Help me choose? - Orchid Board

jess_hawk · #1 03-02-2009, 02:41 AM

Well, after hours online (NOT doing my evolution homework... ah well, once in a while you gotta make that half point sacrifice for something more interesting)... and three years of "wow I wish I could try those"... I've decided to buy my first orchid. I'm looking on eBay because the prices seem good (and I can check out the seller ratings... I've had good luck in the past), and I have a few options.

Now, I'm a complete beginner so I don't want to get way over my head, but I'm also a firm believer in "just because it says intermediate or (sometimes) even hard, and you're a beginner, doesn't mean you shouldn't give it a try." So, with that in mind, here is my situation:

I'm a college student living in a dorm with one west-facing window. Well, I can take whatever space I need on the living room window ledge too, but it's also west-facing. In my room I have aquariums (and can easily set up a terrarium and have experience with controlling humidity in one). Lighting is natural and also provided courtesy of various lamps, though nothing made for plants. Both incandescent and flourescent "full-spectrum" are represented. I'd rather not have to buy a new lamp - there simply isn't space. A new bulb is within reason. I even have the hood light from an aquarium, which I believe they sell terrarium solar lights for.

I'm interested in mini orchids, not only because I'm limited on space, but I simply love the tiny flowers.

This is my top choice, but I don't know if I can keep it with what I have to work with. Any advice? (Most of the others on my list will probably be out of my price range before the auctions end, unless I want to buy just the plant and nothing to grow it in/on!)

Oncidium Oncidium Orchid Blooming Size - eBay (item 360125721667 end time Mar-21-09 18:15:58 PDT) - this is my top choice except one thing: I've read that oncidiums need bright sun conditions. Can they be kept using artificial light supplemented with my afternoon light? In the summer it can go outside or sit in whatever window it wants, with or without terrarium.

ronaldhanko · #2 03-02-2009, 03:22 AM

These will grow under lights, but will need to be fairly close to good light source - not just set on a table under a lamp. They are actually known as Tolumnias now - they belong to a group that have thick equitant leaves. They are generally fairly high light and will tolerate somewhat lower humidity. If you do a search on the OB using the name Tolumnia you'll come up with a lot of advice on how to grow them and if you search Ebay using that name, you'll find a number of other plants for sale.

jess_hawk · #3 03-02-2009, 03:31 AM

Thanks!
My favorite lamps - I have two - are the "full spectrum" lamps which I could actually quite easily set up near to the plants because they are gooseneck type.
Verilux Natural Spectrum Deluxe Desk and Floor Lamps
Something like that - I've got a floor lamp and a desk lamp (which if on the floor is actually about the right height for a plant on the window ledge)

Also, there's always the aquarium light which I can easily put at any height I choose.

Considering that... should I go for it?

jess_hawk · #4 03-02-2009, 04:05 AM

Hmmm found another site that I may be able to afford something from... But still really considering the above-mentioned tolumnia. Be back tomorrow after class!

Zozzl · #5 03-02-2009, 08:02 AM

Jess,

Just thought I would point out that at this time of year many orchid societies are starting to put on their spring orchid shows. They have displays and sales. You may want to google orchid shows/name of your city, to see what is coming up. They are really spectacular to attend and always have tons of plants to sell with many in bloom. Good luck!

Pat

Bird Song Farm · #6 03-02-2009, 08:46 AM

Here's my two cents worth

. as a beginner I think you would be better off to get a plant that is already potted. You want to stand the best chance you have to make it grow and starting with a bare root plant is a bit of a challanege.
AL

herfy · #7 03-02-2009, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

Here's my two cents worth

. as a beginner I think you would be better off to get a plant that is already potted. You want to stand the best chance you have to make it grow and starting with a bare root plant is a bit of a challanege.
AL

agree

cb977 · #8 03-02-2009, 10:29 AM

Another suggestion...check out our Vendor Feedback forum. The ebay ratings are not always what they're cracked up to be

If there have been experiences, good or bad, worth mentioning, you'll find them in that forum

If you look at the other stuff offered by the vendor you linked to, you'll see that they are not actually orchid growers. Seems more like they have some plants to sell among their pump supplies. I'd suggest going with a reputable vendor whose business is growing orchids

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