Suitable species for lowland tropics

[natasha]

Dear everyone,

I would like very much to obtain new species orchids for my collection. I already have Phal cornu-cervi, Phal sumatrana, Den anosmum, Den bicornutum, Gongora claviadora, Epi floribundum & Angraecum magdalenae. As my collection of orchid books are minimal, and internet search skills also nothing to be proud of, I appreciate if anyone could suggest me some nice looking (with fragrance appreciated) that is suitable for my area. I live in Johor Bahru, Malaysia which is about 1.5 hrs from Singapore. Temperature as per tropics, up 36 deg C during hot spells and high humidity.

[kiki-do]

I'm not in the same temp range as you, but I would suggest Vandas or Brassavolas (very night fragrant).
I have a couple Brassavolas, but was told they would do better in warmer climate. And I can't grow Vandas for the same reason. I'm not sure if Vandas are all fragrant, but I think some are. Many of the online site vendors will tell you their temp requirements and if they are fragrant. Good luck!

[abiom]

natasha,maybe u can try and get bulbophyllum macranthum or patens for statrters, or do u hv already aerides spp? U can also add coelogyne spp especially rochussenii.

[Psyched]

Where I live also similar to your condition.

I grow the following succesfully:
- Phalaenopsis amabilis, amboinensis, corningiana
Although my bellina and gigantea have yet to bloom, they are growing nicely.
- Cymbidium finlaysonianum
- Dendrobium stratiotes, most spatulata also suitable to lowland tropics
- Vanda limbata, tricolor, suavis

What I listed above are native to SE Asia. Should be easy to obtain in your nearest orchid vendor. Besides the above, bulbos can be a nice addition to your collection although the scent can be unpleasant sometimes. Examples are: Bulbo echinolabium, becarii, medusae.

Look forward for your new chids.

[natasha]

kiki - i sure do have lots of vandas, but all i believe are hybrid ones. i think i have one brassovola hybrid too. but i have vanda hybrid that is fragrant.

abiom - i forget to list up i have a bulbo vaginatum too, and den primulinum. but i do not have any vanda species yet. i think i can take some ideas from your collection too? and yeah, i have went to the place you suggest, maybe just lurk around first

psyched - cym finlaysonianum is the one that got away! i saw it, but i thought all cyms are not for tropics, silly me! i wish i can find a good orchid vendor... and read more

thank you very much guys for your input. compiling a wish list isn't easy, that's why i need opinions. if anyone have opinions, feel free to drop a post!

[Psyched]

Cym finlaysonianum will be a great addition
It can grow biig though so please keep in mind for the size. But it has a grassy scent like pandanus leaf.... smells delicious.

Brassavola nodosa is also a great addition. Mine smells like jasmine but only during the evening through night. I grow mine in full sunlight and it gave me flowers.