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Blc
Arabesque cattleya
orchid
Suggested
Orchids to
Grow
Low light
orchids:
-
Paphiopedilum(Slipper
Orchids)
-Phalaenopsis(moth
orchids),
-Ludisia and other jewel
orchids (grown for the
beautiful
foliage
Brighter
eastern
exposure:
Oncidinae
intergenerics such
as Colmanara Wildcat
-Miltonia (Pansy
orchids)
Bright light
but little direct
sun:
Phragmipediums,
Oncidiums
and Brassias
Bright sunny
exposures:
Cattleyas,
Cymbidiums, Ascocendas/Vandas,
and
many
Dendrobiums
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Windowsill growing requires no
special fixtures, other than a
humidity tray on which to place
your potted plants, and a
nearby spray bottle to mist
your plants occasionally. If
you have more than a dozen
orchids, a one-gallon spray
tank with a watering hose will
make it easier to water
them.
Choose the brightest windows in
your house for your orchids. If
you only have clear northern
exposure, or even
partially
obstructed eastern exposure,
you may still be able to grow
some
orchids.
If your home
has western and Southern
exposure, you’ll be able to
grow and flower a much wide
variety of orchids right on
your windowsill.
An
unobstructed southern exposure
offers the most flexibility for
growing
orchids.
In northern,
eastern, or other shady
exposaures, keep your plants as
close to the glass as possible.
Light intensity falls off
rapidly even a foot away for a
window. In bright sunny
windows, g
row your
plants
several inches from the window
with sun loving orchids such as
cattleyas and dendrobiums
closest to the glass. Shade
loving plants such as
phalaenopsis can be grow in the
shadow of these plants, or on a
table close to the window.
Direct sunlight on orchid
plants can burn leaves
especially during the hot
summer months. Heat build up
can be a problem in western
exposures during the late
afternoon as the sun begins to
go down. A sheer curtain, or
window-blind, may be needed to
protect plants from excessive
light and heat at these times.
Ample air circulation is also
important and a light fan
directed just above the leaves,
will help keep your plants
cool.
After light, maintaining
adequate humidity is probably
the biggest problem in
windowsill growing, especially
in the winter months. Group
plants, and spray them often
with a water mister to help
increase humidity. Be sure to
keep moisture-loving orchids
well watered at all
times.
Watering and fertilizer will
also need to follow a more
natural seasonal schedule with
greatest frequency during the
brighter warmer summer months
and less during winter.
Insect pests can be gently
washed or scraped off your
plant, or treated with a
natural insecticidal
soap or
horticultural fine oil.
Isopropyl alcohol, which is
available at drug stores, can
also be used to spot treat
plants.
Be sure to carefully
read all instruction labels on
insecticides and only use those
recommended for indoor
use.
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