I live in Michigan - and yet, I try to grow orchids in my home. I have a corner-angled kitchen sink, and the area between the back of the sink to the 2 windows, is my orchid area. I have tried to choose orchids that will do well in this home environment, but sometimes, I fear I have not chosen wisely.

I had some heavy losses because of the very long, very cold winter we had this year. Due to the proximity of the windows to the plants, cold was a real problem. I believe that the cold alone did in about 5 of my plants. The other problem was the watering/misting - with it being so cold, I wondered if I was sealing their doom further by watering/misting.

By far, the heaviest losses were the Catts and Catt crosses, though I also lost 2 Epi/Enc as well. The Catts that haven't actually perished, appear to have sort of "pruny" leaves, like when you are in the water too long? On the 5 plants that have this effect, there are still some nearly normal looking leaves, so I have not completely given up on them. But there has been no new growth at all.

If I understand correctly, Catts don't like to be watered a lot, is that right? What about misting? I mist everyone daily, but the actual watering, I do only twice a week for the Catts and Catt crosses. If this is wrong, please tell me!!

If I shouldn't even attempt to grow these beauties with the climate and limited facilities that I have for orchids, I'd appreciate knowing that too.

Thanks for any help!!

Kathy