help me pick a beginner orchid

[samtr]

Hi, I was wondering what would be a good orchid for my environment. I would like something to grow next to my bathroom sink that is fairly cheap (lets say <$20) just in case I kill it. There is only a 6"x18" window below the ceiling that lets in light so it is pretty dim. It should also be fairly easy to maintain and be small or have leaves that grow upwards instead of spreading out like Phals. The temperature is usually around 75 degrees.

If those conditions are not favorable for any type of plants then I can consider clearing my desk for a plant. It is right in front of a window that gets good sunlight from morning until late afternoon and is also around 75 degrees.

Any good suggestions for either conditions? Thanks.

[patlee]

Hi Samtr, Welcome to the forum!! This is the place you want to be whenever you run into any type of problem relating to our favorite plants! But before we can give you advice on your environment, we need to know what part of the world you are in. Could you just go to the User CP and update it as to your specific location It makes a big difference--and again, welcome aboard!!

[PhalPal]

You cold try a mini Phal or small Paph. Off hand I can't think of any orchids that grow UP and would like the low light conditions you are describing. I'll think on it!

[samtr]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

You cold try a mini Phal or small Paph. Off hand I can't think of any orchids that grow UP and would like the low light conditions you are describing. I'll think on it!

Thanks for the replies. Maybe it doesn't have to grow upwards but as long as it is small enough to fit in the corner of the sink then that will be fine.

If not like I said in my first post I could make room at my desk and it could fit something slightly bigger. And phals wouldn't be my first choice, but if that's the only plant that will grow well in the conditions that I can provide then it'll be fine.

[digitalgate]

you have very few choice with your current lighting condition. I would say some mini
Dendrobium might suit you. Then again which direction is the window facing?

[patticake]

I think I would opt for that desk! You can always find a nice silk one for the bathroom! If it's not that great lighting, I think you'll be disapointed. (Plus, you might get toothpaste on it!)
The lighting sounds much better on your desk. Orchids need good light to bloom. Plus, you can look at it when you don't want to be doing desk-work! Good luck!

[tom499]

Its a tricky call, but I would probably recommend a Dendrobium or Oncidium hybrid as they are pretty good at taking coolish temps, and you can get small varieties, but like most orchids, they will need to recieve some reasonable light to grow well.

[made4engineering]

Maybe he can get a Ludisia discolor? They live on the jungle floor so they reportedly take very low light levels... maybe a similar conditioned terrestrial?

... 6" by 18" ???.. ok nevermind

[Uechi]

Suggestion: Go to Home Depot or Lowes and buy a Grow-Lux light. They have small spot lites as well as florescent. With a small Grow-lux ( this is just a certain brand example it doesn't have to be this, any plant light will work) you can use any table or spot you want if it can hold a lamp ( a small goose neck lamp will work great ). You can then grow low or medium light orchids. There are lots of miniature orchids that may suit your taste and you can even get one that is fragrant if you like. Regards

[kmarch]

I think you need a low light orchid like a Ludisia. They have really attractive leaves too so there's something to enjoy when it's not in flower. Most more commonly grown orchids (Catts., Onc., Den., et., al.) are not going to have enough light in your bathroom. Also a mottled leaf paph might work, something like a Maudiae-type.

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We're assuming you have really low light levels because the window is small but other factors may be at work as well. For example the bathroom may be white tile and the window might face south, which would be substantially brighter than if the bathroom were all walnut and the window faced north with a large bush obscuring it. A little more info about the space might be helpful.

[samtr]

Ok, thanks for the suggestions. I think I might not put it in the bathroom. I'll use the desk area or maybe the bookcase. If I use the desk I won't have any lighting problems. If I go use the bookcase then I might buy the grow light. But how many hours does the light have to be on? The window in my bedroom where the desk is located faces south. And the desk is right in front of the window.

[made4engineering]

You can grow any orchid you want if you have a south facing window... Although you may have to filter the light for some types. This is of course if you provide the other required conditions (water, humidity, etc). Your light would have to be on for however long the sun is up. Also... I have an idea - you can pick out some of your favorite orchids, and then give us the list, and we can tell you which ones will be easy to grow? Just a suggestion

[jerrymeola]

I think you would like the Maudie Paph (Lady Slipper) better than the Ludisia.

I am familiar with both the Tampa area and Punta Gorda. The conditions are quite different because of the style of the homes.

Ludesia are nice plants but look better growing in the ground under a tree in Punta Gorda or in a hanging Basket. They do not impress me in a pot.

Maudie Paphs can grow upright when older and older plants can be bought rather inexpensive. They are about the lowest light level orchid (common types). It could go in a Punta Gorda bathroom since the windows normally do not have overhangs and may not make it in Tampa where the window may be shaded.

If you want to see both and other possibilities stop by and say hello to me at the Green Thumb festival in St Petersburg (Walter Fuller park) April 26-27 or the Punta Gorda Hibiscus festival June 14th, down by the gulf.

[samtr]

Darn, I should have picked up another Paph this weekend when I bought the one for my mom.

The plant that I will grow will be in Tampa where my apartment at school is. Jerry do you know of any good nurseries around the Tampa area?

I was just at the Green Fest event at the University of Tampa this past weekend. That's where I picked up the two plants in my other post. I wasn't sure what would have suited my conditions so I didn't get another plant.

[samtr]

I got bored after class so I went to Lowe's to see what kind of orchids they have. The selection was disappointing so I went to Home Depot. It wasn't that much better there either, but the plants looked slightly less neglected.

I decided that a phal. was my best bet. There was this one mini phal that caught my eye so I bought it. I think it needs a little bit of care. Attached are pics. Would it be a good idea to repot it now or wait?

[PhalPal]

Very nice pick up!!! You can search this forum and get lots of conflicting advice on re-potting while an orchid is in bloom. Neither way is right or wrong. I choose to re-pot right away, being very gently while removing the old moss. Others like to wait because there is a risk of blasting some of your buds/flowers. I would rather risk the flowers than loose roots due to rot, which is easy to do with sprag moss.
Which ever you decide, here is a great link to help you know when to water regardless of what medium you like to use.
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...f-orchids.html

[made4engineering]

Those roots look very healthy! So I would wait to repot if I were you...

[jerrymeola]

samtr

Sorry I did not see you at the Univ of Tampa. My booth was at the end near the museum. A5 if you still have a map. I also had a booth for the Worm Products

[berkeleysgr8]

Your orchid appears to be in good shape! There are new root tips growing and the roots in the pot look good. Phals like to be in cramped quarters. I wouldn't repot... just my two cents!

[cupcake]

Nice buy! I would leave it for the time being and enjoy the blooms.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by made4engineering

You can grow any orchid you want if you have a south facing window...

Welllll.....sort of. Of course light isnt' the only environmental factor. Temperatures, water, humidity, etc., etc. all also have an impact on what orchids you might be able to grow, and perhaps one of the most important factors, your habits.