What is the Best Type of Orchid to Start With?

[expressmailtome]

From what I have seen Phalaenopsis are good for beginners. Are they the only orchids that are recommended for beginners? I am only asking since there are so many that it can be overwhelming for a beginer.

Thank you for bearing with me!

Matt

[RosieC]

Hi Matt and welcome to Orchid Board.

I can see you are doing this the sensible way... asking lots of questions before you even start, good move

I started with Phals and found them an easy one, but not everyone does, some people say others can be easier... unfortunately it's one of those things that can depend on your enviroment.

I've got this feeling there has been a discussion on something like this not that long ago. I will see if I can find a link to it for you.

[RosieC]

Here's one. I don't think this is the only previous thread on this topic... it's something that's very difficult to search for because the words you would put in a search are so common.

Anyway, take a look at the responces on this thread, that might give you some help.
Suggest a begginer orchid.

[Triffid]

I being Newish have Phals (All Noids so far, having no traceable lineage - No Identification ) and love em, but I also have a Dendrobium (Noid).

Though I believe the Dendrobium may be part of the Latouria group (did I spell that right?).
It's surviving under the same conditions to the Phals and seems happy enough.

So I believe Dendrobium, is also a potential for a beginner. But with more varied growing conditions than most Phals seem to have you may have to do your research.

I would suggest, that if you are a beginner it's wise to get a Noid first as they tend to be cheaper and you can get used to that varieties of Orchids tastes as it were.

Other than that I can not say, yet

[Triffid]

(referring to the above posts)
I'm too slow!

[RosieC]

You make a good point Triffid, I should have remembered Dens. I would suggest a hybrid of Den phal would be a good starter one. I found those grow just like my Phals and do well for me (I have three NoID Den phal type hybrids all with new growths started arround the same time).

[Triffid]

Just been thinking (can you hear the gogs) "What about Cymbidiums?"
Saw a load of those (Noids all) at the local grocers a while back... Unfortunately didn't have the spare money.

But it did make me wonder if the "types" that actually get sold in the local grocers are more likely to survive?
After all they don't want everyone returning dead plants and complaining?
It's a thought... But all plants have their little "quirks" shall we say, and if you don't know them your likely to end up killing it anyway.

[RosieC]

All I can say about Cyms is that I bought one in December and it is still alive. I have no idea if it's doing well or baddly... it's just unchanged.

[Tropicgirl]

I have not had any luck with Cyms. I've tried 2 and they both have died. I've been eyeballing the ones at my local grocery store, too! Might have to give it another go, last try was almost 4 years ago.

IMO, dens are easier that phals (when I was beginning, anyway). Now that I've been caring for them a while they are equally easy.

[Angurek]

Phals, Cattleyas, and Dendrobiums (Phalaenopsis types) all make great beginner orchids. Most are very forgiving of the mistakes one makes as a novice, and are readily available from many growers. I still have my dendrobium, which was the first orchid I bought. Blooms reliably each fall. Zygopetalums are also good beginner/learner plants. They're a great genus to practice even watering (the "moist but not wet" thing) on. They need to be kept evenly moist, but can tolerate dryness.

Stay away from Vandaceous and Angraecoid plants, for now. Most vandaceous plants are high-maintenance, and angraecoids, easy as they are to grow, are very sensitive to root disturbance and improper potting (which are mistakes a beginner is bound to make at one point or another). When you feel more confident, you can move onto more exotic and difficult genera and species.