Thanksgiving question

[WickedOne]

Hello, I'm a newbie here.

I was wondering if anyone had a good idea about which orchid would make a lovely indoor gift to bring to a hostess for Thanksgiving. Cost is no object.

Thank you.

[Royal]

Brassavola nodosa or B. Little Stars. They should be in bloom for T-day, if not than soon after. Nice beginner's orchid and SUPER fragrant at night.

[Ross]

Any of the grocery store Phalenopsis already in bloom should be good low-light choices (like on the dining room table.)

[Swamper]

Welcome to the board Wickedone.

[Tsuchibuta]

I'd go for a Bulbophyllum enchinolabium in full bloom....... hmmm.... yeah.. I think that would be very appetizing.... seriously though I'd agree with the store phal, easy to take care of.

[magicatt]

Phals are easy and a good beginner orchid. They come in an array of colors and are in most stores. If you are willing to order one I'd go for a cattleya with fragrance. People always smell flowers so I'd go with the fragrant ones, but thats just my

[BikerDoc5968]

I would agree with a Phalaenopsis. This is the choice for most non-orchid minded people because the flower usually lasts a very long time, is easy to care for and grow. The thing is most non-orchid people pitch the plant after the bloom has died off. May your host(ess) will contract orchid fever and be hooked and they can join our merry band of folks on OB

[Royal]

Looks like a Phal is the popular choice. I agree that it's a good one, but it can depend on the recipient. Does this person usually have plants in their house or on thier porch? I usually give plants as gifts to "plant people" and if this is the case, your giftee might appreciate a "different" looking orchid. Lots of folks buy the grocery store Phals since they're available. But taking the "cost is no object" as a clue, I'd say you want to impress. Brassavolas are quite different than most plants, and will most likely make an impression. Fragrance is a bonus, the fact that it's only fragrant at night is interesting, and it should stay in bloom for most of the winter months, just in time to go out to the porch.

Orchids by Hausermann is where I got my B. Little Stars about 5 years ago. Since you can, spring for the largest pot size and you should get a good show.

[kavanaru]

I would go for Phalaenopsis or Paphiopedilum... both do normaly well indoors, and are also (most of them!) excellent plants for beginners (in case the hostess has no green thumb or just no clue aout orchids!)

[Ross]

I suspect the original request was based on a "live plant" that will be used as a center piece, like a disposable flower arrangement. It's done more than you can imagine. Thus my recommend. The spray will be out of the food and dishes and if the recipient wants to keep it going, great. But if not, that's what these things are grown and sold for. Sorry if you are a purist, but I'll bet 90% of the grocery store Phals are thrown away after the blossoms die off. Wanna bet?