thinking about a different orchid...

[orchidbaby]

I have successfully managed to take care of my 2 phals for a long while now, so I am really wanting to take on a newer species of orchid, does anyone have any suggestions on which type I should transition to that may be similar to take care of like the phal. ---- vendor discussion removed -see faqs on posting---- Thanks for any comments!!!!

[panam]

You know the Sharry Baby you recently saw on another posting? It's an oncidium, which likes more light than a phal, but rewards you with the BEST smelling flowers on the planet! Most people say they smell like chocolate, and while I don't recognize chocolate in the way mine smell, I absolutely love their fragrance. They're pretty popular, so you don't have to hunt too hard to find one.

[PaphMadMan]

Maudiae-type Paphs are usually quite happy in the same environment as Phals, with the advantage that they usually need a little less light so they can go off to the sides of the window or where they get partly shaded by the Phals. The biggest change from Phals is to be a little more careful with watering, always moist, never soggy.

[sand_tiger86]

In all honestly, I think Cattleyas are less demanding and more forgiving than Phals. You water them much less frequently, and they're not as prone to dehydration, fungal problems and such. It's easier to bloom a Phal simply because they require very little light but if you have a South or West window, a Cattleya is a cinch.

[123orchids]

where do you live and where do you keep your orchids? To better know your growing conditions.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

If you can bloom phals, you could probably do well with vini slipper orchids.

cheers,
BD

[wetfeet101b]

In all honestly, I think Cattleyas are less demanding and more forgiving than Phals. You water them much less frequently, and they're not as prone to dehydration, fungal problems and such. It's easier to bloom a Phal simply because they require very little light but if you have a South or West window, a Cattleya is a cinch.

And you were the one questioning the concept that orchids are easy once you get to know them?

[tucker85]

What part of the country do you live in? Do you want to grow indoors only, or outdoors during the summer?

[sand_tiger86]

And you were the one questioning the concept that orchids are easy once you get to know them?

Hey now, I've never had much of a problem with Cattleyas. That's why they're the gold standard for orchid culture after all.

"If all else fails, give it Cattleya conditions."

[orchidbaby]

I have them in a sunroom, faces East. live on the east coast....

I have never seen other orchids for sale in a store, exceppt Phals...