I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going to be
out of luck?


Mark.

Hello Mark,

It all depends on what your apartment conditions are like, how hot it gets,
what kind of light exposure you have, how you cool and heat your place and
finally, how much time you have and are willing to spend on catering to the
orchid.

For low light, warm places and low maintenance I would suggest a
Phalaenopsis hybrid, get it from your local home improvement center
(HomeDepot, Lowes etc...).
If you have lots of light and warmth you can try your hand at a Cattleya
hybrid.

Remember, orchids are not as difficult to take care of as most people think.
And by the time that you'll get involved in some of the more difficult
species of orchids, you will know most everything that you'll need to know
about orchids and how to grow them.

Please, by all means ask away, we're here to assist.

Mariana

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going to
be
out of luck?


Mark.

African Violet is not an orchid.....

--
Paulo
"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Thanks Ted. I didn't know the African Violet was an orchid....

Mark


"Ted Byers" wrote in message
.. .

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines
for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since
I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going
to
be
out of luck?

No, you're not out of luck. Some orchids are more delicate than others,
but
there are many that are relatively tough, even in comparison with other
house plants. For example, I have been able to keep most of my orchids
happy, and yet I have yet to get a Sinningia speciosa (florist gloxinia)
or
a cyclamen that I could get to last more than a few weeks. And, I know
their general life cycle, but I have yet to bring one back after
dormancy
has set in. This despite the fact I studied them in several of my books
and
on several websites, and I put the extra effort in because (blasphemy
alert)
I like the Sinningia speciosa flowers better than the flowers of many
orchid
genera (I like them almost as much as I like the flowers produced by
catts).

It is a question of picking something that should do well in your
apartment.
Are you in Toronto? (just a guess based on your email and news server)
If
so, there is a good orchids society that meets on the first Sunday of
each
month except during the summer. You will find a number of good vendors
there from whom you can get god advice on what will do well here.

In any event, I have had good results with cattleyas, dendrobiums and
phalaenopsis. I lost a few during the winter because I couldn't get the
humidity above 35% (I have a few too many to be able to afford getting
an
aquarium that could handle them all - I'll have to make a growth
chamber).

If you have a good southern exposure, you might give the catts a try.
If
humidity is a problem for you, what you might do is get yourself an
aquarium, but instead of filling it with water, put a layer of coarse
gravel
in it, and put in just enough water to come to the top of the gravel,
and
then put some small phals in it (one of the equestris hybrids?). If you
keep the tank covered, and the water level in the gravel up, you will be
able to maintain close to 100% relative humidity around your orchid
regardless of how dry your apartment is.

Something you might do is get a cheap plant, cheap enough you won't be
particularly upset if it dies, from Walmart or Home Depot (in bloom - if
you
see one that is out of bloom there, it is likely under enough stress
that
you'd have a tough time getting it to rebloom). Alternatively, get an
African Violet and try to maintain it for six months. If you can, then
there exists a whole range of orchids you can maintain, and the African
Violet will only cost you a couple dollars.

Cheers,

Ted

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Thanks Ted. I didn't know the African Violet was an orchid....

It isn't. It is a gesneriad. It does, however, have very similar
cultivation requirements as do many orchids. This is why I suggested it.
If you can keep an African Violet alive, there are lots of orchids you can
keep alive also, and African Violets are rediculously inexpensive, being
available for a dollar or two (or possibly a little more if you get a big
one).

Cheers,

Ted

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
news
Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have
a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler. Thanks
for
the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make a trip out
today.

This would have been good to know.

In this case, you will probably do very well with cattleyas and dendrobiums
in your south, southeast and/or southwest exposures. If you have north
facing windows, phals ought to do well there.


Cheers,

Ted

On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 17:52:21 -0400, Mark Handy wrote:

Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler.
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make
a trip out today.

Mark


Oh you WILL buy an orchid or 2 very soon. You sound ready. SOunds like you
have good enough light for many orchid types. The common beginner orchid
is a Phalenopsis. Those and Dendrobiums are the one's you'll more than
likely find locally. Dens like a LOT of light and can go dry between
waterings. Phals like low-medium light and never like to go totally dry.

Oh you're ready! Tell us what you get!

A word of advice. Don't rush into buying just anything that is out there.
Do some online research and get something that you'll like, because like
many of us orchid "freaks" you'll wind up with tons of mislabled or missing
ID's Phals and Dendrobs which eventually you wont know what to do with .

Regards,
Mariana


"Mark Handy" wrote in message
news
Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have
a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler. Thanks
for
the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make a trip out
today.

Mark


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
t...
Hello Mark,

It all depends on what your apartment conditions are like, how hot it
gets,
what kind of light exposure you have, how you cool and heat your place
and
finally, how much time you have and are willing to spend on catering to
the
orchid.

For low light, warm places and low maintenance I would suggest a
Phalaenopsis hybrid, get it from your local home improvement center
(HomeDepot, Lowes etc...).
If you have lots of light and warmth you can try your hand at a Cattleya
hybrid.

Remember, orchids are not as difficult to take care of as most people
think.
And by the time that you'll get involved in some of the more difficult
species of orchids, you will know most everything that you'll need to
know
about orchids and how to grow them.

Please, by all means ask away, we're here to assist.

Mariana

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines
for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since
I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going
to
be
out of luck?


Mark.

You misunderstood, African Violets are not orchids.

Mariana


"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Thanks Ted. I didn't know the African Violet was an orchid....

Mark


"Ted Byers" wrote in message
.. .

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines
for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since
I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going
to
be
out of luck?

No, you're not out of luck. Some orchids are more delicate than others,
but
there are many that are relatively tough, even in comparison with other
house plants. For example, I have been able to keep most of my orchids
happy, and yet I have yet to get a Sinningia speciosa (florist gloxinia)
or
a cyclamen that I could get to last more than a few weeks. And, I know
their general life cycle, but I have yet to bring one back after
dormancy
has set in. This despite the fact I studied them in several of my books
and
on several websites, and I put the extra effort in because (blasphemy
alert)
I like the Sinningia speciosa flowers better than the flowers of many
orchid
genera (I like them almost as much as I like the flowers produced by
catts).

It is a question of picking something that should do well in your
apartment.
Are you in Toronto? (just a guess based on your email and news server)
If
so, there is a good orchids society that meets on the first Sunday of
each
month except during the summer. You will find a number of good vendors
there from whom you can get god advice on what will do well here.

In any event, I have had good results with cattleyas, dendrobiums and
phalaenopsis. I lost a few during the winter because I couldn't get the
humidity above 35% (I have a few too many to be able to afford getting
an
aquarium that could handle them all - I'll have to make a growth
chamber).

If you have a good southern exposure, you might give the catts a try.
If
humidity is a problem for you, what you might do is get yourself an
aquarium, but instead of filling it with water, put a layer of coarse
gravel
in it, and put in just enough water to come to the top of the gravel,
and
then put some small phals in it (one of the equestris hybrids?). If you
keep the tank covered, and the water level in the gravel up, you will be
able to maintain close to 100% relative humidity around your orchid
regardless of how dry your apartment is.

Something you might do is get a cheap plant, cheap enough you won't be
particularly upset if it dies, from Walmart or Home Depot (in bloom - if
you
see one that is out of bloom there, it is likely under enough stress
that
you'd have a tough time getting it to rebloom). Alternatively, get an
African Violet and try to maintain it for six months. If you can, then
there exists a whole range of orchids you can maintain, and the African
Violet will only cost you a couple dollars.

Cheers,

Ted

After I reread your post I saw what you were getting at.

Mark.

"Ted Byers" wrote in message
.. .

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
Thanks Ted. I didn't know the African Violet was an orchid....

It isn't. It is a gesneriad. It does, however, have very similar
cultivation requirements as do many orchids. This is why I suggested it.
If you can keep an African Violet alive, there are lots of orchids you can
keep alive also, and African Violets are rediculously inexpensive, being
available for a dollar or two (or possibly a little more if you get a big
one).

Cheers,

Ted

I'm going to do just that. See what is commonly available, while
researching prepare care. I realise that these are not a water
and forget type of plant, but the extra effort is worth it.

Mark


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
et...
A word of advice. Don't rush into buying just anything that is out there.
Do some online research and get something that you'll like, because like
many of us orchid "freaks" you'll wind up with tons of mislabled or
missing
ID's Phals and Dendrobs which eventually you wont know what to do with .

Regards,
Mariana


"Mark Handy" wrote in message
news
Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have
a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler. Thanks
for
the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make a trip out
today.

Mark


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
t...
Hello Mark,

It all depends on what your apartment conditions are like, how hot it
gets,
what kind of light exposure you have, how you cool and heat your place
and
finally, how much time you have and are willing to spend on catering
to
the
orchid.

For low light, warm places and low maintenance I would suggest a
Phalaenopsis hybrid, get it from your local home improvement center
(HomeDepot, Lowes etc...).
If you have lots of light and warmth you can try your hand at a
Cattleya
hybrid.

Remember, orchids are not as difficult to take care of as most people
think.
And by the time that you'll get involved in some of the more difficult
species of orchids, you will know most everything that you'll need to
know
about orchids and how to grow them.

Please, by all means ask away, we're here to assist.

Mariana

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some
guidelines
for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity,
since
I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I
going
to
be
out of luck?


Mark.

I will. I'll post some pictures when I do get some, but it'll be in a few
weeks,
I've still got lots to learn.

Mark


"Tom Randy" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 17:52:21 -0400, Mark Handy wrote:

Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler.
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make
a trip out today.

Mark


Oh you WILL buy an orchid or 2 very soon. You sound ready. SOunds like you
have good enough light for many orchid types. The common beginner orchid
is a Phalenopsis. Those and Dendrobiums are the one's you'll more than
likely find locally. Dens like a LOT of light and can go dry between
waterings. Phals like low-medium light and never like to go totally dry.

Oh you're ready! Tell us what you get!

Point your browser to the URL below, and check out the "Free Information"
link. and from there you'll find lots of useful stuff.

I'm especially impressed about your attitude coming into the orchid world.
I wish I had been that smart!

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I will. I'll post some pictures when I do get some, but it'll be in a few
weeks,
I've still got lots to learn.

Mark


"Tom Randy" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 17:52:21 -0400, Mark Handy wrote:

Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and
heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun
all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler.
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just
make
a trip out today.

Mark


Oh you WILL buy an orchid or 2 very soon. You sound ready. SOunds like
you
have good enough light for many orchid types. The common beginner orchid
is a Phalenopsis. Those and Dendrobiums are the one's you'll more than
likely find locally. Dens like a LOT of light and can go dry between
waterings. Phals like low-medium light and never like to go totally dry.

Oh you're ready! Tell us what you get!

Thanks for the info Ray. I'm heading out today to look at some, I think they
are a Phaleanopsis Hybrid, might try to sneak a few pictures.

Mark.


"Ray" wrote in message
...
Point your browser to the URL below, and check out the "Free Information"
link. and from there you'll find lots of useful stuff.

I'm especially impressed about your attitude coming into the orchid world.
I wish I had been that smart!

--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

. . . . . . . . . . .
"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I will. I'll post some pictures when I do get some, but it'll be in a
few
weeks,
I've still got lots to learn.

Mark


"Tom Randy" wrote in message
...
On Thu, 31 Jul 2003 17:52:21 -0400, Mark Handy wrote:

Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and
heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun
all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We
only
have a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room
cooler.
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just
make
a trip out today.

Mark


Oh you WILL buy an orchid or 2 very soon. You sound ready. SOunds like
you
have good enough light for many orchid types. The common beginner
orchid
is a Phalenopsis. Those and Dendrobiums are the one's you'll more than
likely find locally. Dens like a LOT of light and can go dry between
waterings. Phals like low-medium light and never like to go totally
dry.

Oh you're ready! Tell us what you get!

Ahhh, you'll get into orchid heat like the rest of us once you've actually
got one plant in hand. Others just sort of jump in there too. Next thing you
know you'll have 700 plants and will be building another GH.

K Barrett

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm going to do just that. See what is commonly available, while
researching prepare care. I realise that these are not a water
and forget type of plant, but the extra effort is worth it.

Mark


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
et...
A word of advice. Don't rush into buying just anything that is out
there.
Do some online research and get something that you'll like, because like
many of us orchid "freaks" you'll wind up with tons of mislabled or
missing
ID's Phals and Dendrobs which eventually you wont know what to do with
.

Regards,
Mariana


"Mark Handy" wrote in message
news
Thanks for the info. I've got lots of light, too much at times, and
heat
isn't an issue, since we face about 330 on the compass, we have sun
all
afternoon, and with all the windows it's quite warm right now. We only
have
a small window AC unit, which tries to keep the main room cooler.
Thanks
for
the advice, I'll keep reading posts here, and might just make a trip
out
today.

Mark


"GrlIntrpted" wrote in message
t...
Hello Mark,

It all depends on what your apartment conditions are like, how hot
it
gets,
what kind of light exposure you have, how you cool and heat your
place
and
finally, how much time you have and are willing to spend on catering
to
the
orchid.

For low light, warm places and low maintenance I would suggest a
Phalaenopsis hybrid, get it from your local home improvement center
(HomeDepot, Lowes etc...).
If you have lots of light and warmth you can try your hand at a
Cattleya
hybrid.

Remember, orchids are not as difficult to take care of as most
people
think.
And by the time that you'll get involved in some of the more
difficult
species of orchids, you will know most everything that you'll need
to
know
about orchids and how to grow them.

Please, by all means ask away, we're here to assist.

Mariana

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some
guidelines
for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity,
since
I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I
going
to
be
out of luck?


Mark.

Welcome Mark! I am a bit late but anyway I have been reading the threads &
come up
with some thoughts.
The various types of collecters of these wonderful plants.
1....The perfectionist, smart person that reads before buying.
2....The grower that buys seedlings, raises them & sells.
3.....The species only collector.
4.... The fragrant collector.
5.....The hardcore fanatical feverish ones, with uncontrollable insatiable
tastes!
(See Rob's Rules)? Anybody?
Then there are hobbyists that will buy, beg, borrow but not steal! (well
sometimes I have
aquired entire collections at 2 bucks a plant)
They are always in the collecting mode, more is better etc. etc. (I have
just started to
give back ends away) *g*
There are probably more categories as well.
Sorry I cannot answer your question as I don't grow indoors. (no
light,electricity bill is high enough!)
Have fun here, & enjoy, life is short!
Cheers Wendy

"Mark Handy" wrote in message
le.rogers.com...
I'm looking to get our first orchid, but after reading some guidelines for
care, I'm not too sure. I'm worried about air temp and humidity, since I'm
in an apartment. Is there a type that is more tolerant, or am I going to
be
out of luck?


Mark.