What do you consider the best first time orchid to own?

[siannevo]

Hi...after posting another thread about mass production...a lot of people mentioned that they prefer to buy online....This is a two folded question for a new orchid owner, like myself....

1. What is the best online store that you guys trust in?

2. What would you consider to be a really good starter orchid. I have three orchids already...a sick odontoglossum hybrid, and two noids. All of which were gifts...I love the lady slippers and the odotoglossums...but I would love to hear suggestions into what people think as being a good first time orchid...

[metalop1g]

I bought a pahp Berenice last week. It's a primary cross between two species, and was registered over a century ago. It bloomed this weekend and it's a wonderful flower. Quite easy to grow

[quiltergal]

I would also recommend Paphiopedilums or Phragmipediums. I find both to be relatively unfussy (there are of course a few in each genus that are). They seem to grow and flower well for me in Phal conditions. Perhaps just a bit more light and a bit moister. They don't like to dry all the way out.

There are some Cattleyas that are very easy to grow and bloom. Pot. Hoku Gem 'Freckles' has bloomed on every new growth for me since I got it. Each successive bloom gets better and better. It stays compact in size. C. Summer Spot 'Carmela' is another easy one though it is a bit bigger.

If you need to know which vendors have a good track record check our Vendor Feedback forum.

[Phantasm]

The best beginners orchid is probably a Phalaenopsis. They do well in a house or apartment and stay in bloom for a very long time.

[nenella]

Originally Posted by Phantasm

The best beginners orchid is probably a Phalaenopsis. They do well in a house or apartment and stay in bloom for a very long time.

:iagree: definitely Phals!

[Blueszz]

Also, keep the climate from where you live in mind. For instance, some plants need a dry and cool winter rest to rebloom. If you can't provide a cool and dry rest these plants are not recommended for you.
I think Phal's are good to learn how to take care of orchids. Besides the big box stores plants, you could try Phal. species instead of hybrids.
I know several plants that grow well and rebloom easy, but it all depends on where you live... IMHO.

Nicole

[WhiteRabbit]

for myself - have been growing orchids a few years and am glad I did not start with phals - I still am having trouble with them lol - but lots of people do find them easy to grow.


My best plant early into my adventure into orchids was a noid oncidium - similar to a sharry baby type
grew well and bloomed profusely every year!

I recently 'discovered' den kingianum, den aussie chip, and den atroviolaceum - you wont find these in big box stores, but I highly recommend them for beginners.
They seem very easy to care for - and mine have been continuously blooming since I got them early feb for the kingianum and early march for the other two.

In general I have found oncidiums to be the easiest for me - odontoglossum is probably a bit tricky - but intergeneric hybrids of it may be much easier!


Dont be afraid to ask questions about plant requirements - everyone here is very helpful!

And! if you have difficulty with one type - say you try phals and you can't keep them alive (like me )- doesn't mean you can't grow orchids! Try something different Whats easy for one person isn't so easy for someone else and vice versa

[neb]

I have had a hard time with Phals too but the Onc sharry baby I have I would have to work to kill it and most small Catt are great
the online store to get my business most of the time is Oak Hill Gardens

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

A good one to start with is Oncidium 'Twinkle' Fragrance Fantasy. These are rediculously easy to grow and bloom. They grow very fast and they smell very nice. I like the flowers too they've got spikey lips!

Another one are the Zygopetalum species or hybrids. These grow fast and are tough as nails. Easy to bloom as well. Maxillaria relative.

Dendrochilum tenellum is another easy one if you like oddballs. These look like grass and they bloom easy. A Coelogyne relative.

Then there's Bletilla striata if you dig terrestrial orchids. Arethuseae tribe (and I thought Bletilla were Cattleya relatives). Apparently this tribe includes Phaius and Calanthe.

If you must buy a Phal, try Phal equestris.

[natasha]

my first six are hybrid dendrobiums... they're abundant in the nurseries here... maybe 3-4 still survive. then i continue with more dens, after that vanda types. then i get bored looking at the same leaf type and venture out to pretty much whatever i can get my hands on!

vanda is to me easiest if you live in the tropics. however, dens really can cheer you up with plenty of flowers and new bulbs. some hybrids can flower for months continuosly. if you buy a mature plant, with good care, they will shoot spike after spike. sure to uplift the spirit of new growers like me.

catts and phals are too slow growers. i probably get out if i start with these.