Question about an orchid???

Hi, I am new to orchids and have a question. I want to give my mom an orchid
plant for her birthday. She is really good with plants, but has never grown
an orchid. My question is - what type of orchid should a beginner start
with? Also, is there anything special you need to grow orchids with? I have
heard about people misting orchid plants, but does she really need to do
that? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks, Natalie

Hi Natalie,

Thanks for posting. What plant to start with really depends on the conditions your mother can provide in which to grow one. If she has a bright, sunny window that can be covered with sheer curtains during the hottest part of the day, I would go with a Cattleya or one of the Oncidium intergenerics. I would steer you toward the intergenerics myself; they're gorgeous, grow quickly, and aren't fussy. But again, they need bright light to rebloom.

A lot of people start with Phalaenopsis (moth orchids) because their light requirements are much lower than those of many other orchid plants. An east window with no direct sun would do just fine for them. It's really up to what you think is attractive and what kind of conditions your mother can provide.

As far as misting goes, many people mist their plants early in the morning to provide some humidity, especially if they run air conditioning which really dries out the air. Be sure to check out the CARE pages for general orchid-growing how-to's.

Hope that helps some!!

Louis

Hi Natalie!

As Louis said, many people start off with an easier orchid that takes less light and still does well in the house. My Phalaenopsis has been a really good orchid for me. (good meaning easy to take care of) This year I got two spikes of flowers! If your mother is able to keep her orchid in decent light, it should do fine. Be sure to have her check out the CARE section of this website for detailed instructions. Sometimes people who raise house plants like to leave them sitting in a pan of water so that the plants get all they want to drink-- This is not a good idea for orchids.

Best of luck in choosing an orchid for your mom. I am sure she will love it!

Cheers,
Brutal_Dreamer

Thank you for your help. I have order a Judy Valentine Phalaenopsis for my mom. It will make her so happy.
Thanks again,
Natalie

Originally posted by Brutal_Dreamer
Hi Natalie!

As Louis said, many people start off with an easier orchid that takes less light and still does well in the house. My Phalaenopsis has been a really good orchid for me. (good meaning easy to take care of) This year I got two spikes of flowers! If your mother is able to keep her orchid in decent light, it should do fine. Be sure to have her check out the CARE section of this website for detailed instructions. Sometimes people who raise house plants like to leave them sitting in a pan of water so that the plants get all they want to drink-- This is not a good idea for orchids.

Best of luck in choosing an orchid for your mom. I am sure she will love it!

Cheers,
Brutal_Dreamer

You used your coupon code--great! The orchid will ship first thing tomorrow morning. I'm sure your mother will like the plant! If you or she have any questions about growing it, just email or post here.