Newbie looking for help with choosing orchid type....

[AlexNYC]

Hello,

I am new to orchids - don't have any yet.... I had 2 in the past but I didn't know how to water them properly and they passed.....I need some help deciding what type of orchid would work for me. Here is a bit about the environment in my typical NYC apartment:
1. Air--Winter air is warm (around 72-78F) and dry. I have an industrial size humidifier that can evaporate up to 3 gallons (12L) of water per day but even with that the humidity level is around 35% (the ventilation system is very strong and it just sucks the air out!). Summer time air temp is 74-82F and humidity 50-70%. So I guess I wold need an orchid that will do well in warm and somewhat dry air (?)
2. Light - All my windows are south facing and there is direct sunlight coming in at various times of day but most of it would be afternoon (there is reflection off glass buildings coming in as well mostly mornings and late pm). I do have a sheer that blocks the direct sunlight as I have a number of African violets (mini and semi-mini) and the are very happy and blooming often and for months, so maybe I could grow orchids as well in my apartment??

And as far as what I would like to have in an orchid would be:

1. Blooms more than once a year and/or flowers last long.
2. Compact. Doesn't have to be mini but the space is limited (think shoe box apartment)
3. Will do well in my environment (always warm T with little difference, and dry air in winter)
4. Fragrant if possible - the stronger the better

I would appreciate any suggestion, opinion, link....
Thank you
Alex in NYC

[Leafmite]

I did not see that your temperatures are warmer in the summer so I was going to recommend Zygopetalum. These do well with air conditioning and often bloom multiple times a year and are fragrant. As you have warmer summer temperatures, you might want to look for smaller fragrant Cattleyas. I just bought Blc. Roberts Choice. It will be fragrant, will not get too large and will bloom twice a year. Potinara Burana Beauty and Hawaiian Prominence 'America' will usually bloom more often and, again, they are fragrant and smaller Cattleyas.

Phalaenopsis violacea, Phalaenopsis Samera and Phalaenopsis bellina are fragrant and sequential bloomers.

Haraella odorata is a miniature orchid that blooms all the time. It is difficult, sometimes, to find a fragrant one but, if you do, the flowers have a lemony fragrance (or lemon furniture polish). This one is usually mounted and needs to be dipped in water daily.

[Roberta]

First, Welcome!

Consider mini-Cattleya types. They are bred for windowsill growing, so stay small, many bloom twice a year or more, flowers fairly long lasting and brilliant colors.(For some, flowers almost as big as the plant) They like lots of light, they aren't fussy about either temperature or humidity. Take a look a at this thread to see what I mean about color. some mini catts

As a source, Sunset Valley Orchids
, so easy to get from a terrific nursery. Do ask for advice if you need help deciding what you want... can be overwhelming. Fred Clarke, the owner, is very responsive to questions.

[tmoney]

i was gonna suggest a phal (cause that's mostly what we grow, hahah), but i would suggest a schilleriana. they are fragrant but have great leaf patterns that add foliar interest out of bloom. they can hold flowers for a long time, but they don't usually bloom multiple times a year.

or, as was said, a mini cattleya. ours just bloomed again for the first time for us, so they can be grown!!! (i wasn't sure for a minute or two years). anyways, best of luck with your decision and welcome to the orchid board!