Your Must Own orchid?

[Cmarie310]

Hello everyone,

I introduced myself months ago, but I haven't been around much this past year. I just successfully (hopefully) repotted an orchid (Mlit. Golden Fleece Cross) for the first time. So far so good...except that I lost the tag!

I have 6 orchids, 3 of which were bought as seedlings so I haven't actually achieved "bloomage."


Back to the point, what is your "must own orchid"? The one that you would have to have. The growlists are impressive here, but it is hard to choose where to go next.

Thanks for all the great advice (in advance!)

Colleen

[ATester]

I currently have a severe case of Acute Pleurothalloid Complex...the only treatment is to posses as many different members of Pleurothallidae as possible. The symptoms are rather unique...spending lots of time with books and the web researching, situating your plants right next to the airconditioner to acheive the correct temperature requirements and air movement. Obsessive misting is also another unique trait (except the Masdies...they only appreciate damp feet).

I actually picked up a few more, all in the Ancipitia (and my coveted viduata).

And we'll see, in maybe a couple weeks we'll imagine the pitter-patter of tiny Masdevallia feet.

[work2ski]

Colleen,

That is a terribly hard question to answer. You need to identify the orchid type(s) that will do well in your environment then post your question.

There are many gurus on this forum specializing in their respective genus so the question needs to be more specific. There are slipper orchids (phrag/paph), moth orchids (phal), butterfly orchids (psychopsis), spider orchids (brassia), dancing lady orchids (oncidium), and the most beautiful of them all, the cattleyas, and these are only the basics.

Hope it helps.

[Piper]

Hi Colleen, and welcome back!

LOL - you ask a valid, but impossible-to-answer question! If I "must own" an orchid, I've probably already succombed! Many times, in fact!

If it's something I'm smitten with, and I don't own, it may be because it's hard to find in cultivation, or my environmental conditions wouldn't support it, or it plain, old costs a fortune (this, unfortunately, should be more of an issue!) I have many "to-die-for" seedlings that will take years to bloom, but that's the only way to purchase some of these species and crosses.

There's always persuasion...
If you listen to the Paph heads here, you'll begin to lust after slipper orchids. Looking at Hoa's gorgeous posts, you'll want to amass collections of whatever he's showing off at the moment. Sue, Tindo and Aaron will get you chasing after little itty bitties that love terrarrium conditions. And Tim-O and Murray will lure you to embrace Aussie Dendrobiums. (Except then you'll hear from Diane and me and wonder if you can ever make them happy...) Nelson, Cin and other tropical residents will showcase Vandas et al that will make you drool, but would croak in less humid climes.

And then there are changing tastes. When I really started ramping up my collection a few years ago, I didn't want any Phals. Had one faithful one, and wanted other, more exotic critters. But as I acquired more plants, I found I missed the charms of the Phals, and then went on a Phal spending spree. I'm now looking to add genera that I don't have, for the variety, but always keeping in mind what will thrive in my conditions.

My advice (for what it's worth), is to choose a genera you're interested in that will suit your growing conditions, and then choose the most killer species or hybrid that excites you. Make the first choice carefully, and then ask us to woo you with our suggestions!

Happy hunting!
Julie

[ATester]

Hi Colleen, and welcome back!
My advice (for what it's worth), is to choose a genera you're interested in that will suit your growing conditions, and then choose the most killer species or hybrid that excites you. Make the first choice carefully, and then ask us to woo you with our suggestions!

Happy hunting!
Julie

I think Julie has a valid point. Ofttimes it is easier to take a look at your condtions and decide from there what you should start with. I can say safely, and I am sure that there are others here who have experienced the same thing, there is nothing more disappointing (and more expensive) that grabbing onto a particular group of orchids, and then discovering that you cannot provide the right conditions for them (without going to alot of expense to create the right environment, and than that doesn't always work). Personally I chose the cool growers because I am limited on space, and the lower level of my apartment remains cool and fairly humid. I am lucky in this respect that I have conditions close to the requirements of the little guys that I am partial to (and I am more easily able to amend the condions to make them more suitable). Each orchid group has their own specific charm, and there are those (if you desire the more exotic) within each group that will suit your wants. I have a couple that are a reach for providing the right conditions, mostly impulse buys that I decided at that moment in time that I had to have. Sometimes I rue the day I bought a Mokara since it is difficult to take care of. First, find what you can be successful with, then branch out from there. You'll save yourself time, money and heartache.

But, if you decide to get into the itty bitties, I can help i'm kidding, I'm kidding

[Cmarie310]

These are great responses! I have hard time picking which orchid I have the best conditions for (plus the right temperment for growing!). I live in Santa Barbara so I have easy access to all kinds, but I am such a novice that I don't know what kind to settle on. Not mention that I have only managed to kill (phal) and never to achieve a second blooming!

Thanks again

[Piper]

Maybe the Californians in your neck of the woods can offer good newbie suggestions for genera.

Hint, hint, hint...

Julie

[Hoa Tony Nguyen]

Collen,
Maybe you should seriously consider to go orchid shopping and hang around with us when Diane and I do that in Santa Barbara in a few weeks?
Cheers. Hoa.

[Diane]

Well - - since you live in Santa Barbara - home to several fabulous orchid nurseries, I guess I'd go browse the local offerings.. easiest of course would be a nice cymbidium - grow outside year round. You are about 55 miles north of me...

[bench72]

what is your "must own orchid"?

To answer this one is anything and everything that has Paph philippinense in it!!!

But, that is of course a different answer to say... "what should I get next?"....

the guys and gals here have given you some great info already.... now to get to the nitty gritty...

1. where are you going to grow it and how much light will it get?
2. what is the coldest temperature and hottest temperature in that grow space?
3. how big is this grow space? can yo fit one big plant or ten little ones?

of course you might have a number of different grow spaces so, you will need to consider what will best grow in that temperature and light range...

I didn't mention watering... coz, well, that's up to you...