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indoors during bloom, then greenhouse after?

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by brianPA, Feb 17, 2022.

  1. brianPA

    brianPA New Member

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    Hi I just acquired my first orchids, from the grocery store of course. And now that I have done a bit of research it looks like they are the most common phalaenopsis type. I have read the Novice Palaenopsis Culture guide and various other newbie guides.

    While I know little about orchids except what I've read today, I have a lot of experience growing tropical and subtropical fruit trees, and I have a large heated greenhouse where I keep them all in winter.

    Is it reasonable to think I can keep these orchids indoors (even in very poorly lit rooms) while they are in bloom and then move them out into my greenhouse the rest of the time, in an area under taller trees where shade/semi-shade plants thrive? And... would the transition shock them?

    My greenhouse heater maintains a minimum 55F which is a bit under the recommended minimum I read for these orchids but seems to be acceptable for other heat loving plants (ex. tomatoes and mangoes are happy). It is very humid in my greenhouse while my home is extremely dry in winter.

    Also, what should I do with the aerial roots on these? Ignore them? Try to gently move them into the container next repotting? Cut them off? Is there some recommendation ratio of soil vs aerial roots for container orchids?
     
  2. Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Oak Island NC
    Phalaenopsis, for the most part, are deep understory plants, never getting any direct sunlight. Your thoughts on keeping it indoors while in bloom, then moving it to the greenhouse after is fine, as long as it’s in a shaded area. That, by the way, has been my standard practice for decades.

    Yeah, they like it warmer, but a 55F minimum is fine.

    When watering, drench the aerial roots. Not only are they assisting in water and nutrient uptake, but once it’s ready to be repotted, move the plant into a larger pot, and the aerial roots will act as “guy wires” to help stabilize the plant.
     
  3. brianPA

    brianPA New Member

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    Thank you, that is great to hear. I have large in-ground trees in my greenhouse that create a lot of shade so I can place it underneath one of those.