Orchid sale coming up...any suggestions for a beginner?

[ceropegia]

So, the local conservatory will soon be selling off all of its orchids from the "Orchid Forest" show that's been going on and I want to snag a few good ones if possible. Right now I have 3 phals and I would like to try out some new species (I'm building a light table too...I posted that topic under lighting )

From what I remember, they have cattleyas, odontoglossum, oncidiums, dendrobiums, phalaenopsis, and some spider varieties (not sure exactly which ones).

I'm the most interested in the odontoglossums and dendrobiums...would these be good beginner species? The book I've been reading (Understanding Orchids by Will Cullina) says the odontoglossums are "expert" level orchids, but some sites online says they are easy to care for, even for beginners...confusion! There was an orchid at the show that looks a lot like odontoglossum violetta (google image it) but has a deep indigo lip instead of magenta...I was hoping to get that one if it's an appropriate species for beginners.

Any suggestions?

[slipperfreak]

Odontoglossums for the most part are a little trickier, at least in my experience. Dendrobium phalaenopsis hybrids are quite easy though. They need a bit more light than Phals, but they like the same warm temps. They like to be watered heavily during the summer and a bit less in the winter. I would look into those.

Cattleyas are also quite easy most of the time... again brighter light, and they are quite heavy feeders. The biggest trick with them is to let them dry out between waterings, especially when it's cooler.

Finally most Oncidiums are fairly easy too, and again brighter light, let them dry out between waterings.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I recommend Cattleyas over all the others for now.

If they've got epiphytical Laelias, you can try those out too.

Once you start understanding how to grow orchids better, you can try subsequently harder or trickier plants.

[mspatt]

If you're talking about the sale at the Franklin Park Conservatory,plan on standing in line for at least a half an hour. Once inside, you will find a VERY limited selection.( I had a wish list beforehand and got nothing on it---I think the FPC staff have first pick.) That being said, I got a beautiful Dendrobium and one or two good phals. I bought a total of eight plants and the rest were all in VERY bad shape, but, hey, you take your chances for $1 or $2 a plant. Just be forewarned that the Orchid Forest show is open to the public--that means little kids that grab and pull. Some plants even looked like they had had their leaves stepped on...

Believe it or not, I plan on going again this year. I will be far more selective about the general health of the plants, though. One thing to be ready for is repotting--as soon as you get them home. Some plants are bare root and some are potted--I didn't have any problem, but my friend had major bugs. Centipedes, slugs, and any number of creep-crawly things that like warm, humid conditions. But all in all, you can still get a really good deal on some of your more common orchid plants. It's like Macy's bargain basement,however... It's a mad grab... We were only there for an hour or so and everything was sold--But you're bound to get a few good plants at bargain prices. Hope to see you there...

[cattlover]

FPC will have some nice plants for sale. There won't be any catts though. There are some real nice intergenerics that will be in decent shape at the end of the sale.

FPC staff doesn't get first pick.In actuality hardly any FPC staff are into orchids .

[cattlover]

ceropegia.......good place to learn about different orchids is to join the Central Ohio Orchid Society ( see link in mspatt reply ).Meet at FPC . They ( COOS )will be having an orchid show and sale at FPC in March and you will be able to buy orchids of all types.

[WhiteRabbit]

I think odontoglossum is considered 'expert' mainly because the are cool growers I believe, so it can be tricky providing the proper conditions if you don't live in a climate to their liking, or have a cool greenhouse.
Tho perhaps I am wrong. There are lovely intergeneric hybrids with odont. in them and they may be easier to grow.

In fact many oncidiums, and oncidum alliance intergenerics would be good candidates I think. Onc Twinkle seems to be easy (for me)
I have also been thrilled with my latouria dens, especially atroviolaceum and aussie chip - both seem quite easy.
Reed stem epidendrums, epi-catts.

Of course what one person finds easy to grow may be difficult for another person - I for one cannot grow phals but do well with oncidium and onc alliance intergenerics.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by mspatt

If you're talking about the sale at the Franklin Park Conservatory,plan on standing in line for at least a half an hour. Once inside, you will find a VERY limited selection.( I had a wish list beforehand and got nothing on it---I think the FPC staff have first pick.) That being said, I got a beautiful Dendrobium and one or two good phals. I bought a total of eight plants and the rest were all in VERY bad shape, but, hey, you take your chances for $1 or $2 a plant. Just be forewarned that the Orchid Forest show is open to the public--that means little kids that grab and pull. Some plants even looked like they had had their leaves stepped on...

Believe it or not, I plan on going again this year. I will be far more selective about the general health of the plants, though. One thing to be ready for is repotting--as soon as you get them home. Some plants are bare root and some are potted--I didn't have any problem, but my friend had major bugs. Centipedes, slugs, and any number of creep-crawly things that like warm, humid conditions. But all in all, you can still get a really good deal on some of your more common orchid plants. It's like Macy's bargain basement,however... It's a mad grab... We were only there for an hour or so and everything was sold--But you're bound to get a few good plants at bargain prices. Hope to see you there...

If this is indeed how it's like at the sale...

It sounds like a very steep learning curve in orchid growing for someone with little experience in the hobby.

However, if you feel that you can hack it and don't mind breaking a few eggs along the way, then go for it.

Of course another alternative is to purchase from Oak Hill Gardens.

[ceropegia]

Yes, it's at the FPC. I figured it was going to be a mad dash, but I'm going to go anyway just to see if I can get something decent. I don't really care about flower color as long as it's healthy! As for the orchid show in March, I'm a bit wary of that since I don't have much experience buying orchids and I'm afraid I won't be able to judge fair prices, etc., but I'm definitely going to go and look.

[cattlover]

cero....don't be afraid to go to the COOS show and look and purchase plants.There will be plants that are overpriced just like anywhere however in most cases you'll be able to figure that out. My advice is to grab a COOS member and ask questions about plants , prices etc.. Pretty good group of people and won't lead you astray. I'll be there and can hook up with you if you want and help break the ice and give you some advice on plants and or prices.Let me know.