Time for a new Orchid!

[Original flower]

Ok, I am addicted. Some of you may have read about my poor Phal or White "Moth" Orchid. I was given a pair of them, unfortunately they where not in very good shape... and one died. Now I have this ache for a new one(s)!!! Being a novice... I would like some advice for my next Orchid. I have two eastern windows... I live in New England, where the weather changes constantly. It would be good to have a "strong" or "tough" little Orchid to start with! I enjoy white blooms, but will fall madly in love with any color really. I am a simple Buddhist, living at a Zen Center so I do not have a lot of money. But do have quite a lot of patience... so if smaller babies are better thats fine too. I would love some suggestions!

[dsm]

Hi Sharon,

I grew up in New England, so I know a little aobut your weather patterns. I think most of the generic phals ("Moth orchids" that you see in the big home & garden stores are fairly tough. The thing is, they are native to parts of the world where the weather does not vary that much from season to season, and so they like to be in stable conditions.

If I were you, I would check the area of the orchids for things like drafts and exposure to sudden changes, and try to find a way to compensate for that. They like air movement, but not temperature changes except for the usual drop at night.

Do you have central heat or radiator heat, or woodstove?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

I think you could grow a paph. There are several low light loving paphs. They have beautiful foliage when not in bloom, so are pretty with blooms and without. I especially think you would like a green and white one since you like white blooms so much.

cheers,
BD

[Original flower]

Thank you, for your replies! I will have a radiator to add warmth to my room this winter. If I must, (most likely) I will have to put plastic on my windows to keep out drafts. I also have a rotating fan... {{{men-o-pause}}} that I use year round. The windows are quite deep with wide sills, perhaps I could create a type of atmosphere for them. With heat lamps and plastic?

[pavel]

Much depend on what you're personal tastes are. Personally, for something a little different, I'd suggest Prostheca cochleata (sometimes referred to as a cockleshell orchid)





Mine has proven very easy to grow and has a fragrance like honey

[Original flower]

Oh Pavel... beautiful. What an amazing Orchid, like little dragon faces! I am having a lovely time (doing my home work) finding and looking up all these Orchids. =) Paphiopeilums, are very sexy! I was drawn to the all green one, 'Ching Hua' x self? I went and bought an "Orchid diary" to keep all the information in. I am writing all this down, so please keep it comming! I could use some ideas for the placement, or environment... I know this is so important. I am going to create and dedicate a corner of my room, with its own window.... thank you!

[Original flower]

Denise, thank you for the reply... My mission right now is to create "the stable environment" I will be blocking off a window come colder weather. =) there are lights out there that give off heat and not so much light? Like the ones for reptiles... I suppose.

[Cjcorner]

My first set of orchids was to find out which kinds like it here in humid Florida. Orchids, even when in proper growing conditions still require abit of patience. I hope you'll find a lovely plant that will grow and bloom nicely for you.
Welcome to the group....maybe we could talk you into showing us a few pictures of the monastary, and your new orchid(s)
Connie

[cindiras]

Sharon, One way to heat a small space might be one of those electric heating matts that are sold for warming the soil of seedlings. There are probably other electricly heated 'matts' that could provide warmth in the winter- a heating pad that is plastic covered- set on low. Look around to see what you might find.

[Original flower]

A heating pad, AWESOME...! Yes, once I get new little ones and set up my space... I will take pictures of them! However, I do not live in a Monastery. Even though, there a few people who would love to "get me off to the Nunnery" and I have considered it to be a good idea myself! The Zen Center is a School in Zen, and Buddhism. There are about 30 "Lay people" who are students that live here with me. I would be honored to take and share some pictures with you, of where I live. =) Tuesday nights there is a 4 hour meditation with Chanting, so I am off to get ready to sit for a while. I will send Bright, Buddha, Blessings to my friends at "Orchid Talk"!