My Top Orchids/My Essential Orchids.

[SouthPark]

While I have only one favourite orchid (Rlc. Memoria Helen Brown 'Sweet Afton m. Splash'), I very specifically targeted and acquired some particular orchids, namely:

Rth. Dal's Emperor 'Michelle'
Paph. Saint Swithin 'Jill'
Phrag. Grouville
C. Caudabec Candy
L. anceps var chamberlainianum
Fdk. After Dark 'SVO Black Pearl' (would have gone for 'SVO Black Diamond' instead - but will probably never become available among the general public).

In general, each person has their own tastes - eye of beholder thing - as we know. All orchids are beautiful and fantastic. But quite nice and interesting to get an idea of each grower's particular 'extra' likes.

I know of some growers that like tiny flowered orchids. And I can see why after looking at the zoomed-in photographs of the spectacular looking flowers up close.

[Ispahan48]

This is certainly a fun thread and I somehow missed it earlier.

My favorite orchids right now have all been chosen for relatively compact size (with an exception or two) and fragrance:

Brassavola nodosa
Brassavola Little Stars
Cattleychea Siam Jade ‘Sweet Fragrance’
Brassocattleya Hawaii Stars ‘Hapuna Beach’
Oncidium Sharry Baby ‘Sweet Fragrance’ AM/AOS
Phalaenopsis Sweet Memory ‘Fragrant’
Phalaenopsis KS Balm ‘Kung Sir’
Phalaenopsis schilleriana

Of course my favorite really depends on whatever happens to be blooming at the moment and catches my fancy. I recently acquired some new angraecums and cattleya hybrids, so I’m very much looking forward to experiencing those! And although I don’t currently grow them, I have always loved Oncidium Heaven Scent ‘Redolence’ and Onicidium Heaven Scent ‘Sweet Baby’.

[Orchidtinkerer]

nice to see what people's favourites are. I'd not heard of B Hugging Stars or Rth Triple Love - that looks like a great cross.
I have a seedling Cattleya Mini Love myself which I can't wait to grow up.

So far I feel I have flowered too few of my collection to have a favourite yet but my phal Bellina's are all amongst them so far.

Also Brassavola Flagellaris has to make my list as the only Brassavola that likes it at mine so far

[Jeff214]

I'd have to say Dendrobium victoriae-reginae.

It's straggly and sad looking when not in bloom... but when it does, it's a delight. The indigo blooms and patterning are wonderful. Because it blooms off thin, defoliated canes, it makes the blooms seem like a heroic effort.