Choosing a Orchid

[PEOYofBerg]

If you had to choose one plant from each of the following types:
Cattleya ( I have had catteyas and re-bloomed them) Dendrobium, Cymbidium minature ( I have grown and bloomed these, but the plants got HUGE), Lady slipper ( I have one and have re-bloomed it with two blooms this year), Oncidium, Phalaenopsis ( of course I have several Phal's).

Using the following criteria:

Stunning color, exceptional bloomer, sent, Medium light, Intermediate temp, easy.

Which orchids would you choose?; is there one that easily comes to mind in each group?

I hope this isn't asking to much! I have scoured the journals, Taylor's Guide, various books, but the choices are so old; I'm sure their are many other hybrids available that would be a better choice.

I have found only one local grower that sells his stock and I go to Orchid shows but find mostly seedlings for sale; I would prefer bloom size. If this requires a lot of thought, don't bother I can just select my top one from my research and give it a go. Thank you for your help and any suggestions. I do not have a greenhouse.

I have hunted the threads on the site and don't find anything regarding my question; If there is a discussion on my question please just point me in that direction, thank you.

I do have some favorites on my list:
Encyclia Cochleata
Brassocattlea Binosa
Brassolaeliocattleya 'Port Royal Sound"
Cattleya 'Sophia Martin"
Cattleya Pumpernickel
Laeliocattleya 'Platinum Sun'

Dendrobium loddigesii
Dendrobium nobile

Colmanara Wildcat
Odontocidium Artur Elle
Odontocidium Big Mac
Odontonia Susan Bogdanow
Vuylstekeara Cambria
Wilsonara Hamburhen Stern

Paphiopedilum hirsutissimum
Paphiopedilum lowii
Paphiopedilum leeanum
Paphiopedilum Raisin Expectations
Phragmipedium Dominianum
Phragmipedium Grande

[stateless]

I'll answer for one category, dendrobium "Little Green Apples" almost always in bloom , spring thru fall, that's the only one that came to mind. It's all up to your preferences in the end.

[raybark]

The problem with your question, and the likely reason you don't see it elsewhere is that, depending upon the growing conditions an individual has to offer, and their own personal preferences, you'll get different answers.

For example, for me, I'd start at the bottom and take an "all of the above" attitude per group, skipping the dendrobiums altogether.

[Ron-NY]

I used to have a Odtna. Susan Bogdanow..it bloomed twice a year for me.

[Carolla]

For what you say regarding growing conditions, I'd look at the Phals and the Paphs with variegated leaves. They like the medium light and are easy to grow. You can hardly go wrong with a Onc. Sharry Baby - not the fanciest flowers, but very tough, easy to find, grows like a weed and smells great.

[PEOYofBerg]

Oh I like that one; I looked it up and what a neat looking orchid. The hunt is on.

---------- Post Merged at 07:29 PM ----------

For what you say regarding growing conditions, I'd look at the Phals and the Paphs with variegated leaves. They like the medium light and are easy to grow. You can hardly go wrong with a Onc. Sharry Baby - not the fanciest flowers, but very tough, easy to find, grows like a weed and smells great.

I like that one "Sharry Baby" I will look for that one too; I have Oncidlum Twinkle 'Fantasy' you sure don't get much smaller blooms than that for blooms.

[cakedaddy]

Sharry Baby is a plant that every orchid lover should have! I LOVE that fragrance. Great suggestion.
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