How much Light?

[Hsteve01]

I just purchased a beautiful Den., being brand new to orchids, I was wondering if the little pick in the pot was accurate about how much light an orchid requires...
The pick states "Very bright indirect light, intense morning sun is ideal..."
I have been a tropical plant enthusiast for many years, but as I understand orchids, they grow under the canopy of most large rainforest environments...
Any thoughts or clarification would be appreciated...

[charleyismydog]

Hi Hsteve01. Welcom! Different orchids like different kinds of light. I would probably be inclined to trust the tag instructions, but that's just me. What kind of Den. is it? Does the tag say? There are so many people here with tons of information. You'll get answers in no time!

[fred]

hi and welcome to the forum

I hope you enjoy your stay here with all of us orchidgeeks

I have enclosed a link to the AOS culture sheets

http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...m-the-aos.html

I hope that helps you

[Vivienne]

Welcome Hsteve - where are you located?

[Tobi]

Welcome Hsteve01,
There are several different types of Denbrobiums so the culture for these
vary. It would be helpful to know your location and where you are growing
them. For myself in the NE USA, I have mine in a filtered southern exposure.
They can be successfully grown in East & West light conditions as well. Once
again it depends on your locale. Also some grow in steamy tropical lowlands
while others grow in forests in mountains. Hence some need dry cool winters
and others can be cared for the same all year round. Fred gave you a great
starting link for your orchid care, but alittle more information would be
helpful.

[Hsteve01]

thanks for all the feedback, folks...
seems I've found the right kind of people...
To answer your ? Tobi, I live in Denver, Co. ...
We, being 5600' above sea level, have some interesting growing conditions...
I.E., Rarely above 20% Humidity, and usually not much below 85 degrees during the day...Also, INTENSE sunlight (I.E, I can get a sunburn after only 30 minutes of sitting on my deck at noon)
I've been putting my new friend out on the deck between 7:00 - 11:00AM at least 3X a week, no burn or other bad signs yet...
I just need to add that this is the 1st orchid I've ever owned, and I'm getting HOOKED!

[Hsteve01]

BTW, What's the major diffs. between Dens. and Phaels.?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Hsteve01

I just purchased a beautiful Den., being brand new to orchids, I was wondering if the little pick in the pot was accurate about how much light an orchid requires...
The pick states "Very bright indirect light, intense morning sun is ideal..."
I have been a tropical plant enthusiast for many years, but as I understand orchids, they grow under the canopy of most large rainforest environments...
Any thoughts or clarification would be appreciated...

Hi Hsteve and welcome to the forum. The truth of the matter is that some but not all orchids grow under the tropical rainforest canopy. Orchids are found in the wild on every continent except Anarctica and come from a wildly diverse range of climates therefore their cultural requirements vary immensely. This incredible fariation is not only true for orchids in general but for members of the genus Dendrobium in particular. In terms of habitat diversity, Dendrobiums are one of the most diverse genera. Some require cool wet conditions, others warm conditions while still others require a warm wet growth period followed by a cool dry rest; some require relatively low light while others can tolerate intense direct light.

The pick actually does a good job of describing the light requirements. A south window with dappled shade as from a tree or difused light as from a sheer curtain would also provide bright indirect light.

If possible, please post a picture of your Den. flower so we can see what type of Den it is. This will assist in providing further cultural info if you need it.

Happy Growing!

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by Hsteve01

BTW, What's the major diffs. between Dens. and Phaels.?

Dens and Phals are extreemely different in most aspects, plant habit, flowers, blooming habit, culture requirements. There totally different animals. It would take quite a bit of time to articulate the differences and besides it has already been done on many sites. i'd recommend going to the AOS webiste www.aos.org and doenloading the sulture sheets there, especially the ones on Phals and Dendrobiums. This will go a long way in teaching you the differences between those two genera.

Also get yourself a good basic orchid growing book. I recommend Ortho's All About Orchids. This will give you a good foundation about how to care for orchids and will teach you a great deal about the different, commonly grown genera.

By the way. I should point out that the Dendrobium sheet on the AOS site is for Phal-type Dendroibiums which may or may not be the type you have. Don't get confused by the term Phalaenopsis-type Dendrobium and don't confuse that wil a Phalaenopsis. There are a few types of Dens that have roundish flowers somewhat reminiscent of Phalaemopsis. These are called Phalaenopsis-type Dens, or Phal-type Dens for short. The similarities stop there.

Take a look at those culture sheets and pick up that book (it's cheap too, somethign like $14-15) and let us know if you have more questions.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Most Dens sold in common stores are hybrids of 2 types. I will explain the difference for you, but for now, both will grow well in the same conditions for summer. Winter is where the culture is different.

Phal type Dens, or warm growing Dens, have sprays of flowers coming out the very top of the canes. The are grown at temperatures that you would be happy with all year. Don't let them completely dry out while in bloom or growth (check for new primordial leaves emerging from the most recent growth). When they finish growing, let them dry out very well between waterings, with a few or more days dry before watering again.

Nobile type Dens have flowers on fairly short stems up and down the canes. These need a little harder drying in winter, and like to get cool, 40F to 50F nights are good. I water my Nobiles about once a month when not growing or blooming. Have to wait for the buds to get well developed before starting to water more. Except that I don't get very many blooms from mine, so I am probably not the one to give you info.

There are plenty of other kinds of Dens, like about a 1000 species, but they show up pretty rarely, and are usually marked as to species.

[Hsteve01]

What the heck have I gotten myself into?!?!???

[Vivienne]

LOL Steve... don't ask! Orchids are awesome... and if you want some suggestions on shopping locations in Colorado, let me know.

If you want an orchid outing for today, stop by the Denver Botanic Gardens and visit their Tropical Greenhouse!

[PhalPal]

Run, Steve, run for your life. We will only encourage addictive behavior. Orchidholics love other orchidholics and now is your chance to save yourself!

[robb]

too late! hooked! ... reel 'em in!