Question
I live in Northern Alabama, and would like to know which types of orchids will thrive in my area ? I have areas to overwinter them inside, with good light exposure in the house, and during the summer, areas to sit the plants outside in humid bright sunlight, some with partial shade if necessary. What varieties would you recommend for someone new to growing orchids ?

Answer
Hello Michelle,

Living in Northern Alabama, there are quite a few orchids you probably can grow both indoors and outdoors for the summer.  Here are some you might look for but being that you sound like a beginner, I'll only give you what I believe are fairly easy to grow in your climate.  Fair enough?  OK, here goes.

Paphiopedilum, phragmepedium, dendrobium, encyclia, epidendrum, odontoglossum, cattleya, laelia, odontioda, vanda, ascoscenda, cymbidium, zygopetalum.  There are some others but these are ones I believe you should be able to grow outdoors under 50% to 70% sunlight in summer.  The cattleya, laelia, vanda, ascoscenda, cymbidium and zygopetalum would do better in 70% full sunlight while the others under 50% in your climate.  Also, the vanda and ascoscenda usually grow best unpotted with their roots hanging in the air but because of this, they will require daily watering and possibly twice a day in summer.  

Then, of course, there is the phalaenopsis which is mainly an indoor orchid.  Others you might try indoors are miltonia and miltassia.

Hope you have fun growing what ever you decide to try.  

Jim Kawasaki
San Jose, Ca.