Help this beginner start =) please?

[mirandarvt]

haha well I wont get into my past experience with a "husband" but I guess what I am trying to find out is the certain requirements that each type of orchid needs to thrive. I am getting different suggestions on types of orchids to try and I dont even know what they are or anything about them. I will basically say I would like to try a hardy type because I'm going to be honest I dont really have a green thumb, but I have been intrigued by orchids for several years and it has been brought to my attention that maybe I should actually put some effort into this love of mine and actually study them. So I guess what I really need is a starting place. I feel like a person who has walked into a hoarders house with one trash bag and no trash can! I believe i'm going to start with the "orchids for dummies" book because I think it sounds like it's on my level

[WhiteRabbit]

Most people have probably started with Phals - and many find them quite easy to grow. My first orchid was some type of Catt alliance inter-generic - while I have had difficulty re-blooming it (has bloomed twice for me in 6 years) - it has refused to die no matter what I did wrong! I did get 2 nice spikes on it this year, and I think it just wanted more of everything - more light, more water, more fert possibly.

Phals, Onc, Paphs, some Dens, don't require as much light to rebloom as many Catts, Vandas, Cyms, so are good choices for windowsill growing. (Also most Vandas and Cyms, and some Catts can be just too big for windowsills)

Orchids for Dummies should be helpful in deciding what orchids you may want to try - and of course OB members are here to try to answer any questions, offer advice and opinions.

I'm excited for you! Can't wait to see what you may decide to get!

[nenella]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

Most people have probably started with Phals - and many find them quite easy to grow. My first orchid was some type of Catt alliance inter-generic - while I have had difficulty re-blooming it (has bloomed twice for me in 6 years) - it has refused to die no matter what I did wrong! I did get 2 nice spikes on it this year, and I think it just wanted more of everything - more light, more water, more fert possibly.

Phals, Onc, Paphs, some Dens, don't require as much light to rebloom as many Catts, Vandas, Cyms, so are good choices for windowsill growing. (Also most Vandas and Cyms, and some Catts can be just too big for windowsills)

Orchids for Dummies should be helpful in deciding what orchids you may want to try - and of course OB members are here to try to answer any questions, offer advice and opinions.

I'm excited for you! Can't wait to see what you may decide to get!

I agree! But can't believe NOBODY that lives in Georgia has answered you! Not being knowledgeable on climates & your conditions: Light/humidity/temps..I can't help the only advice I can give is that:
Orchids are very resiliant. In my experience the most important thing is to watch the roots! and water accordingly. If they look healthy and growing roots the rest ..leaves and flowers will come..
- an other idea is to adopt the 'skewer method' to determine when watering is needed (you will find lots of posts about this).
- It is always better to wait a couple days before watering when you have a doubt.I say this as the majority of people 'kill' orchids from overwatering.
Whatever type you decide to choose - Good luck & keep us posted!