Help this beginner start =) please?

[mirandarvt]

Hi! I am new to this forum and would like some help in deciding how to start this love affair I have found with orchids! What type should i get as my first orchid? Can anyone break it down on the husbandry skills needed to maintain it and to have it bloom again? Where should I buy my orchid from? THANKS

[Swamper]

My first advice is to buy what you love most and try to stick to that alliance till you get it down. Hopefully what you really like is something that can grow in your area. I'm sure you will get a lot of help here. Welcome to the OB

[mirandarvt]

Thanks! I didnt even realize there were so many to choose from! I think I am a traditional girl so far I love phalaenopsis but after looking at some of the galleries here I realize there are so many different color variations! Any good reads on this particular type? I guess the other thing is that i want something that blooms frequently any suggestions?

[WhiteRabbit]

while I agree to some extent - I would mention - that if you have trouble with one type of orchid - even if it's "supposed" to be "easy" or "beginner" don't be afraid to try a different type.
After a few years of orchid growing I am just now getting the hang of Phals - easy for a lot of people, but not me I guess
But probably is a good idea to not go way overboard with lots of different alliances all at once while you are starting out. But even within alliances, even within genera, some plants will be easier or harder to grow than others - and some will be easier or harder for individuals depending on their care habits and climate.
That said - Phalaenopsis is a good place to start - just don't feel you can't grow orchids if you have trouble with them. Every one here is happy to help with questions you may have - or if problems arise.

I'm sure others can answer your questions regarding reading and frequent bloomers
Tho - I would recommend as general orchid books for beginners - "Orchids for Dummies" and "Ortho's Complete Guide to Orchids" (Ortho has another much less informative orchid book - so if looking for this make sure to look for the Complete Guide to Orchids

Orchid shows are great for buying orchids - usually from reputable vendors, and no shipping charges! lol You can search online for any Orchid societies in your area, and then look when they may have shows.
Many of us started with box store and grocery store plants - and good ones can be found in those places - just sometimes they have been sitting a long time in soggy potting media and so may have no roots left by the time they are sold. I still buy plants at Trader Joe's, a local hardware store chain, and a garden center. Just do not succumb to the impulse to "save" a sorry looking plant, and try to buy only ones that look very good.

There are lots of excellent online vendors as well, and I am sure board members will be happy to point you in the direction of their favorite vendors

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

while I agree to some extent - I would mention - that if you have trouble with one type of orchid - even if it's "supposed" to be "easy" or "beginner" don't be afraid to try a different type.
After a few years of orchid growing I am just now getting the hang of Phals - easy for a lot of people, but not me I guess
But probably is a good idea to not go way overboard with lots of different alliances all at once while you are starting out. But even within alliances, even within genera, some plants will be easier or harder to grow than others - and some will be easier or harder for individuals depending on their care habits and climate.
That said - Phalaenopsis is a good place to start - just don't feel you can't grow orchids if you have trouble with them. Every one here is happy to help with questions you may have - or if problems arise.

I'm sure others can answer your questions regarding reading and frequent bloomers
Tho - I would recommend as general orchid books for beginners - "Orchids for Dummies" and "Ortho's Complete Guide to Orchids" (Ortho has another much less informative orchid book - so if looking for this make sure to look for the Complete Guide to Orchids

Orchid shows are great for buying orchids - usually from reputable vendors, and no shipping charges! lol You can search online for any Orchid societies in your area, and then look when they may have shows.
Many of us started with box store and grocery store plants - and good ones can be found in those places - just sometimes they have been sitting a long time in soggy potting media and so may have no roots left by the time they are sold. I still buy plants at Trader Joe's, a local hardware store chain, and a garden center. Just do not succumb to the impulse to "save" a sorry looking plant, and try to buy only ones that look very good.

There are lots of excellent online vendors as well, and I am sure board members will be happy to point you in the direction of their favorite vendors

I agree with what was said.

While in my opinion Phalaenopsis may not be the best beginner's orchid, I think in your case, you might actually have a good shot at getting them going a bit easier depending on how warm and humid it gets in your part of Georgia. Despite this, again, I don't think Phals are great beginner's plants. They also tend to be seasonal bloomers.

A few recommendations I would have for beginner's plants would be plants such as:

Anacheilum spp. or hybrids

Bifrenaria spp.: Very easy to grow, but they have a winter dormancy

Cattleya spp. or hybrids

Encyclia spp. or hybrids

Laelia anceps
Laelia purpurascens
Laelia superbiens
Laelia tenebrosa

Prostechea spp.

Schomburgkia spp. or hybrids

The above mentioned plants are all pretty forgiving for many beginners, provided you get good stock to begin with.

Do keep in mind that many of the plants I listed are moderate to bright light plants. They are also seasonal bloomers.

I know of some plants that bloom multiple times sporadically year round, but I can't think of one that would be easy for someone just starting out with orchids and who may not be very familiar with orchid anatomy and habits.

[Swamper]

Vandas are ridiculously easy to me and they bloom several times a year and they can be fragrant and they can be grown indoors and out However some people find them difficult.

[Wynter010Beauty]

Miranda, I couldn't help but notice your username "RVT" are you a veterinary technician? I'm a CVT (stupid states and their different abbreviations for the same thing)

[mirandarvt]

Wow! thanks for the response guys! I believe this weekend I'm going to go out and purchase one! ( and also the "Orchids for Dummies" ) I am super excited about it now that I have you guys as back-up! =) I'll post pics this weekend as soon as I find the perfect one! To Amber Marie: I am a registered veterinary technician in Georgia and currently work for a university as a critical care/emergency nurse! I am however contemplating the switch to human medicine, the dark side . Thanks again guys I know I'll have more questions to come!

[zxyqu]

King's right on the forgiveness of some orchids. I'll throw out Psychopsis as well, as they tend to be ridiculously hardy and tough to kill as long as they are watered, but I dont know if butterfly orchids are your thing. Given you're in Ga, I'd agree with the Catt alliance as most of those are hardy as well.

[Eyebabe]

Some final advice on the "husbandry" part would be as follows:

Say to husband(or wife): "Honey, as you finish this lovely dinner I've prepared for you and before I serve this amazing dessert, just take a peak at the wonderful orchids I found today at the flower show. I know you will approve! Oh, by the way, do you need a refill on your drink?"