A rant on orchid lighting information

[sand_tiger86]

Ah, that's cool! I like her. I'd love to visit Barbados - it looks beautiful.

[yvonni]

It is (modest much ) No really my island is a beautiful island and the people are very friendly . the beaches are absolutely the bomb , blue crystal clear water and pure white sand . Once you get in you don't want to get out but then you get pruny so you have to . Can you tell I love my island

[angela]

(I'd kill to live in your area! It's perfect for orchids, I would think! )
Sand tiger86, yes this part of the world is a great place to live, and to grow orchids. As for anyone, anywhere the world over there are diferent species which require very different growing conditions. Many of the books, that I have come accross, are written by Orchidists who grow Orchids in countries where there are 4 seasons. 4 changes in climatic conditions. I read them, gather any information which I think would apply to my conditions here in the Caribbean. I also check out the culture of the orchids which I buy to add to my collection. i.e. there are certain Cymbidium which will never survive here (among many others). I say, know your conditions, and use that information to place your orchids to their best advantage.


Yvonni
I am sorry that your are having difficulty. I beleive that I mentioned to you that I thought you might have had some problems trying to grow your orchids on an indoor windowsill here in Barbados. The climate is too hot and dry. If the house is closed during the day that makes the problem worse. Let me hasten to say again, I have no experience in growing orchids indoors in Barbados, I grow everything outdoors under shade. These are just my thoughts on the matter.
Goodluck and happy growing

[yvonni]

Hi Angela , I'm sorry if i gave the impression that I was having problems . I don't think I am .I was just saying that when it comes to the forum I feel a bit junior because most people here have had (like yourself) lot's of experience already with their orchids and I'm now starting out so i don't necessarily know yet that I have done and am doing right by my chids . That's all I was saying. On another note hi it's been a while hope your doing well .

[Dazed]

Wow a Bajan get together! Where're the fruitee and sweet bread?

Hi Angela, hope all is well. Have to post pics of the chids you gave us. They seem to be coming into their own. Yvonni has no choice with the indoors but I can guarantee they are a perky bunch. My environment seems to be a bit erratic, and I'm slowly transferring most of mine to mounted because of moisture problems. I am worrying that when the summer kicks in that I have a problem with them drying out too rapidly. But so far, I've had no recent casualties, knock on wood, so I must have learnt something, thanks to OT.

[catttan]

Agree completely with you Angela re different growing conditions. Malaysia isn't too bad a place for most orchids except, maybe cymbidiums in the lowlands. I've been lamenting the fact that warmth tolerant cyms are so hard to come by. But hopefully things may change soon. I'm trying to persuade our local vendor here to import warmth tolerant cyms from a cym breeder in Thailand who specialises in breeding warmth tolerant types.

[happyhouseorchids]

Oh do not get me started on the 3 Ice cube methoud of watering!!!!!!!!!!

[sand_tiger86]

Cymbidiums seem very complex with the temperature drops, lighting, the size of the plants, the different medium required etc. I guess it's a good thing I don't personally care for them all that much. They just don't do much for me in the looks department.

[Dazed]

My question is how do you know exactly when you have a cold or warm grower? I mean I haven't come across any cymbidiums yet but if I do and I like what I see how can I confidently make a decision on whether to buy it or not? Trusting the seller isn't always a guarantee that they will tell you the truth, intentionally or not. I ain't plunking down my money to have the dang plant laugh at me then die, according to Sand Tiger.

[sand_tiger86]

My advice? Don't bother with them and take advantage of the fact that you have an excellent environment for Vandas. You don't need boring 'ol Cymbidiums!

Just kidding, but honestly I don't know...like I said, I don't bother with them because they're not my aesthetic taste. I'm sure a lot of folks around here could tell you, though.