Orchid Recommendations

[aliceinwl]

I have an office plant I need to replace and I know I could slot in a Phalaenopsis but was wondering about other options.

The spot it would be going:
-Low light: on the low end even for a Phalaenopsis
-Steady room temperature: mostly low 70s maybe a slight dip at night during the winter
-Low humidity: typical indoor conditions
-Natural photo period: light from east facing window across the room
-Still air

Dream orchid:
-Will bloom under these conditions and have big attractive flowers or lots of small attractive flowers
-Easy keeper: can cope with weekly watering
-Moderate size: something along the lines of a large Oncidium intergeneric or large Phalaenopsis
-Bonus if it’s scented
-Not a Phalaenopsis

I already have one Phalaenopsis doing well there, but something different would be nice and the only orchid I can think of that would do well is another Phalaenopsis.

[Subrosa]

Gongora rufescens.

[Roberta]

Stenorrhynchos speciosum or one of the hybrids in that group (such as Stenosarcos Vanguard) - low light, grow in soil so they stay moist and like be kept damp, attractive foliage even when not in bloom. Attractive red flowers when in bloom. I don't know why these aren't more common, being excellent houseplants.

[Dollythehun]

Echo Roberta. I just got one of those and it's spiking. It's in an east window with some supplemental light from the south and west (grey days, so not much). It's quite attractive and I'm sorry I didn't pop for one when I first met them two years ago.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Stenorrhynchos speciosum or one of the hybrids in that group (such as Stenosarcos Vanguard) - low light, grow in soil so they stay moist and like be kept damp, attractive foliage even when not in bloom. Attractive red flowers when in bloom. I don't know why these aren't more common, being excellent houseplants.

Actually the flowers are rather non descript on S. speciosum, but the bracts are very attractive. It's the Poinsettia of the orchid world!

[aliceinwl]

Originally Posted by Roberta

Stenorrhynchos speciosum or one of the hybrids in that group (such as Stenosarcos Vanguard) - low light, grow in soil so they stay moist and like be kept damp, attractive foliage even when not in bloom. Attractive red flowers when in bloom. I don't know why these aren't more common, being excellent houseplants.

Thanks! Yes, those seem like they would be nearly ideal. I’ll have to keep an eye out. It doesn’t seem like they’re readily available.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

Thanks! Yes, those seem like they would be nearly ideal. I’ll have to keep an eye out. It doesn’t seem like they’re readily available.

Did a little googling... Seattle Orchids has several Stenosarcos Vanguard according to their website. Marlow Orchids has 1 Stenorrhynchos speciosum left according to their website. So... you should be able to get at least one of these. If you miss these, one or the other of the plants is likely to get back in stock someplace sooner or later.

[aliceinwl]

Thanks! I was looking at Seattle Orchids but for Stennorrhynchos. I really like the foliage of the S. Vanguard they have depicted so I’m going to give it a go. Will these guys do okay in potting soil (Miracle Gro?)? Maybe an African violet soil? Or, do I need something special?

[ArronOB]

What about a Miltonidium, like Mtdm Bartley Schwartz?

Thinking low light and average temps there.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by aliceinwl

Thanks! I was looking at Seattle Orchids but for Stennorrhynchos. I really like the foliage of the S. Vanguard they have depicted so I’m going to give it a go. Will these guys do okay in potting soil (Miracle Gro?)? Maybe an African violet soil? Or, do I need something special?

Mine came in moss. I put it back in moss and it's fine. They have thick, fleshy roots that like to be moist. I wonder if in your office, moss might be a plus to keep it damp.