long lasting bloom too. Don't bother about all the 'perfections' in the flowers as those plants are truely expensive. Just go for its scent.

In the end....just follow your heart. What do you really like! Then go for it.

[paphioboy]

My 2 sen: David, depending on how humid your windowsill is, you can go for phals, as suggested by atmccmn, but they require high humidity but perfect drainage. Or you could go for minicattleyas (epicattleyas, ottaras or potinaras) which can tolerate drier conditions. Cattleyas are suitable if your window receives a bit of direct sunlight. I see neps hanging from the ceiling, which means light levels should be ok.. most importantly, bear in mind that orchids are NOT like CPs. while CPs don't mind being potted in moist sphagnum all the time, orchids like phals potted in sphagnum must be watered only when the top layer of sphag becomes dry. Keeping them wet continuously will result in root rot and eventual death of the plant. It is better to repot all new orchids in charcoal and water more frequently to be on the safe side. Good luck.

[David]

Ok Andy. Thanks.

I just tried googling for phalaenopsis but all the sites jut show pictures of the flower. How do I recognise a phalaenopsis from other orchids? Does only phalaenopsis flower have scent?

I bought one plant lately but not sure what it is. I'll post it here later.

[kentosaurs]

Well my phal is a failure lol....I don't fertilise it or anything...I leave it in a "windowsill" Something like that...Quite bright light but not as much as my balcony..Its potted in charcoal...It stays motionless haha...Well i can't blame it cos i torture it...I only water them maybe once every 1 or 2 weeks lol..

Ken

[David]

Originally Posted by paphioboy

My 2 sen: Or you could go for minicattleyas (epicattleyas, ottaras or potinaras) which can tolerate drier conditions. Cattleyas are suitable if your window receives a bit of direct sunlight.

I'm getting all confuse already... all these names are foreign to me and I have no idea how they look. Nurseries in Malaysia are just interested to sell and they do not know what name the plant is. Ok, ok, I'll do some research on the internet.

But would be great if an orchid grower from KL can be kind enough to go with me to the nursery to point out which is which.

[David]

Paphioboy,

I think humidity should be ok although I have never really test with a hygrometer. I have a humifyer pond there. Hopefully the conditions are ok. My Tills are doing ok.

Can I grow them in wood bark? If I use charcoal, must I use pots with holes at the side or just the usual plastic baba pots?

By the way, thanks for the advise.

[funkychips]

David, I grow my orchids in coconut husk chips and charcoal. Coconut chips have a great water absorption capacity but they are not wet to the touch. Once orchid roots establish themselves on the chips they will be able to draw water out of the chips like a sponge. It's a great material to have especially if you're worried about watering the plants that might probably make a mess indoors. Plastic pots or clay pots, that will depend on how frequent you need to water your plant. My two cents...hope it helps