Anyone know of an orchid to match this description?

[POLKA]

Well,
depending on the height of the window/showcase area, I'm not sure Phaius would work quite right -- a conversation piece to be sure, tho! <grin>

I would also think that a Dendrobium kingianum would work in a sunny east window. My specimen plant is about 24 inches cubed (24x24x24), and still in bloom -- for about 6 to 8 weeks, with an intoxicating fragrance. I would offer that to you to think about.

Phaius does have that "house-plant-look" but when it blooms, it is like fireworks at about 4 feet. Well, at least my tankerville is. There might be some smaller growing species available now, that I'm not aware of.

Hope I have made a contribution to your dilema.

Take care
Happy growing

Rex
aka POLKA
may all your orchids bloom like crazy

[The Orchid Boy]

It looks like I have a lot of researching to do!

The window is about 5 feet tall by 6 feet wide or something like that. It is quite a large window!

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

they want a perfect orchid? get one made of silk

There is no such thing as a "Perfect Orchid" and I definitely second RJSquirrel's suggestion! I have actually seen silk orchids with properly arranged flowers that would fool almost any casual observer, look great all year and do not need anything more than a casual dusting!

Cym Ladye

[Rowangreen]

Had a quick look and found a couple of possibles *G*

Zygopetalum Rhien Blue Angel

Miltonia Lilac Lady

Also in terms of the plant, I have a Brassidium Spider Stars that is about the neatest growing orchid I've ever seen. Totally wrong flowers! (Green, cream lip, chocolate spots and bars!) but just did an image search on Brassidium and there seem to be a few puple ones!

Or maybe a variagated leaf phal.

Or even a Ludisia? Nice white flowers and very attractive foliage!

[shadytrake]

If you want an orchid that looks like a house plant when not blooming, then I would go for a Jewel orchid as they have beautiful foliage and require low light. Also, they can handle a little extra water (not soppy) but they are more wet tolerant.

[orchidsamore]

I think you have to talk to your relative more.

When a customer, who is not familiar with orchids, says they want an 'Orchid" perfect or not they are almost exclusively thinking Cattleya. The fact they are looking for a lavender color is typical of the large Cattleya from the 60s.

Since Cattleya are a problem for a window, you need to determine if they will consider something else. Most times they do not buy anything.

As for some of the recommendations, Phaius and Spathoglottis will end up in the garbage.

They lose a lot of leaves in the winter. Phiaus should have all the old leaves removed. I do not think they qualify as attractive all year long without flowers. I hide mine in a corner of the greenhoue all winter, as I think they look so bad.

Ludsia discolor, the hardiest jewel orchid, is a low light plant that would grow well for them, but the tiny white non-discript flowers, are certainly not what they would consider an orchid flower. They are actually grown almost exclusively for the leaves.

Most of my customers with these requirements gravitate to Phalaenopsis. Common but traditional and easily recognized as an orchid (it was the bridal bouquet on every brides magazine cover in the 60s). It is the last choice if I wanted to own it, but for a first orchid it is why so many millions are sold.

Oncidium may be OK if you get a very large full plant. Onc. Sharry Baby - the Chocolate Orchid - since it smells like a chocolate hershey bar is often an acceptable choice if they can see it and smell it first. The smell often makes people change their minds about a large Cattleya.

[Paul Mc]

I would suggest taking these recommendations, getting culture info and pics, then showing the information to your relatives and let them decide. That way they get something they like and can care for.

[Vanda lover]

My phrag looks wonderfully green and bushy.