Hi, I want to wish you well with your orchids. I live in zone 7, I place all my orchids, and epiphyllums outside in a shaded and protect area. No rain gets to them over head. They love the high humidity they receive. I admit, I don't water them but every other week. The humidity keeps them happy. In the winter they are stored high (since heat rises) under artificial LED lights. Most bloom around February. Most plants need some time outdoors to really see their full beauty. Just like in nature! Plants are smart and sometimes can figure out that they are being cheated with natural light. All the best!
When I lived in the Florida Keys I had several Cattleya Orchids on my front porch that only got brief afternoon sun. They bloomed very frequently and I was surprised that they endured some rather chilly nights in the winder, even down into the lower 40's a few times. It seems that more important than regulated temps is humidity. I've never tried artificial lights. I would suggest using clay pots. I don't think plastic or ceramic pots breath well enough. About every two years I would repot them using orchid chips and a handful of regular potting soil. Good air circulation is important too. Unfortunately where I live now in the high planes of Mexico, it's just too dry for them. You can't even buy orchids at the plant shops here. I've switched to cactus and succulents lol. Good luck and never give up.
Oh yes, I had forgotten that you previously mentioned placing them in a clay pot. Ill give that a go. I'm tempted to try a few cactus and succulents as well.
I’ve been having orchid troubles too. 2018 wasn’t a good year for them, but they’re recovering! Things will get better.
Hi, I want to wish you well with your orchids.
I live in zone 7, I place all my orchids, and epiphyllums outside in a shaded and protect area. No rain gets to them over head. They love the high humidity they receive. I admit, I don't water them but every other week. The humidity keeps them happy. In the winter they are stored high (since heat rises) under artificial LED lights. Most bloom around February. Most plants need some time outdoors to really see their full beauty. Just like in nature!
Plants are smart and sometimes can figure out that they are being cheated with natural light. All the best!
I haven't given up on that quite yet. I plan to create a shaded area outside for them for next season. Hopefully, that will work.
When I lived in the Florida Keys I had several Cattleya Orchids on my front porch that only got brief afternoon sun. They bloomed very frequently and I was surprised that they endured some rather chilly nights in the winder, even down into the lower 40's a few times. It seems that more important than regulated temps is humidity. I've never tried artificial lights. I would suggest using clay pots. I don't think plastic or ceramic pots breath well enough. About every two years I would repot them using orchid chips and a handful of regular potting soil. Good air circulation is important too. Unfortunately where I live now in the high planes of Mexico, it's just too dry for them. You can't even buy orchids at the plant shops here. I've switched to cactus and succulents lol. Good luck and never give up.
Oh yes, I had forgotten that you previously mentioned placing them in a clay pot. Ill give that a go. I'm tempted to try a few cactus and succulents as well.