Advice for orchid gift for a friend in Michigan

[Ray]

...but not necessarily the easiest plant to grow in the home.

I would suggest a hybrid phal or paph to start. Something tolerant of lower light and humidity levels.

[Linnie]

Oh My... now I have a decision to make. To send her an orchid, or to send her a gift certificate to purchase an orchid she likes???.

Hmmmmmm... tough decision.. Thanks for all your replies, I am now more unsure than ever LOL

[Ray]

Linnie, the best thing to do, in my opinion, is to consider her growing conditions - a home in Michigan that in winter will be fairly dry, cool at night to save energy, and not have particularly strong light levels, but has a wonderful summer for "outdooring it".

Then pick a plant that will be relatively easy under those conditions - I would think in terms of phals and paph hybrids - and she'll be THRILLED.

And hooked. Did I mention hooked?

She'll be buying more and more after that, so THEN your gift certificate will be great for the future. You'll probably end up with some of your own!

[Linnie]

Ray,
Thanks for the good advice. I decided I would send her a beautiful orchid that she could enjoy with no action required on her part, other than watering and enjoying it. Just like you suggested. Now the fun part, picking out an orchid for her.

that's how I got hooked, a friend giving me an orchid I fell in love with. Then I'll mention all the orchid shows and area growers.

[Linnie]

Haven't posted much in Dec. due to Christmas madness... but things have calmed down.

I bought my friend a oncidium shary baby in bud and bloom from an hawaiian grower on the web. It arrived in nice shape and started blooming but she can't smell the chocolate yet. I told her it might take awhile and that she should try sniffing it at different times of day Lets hope it doesn't turn out to be a dud but I thought chocolate and the holidays go hand in hand. Thanks for all the advice, now we just need to see how long it will take to get her hooked!!

[Ironwood]

It does take some time for the fragrance to develop and they may only smell if the light is bright or in sunlight.

[Linnie]

Well my friend is thrilled! The fragrance is in full swing and she says she finds herself going into kitchen more often just to sniff it. So thanks everyone for the ideas. I think we might have hooked another one.

[justatypn]

Excellent choice Linnie, remembering my first walk into my home when I couldnt imagine what the aroma was.... The light/sun is the trick.

[Ross]

Great descision. I guess I don't have to hope she appreciates it, cause obviously she does.