Suggestions for starting collection

[Rid]

Thanks again everyone.

I realize I live just a few miles away from peach state orchids, so I’ll probably start there.

[Jeff214]

I think I saw some yellow Maxillaria tenuifolia there a few days ago... I'd recommend that.

[3rdMaestro]

Welcome aboard!
Growing bonsai will help in the sense that you are already in the mode of watering and caring for a plant. As was mentioned, the care is different though. Every orchid genus seems to have its little quirks.
I find that a lot of hobbyist orchid growers excitedly buy a whole bunch of different kinds in the beginning, only to end up killing a number of them before figuring out what they like/can handle (myself included). Don't be discouraged if one dies. I've killed a number of phalaenopsis and yet I have some still alive to this day from my very first steps into the world of orchids.
Above all though, one tip that helped me is that if you buy any orchid from a store (and sometimes even orchid shows), repot it as soon as you can. They often pot them in pots that have bad drainage or are way too small in order to save space on shipping. Repotting into a more suitable pot increases the odds of survival. The only exception is if the orchid is mounted.

[camille1585]

With those sort of windows, you have a lot of options, including growing orchids with lower light requirements if you use sheer curtains or keep them further back from the windows. The only limits you have are temperature wise, with your climate growing anything that needs cool temps will be difficult.

Do you have any preferences in terms of plant size, growth habit, types of flowers? Some can get really large after a number of years so you have to think about your growing area in the long term as well.

Hybrids are usually a good way to start with orchids, they tend to be more vigorous and forgiving that species.

In any case, one word of advice since you are just starting, don't buy too many different types of orchids at once. Everyone has orchids that do better or worse in their care. A good strategy is to start with a few different orchids that attract you, and grow them for at least a couple months, longer ideally. That way you have an idea of what works in your conditions and culture habits.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you want to pick a few species or hybrids from 1 genus that's fine.

If you want some variety, and you decide to go with a few different genera of orchids, that's fine too. For someone who's never grown an orchid before, I'd choose only from 2 - 3 different genera that have similar growing requirements to each other at first.

[Rid]

Thanks for the tips everyone!

[Rid]

Ok I got a maxillaria tenufolia ‘green valley’ ( they were out of the yellow)

Onc. Sharry baby (I hate that song)

Cg roebling x mini purple.

Peach state orchids was great. I asked the guy there to hook me up with plants I could keep outside in the summer. I didn’t intentionally ignore anyone’s advice, but I didn’t feel like googling 50 different plants while I was there.

[Mountaineer370]

Ridley, that sounds like a fine start to your orchid hobby. Good luck with them, and don't hesitate to post questions when they pop up. Oh, did anybody warn you? Orchids are very addictive!

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Rid

Ok I got a maxillaria tenufolia ‘green valley’ ( they were out of the yellow)

Onc. Sharry baby (I hate that song)

Cg roebling x mini purple.

Peach state orchids was great. I asked the guy there to hook me up with plants I could keep outside in the summer. I didn’t intentionally ignore anyone’s advice, but I didn’t feel like googling 50 different plants while I was there.

That's what I think is the best way to buy orchids, asking the nursery for advice! Those are all nice choices, and relatively easy orchids once you understand the basic care for them. Any photos of your new plants? We love seeing what people buy!

[Rid]

Voila! The unhealthy one was discounted and needs a repot to be revitalized.