I think I am ready to Purchase

[rmack5]

Hello,
I am pretty new to the forum and wanted to ask you all some questions. I am about ready to purchase some orchids and I wanted some suggestions of some easy to grow orchids.

My growing conditions are as follows: I grow the orchids indoors. The temp in the room are min of 76 and max of 85-90 - on those really hot days, I have VHO lighting and the room they are in is really humid due to the aquaponics system in that room.

I would like orchids that are easy to grow and disease resistant. Any suggestions would be great.

[Ross]

I'd suggest Phalenopsis (Phals for short) or Paphiopidilum (Paphs for short). They require very similar conditions. Humidity sounds super! They can't really dry out, but many people ere on too wet when they get started. I, personally, like clear plastic pots for a couple reasons. Plastic tends to hold the moisture in the medium better than clay or baskets and clear plastic allows one to observe the condition of the roots and the medium. I've been able to catch fungus just getting started. I am able to time the waterings just as the moisture beads on the plastic disappear and roots look ready for water. My personal favorites are the slippers (Paphs) as they seem to grow faster (well, most of them anyways ) You didn't specify but I am assuming you are using "hot" lights for your main source of light? You need to plan on a minimum of 1500 foot-candles for low light genera like Phals and Paphs. I prefer 2000 foot-candles. For me this means a south-facing window (the plants are back a ways from the window but still get direct sunlight dappled on the leaves) supplemented with t5 HO lights. Once you zero in on your chosen orchids, start asking specific culture questions. No orchid is disease resistant, but any orchid can be kept clean of diseases with proper culture, a little spray once in a while, and a lot of luck. In many ways they are easier than, say, cacti.

[GreggC]

The other thing to considr is air movement. I would appear that you have the rest figured out.

[rmack5]

Air movement, There are two windows in the room which are open at the moment. That gives some air. I have several fans for the room and there is also a humidifier for the room. I forgot to mention that earlier. I was thinking of vandas...any thoughts

[GreggC]

Plus remember, Vandas are heavier feeders.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by GreggC

Plus remember, Vandas are heavier feeders.

These probably aren't for your accomodations . They require high light (as in full sun) very large amounts of water (because you don't want roots in any sort of medium - bare root) and constant air movement along with really high humidity. I am purpously overstating a couple issues because you really need to know what you are doing to take these on in an indoor situation. They aren't the normal first time choice.

[rmack5]

So would any of the orchids commonly available at walmart or lowes hd type places be good starter plants. Like onc, phal, phap, dendro...

[gmdiaz]

You know, if I were just starting, I'd pick up a Paph. . .a slipper orchid.

They're easy to grow and bloom and the flowers are stunning! They don't need much light and they don't need a whole lot of water.

You can find some really nice ones at Home Depot or Lowe's. . .but I have also picked up a couple at half price at the local nursury.

And second choice would be some sort of Oncidium. They bloom with gorgeous sprays of little flowers. Mine seem to like medium bright light and lots of water. Blooms can be fragrant. . .maybe try to get one called Sharry Baby! That one smells like chocolate! A total winner.

[rmack5]

Yeah I like that suggestion, like, if I had the chance to start all over, and knowing what I know now, what would I purchase.

Also like the idea of Sharry Baby

[blackorchid]

Actually, with your condition you can grow practically any warm to intermediate orchids including: Cattleya (love those floofy catts!!), Phal, Den, Onc (the warm growing type), Vanda, Encyclia, even Angraecum (if you have good humidity)...and so on....So right now, it's more depending on what's your preference of orchid and how much light do you have. Usually, about Eastern light is good for most orchid (minus Vanda and Dendro)
So tell me, do you like long lasting flowers? Fragrant flowers? Good display flowers? Color and substance flowers? Minis? Exotic looking flowers? Tell me and I'll recommend a species or a hybrid for you. lol...