Pick my next orchid! - Page 2 - Orchid Board

JonnyBravo · #11 06-17-2009, 12:40 PM

oh good gosh, now i'm in trouble. i should have known that the fine folks at OB would come up with more out-of-this-world orchids than i could hope to buy within the next year or two. i'm totally digging everything that has been suggested, though i'm still open to more! should be making my order within the next couple of weeks, will definitely post what i end up getting.

and i DO have an automatic misting system that could increase my humidity, but i only use it when i go out of town. i finally have enough plants that something is almost always in bloom, and the misters spray the whole plant, blooms and all, even though i have asked them very nicely not to do so. with regular misting, my blooms last *maybe* half as long as i think they should. will definitely be looking into other options, and as soon as i OWN my own home rather than rent, i will be putting up a lovely greenhouse to trap all that necessary humidity.

thanks for the suggestions, folks, keep 'em coming!

Royal · #12 06-17-2009, 04:32 PM

Ok Johnny, I've got a few more for you.

First, every orchid grower with any kind of a flower bed warmer than about zone 5 MUST have a Bletilla. They are frost hardy perrenials, early bloomers, drought tolerant, and multiply by at least double each year. Perfect in my book.

Ok, ok. Back to the tropicals.

Hybrids: B. David Sander, Bl. Richard Mueller

species: C. granulosa, leopoldii, or guttata

nikv · #13 06-18-2009, 08:13 PM

I think you should look at the genus Stanhopea. I love them and have several in my collection.

cloudswinger · #14 06-20-2009, 12:40 AM

Coelogyne cristata is a cool growing orchid. Not going to be happy in S. Florida. I have a Coelogyne mooreana, it's got a slightly higher max temp, but it's still considered a cool grower. It seems to be ok so far here though.

Cool-Growing Coelogyne Culture

JonnyBravo · #15 06-20-2009, 09:14 AM

re: coelogyne... what about indoor growing? i may skip that genus this go-around, but would love to have one someday. could i keep it by a sunny window? my air conditioning is always on, keeping the house around 80F or just below.

breeindy · #16 06-21-2009, 04:15 AM

Paphiopedilums are my favourite!

phalaephila · #17 06-21-2009, 11:45 AM

For that blue Neofinetia you mentioned, look for Neostylis Lou Sneary - This is a primary hybrid (Neof. falcata x Rhy. coelestis) with a species feel, and comes in a variety of colors including white, pink and blue. The cultivars 'Kultana', 'Blue Bird' and 'Colorful Blue' come to mind. I don't know of a straight Neofinetia that is blue. Have fun shopping!

kiki-do · #18 06-21-2009, 11:52 AM

I would opt for antelope dendrobiums. I've only seen them online at Exotic Orchids of Maui but I'm sure they must have them elsewhere. They are beautiful and different and where you live in Fl., should be a good grower for you.