Easiest Orchids for Beginners?

[Connie Star]

I find phals easy to grow, and I also live in the Northeast- they tolerate the low light in the winter that we have up north. I've also had good luck with phal type dens.
But, I also have good luck with Masdevalias- go figure.
I highly recommend the book "Understanding Orchids" by Cullina- it's my bible.

[fotofashion]

And rather than spend good money on books, get thee to thy Public Library and check out some books both on general care as well as specialized care.
Personally, I have good success with intergeneric hybrids as well as practically anything in the Cattleya alliance.
Beverly A.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

"Understanding Orchids" is a very good book on growing orchids.

[BobInBonita]

As you can see from all of the comments, what's easy depends on how the orchids needs mesh with the particular environment AND the growers habits (especially watering).

People have recommended both high light and low light orchids, as well as orchids that like to be a little wetter, and some that like to be drier.

The key is to know your own conditions, and pick something that will flourish under those conditions. If you ask your question again, but phrase it "what is a good beginner orchid that will grow under ------", you will get more meaningful and applicable responses. Based on the number of responses, you can see we all care and want you to succeed, but I really don't know how actionable the responses (other than Cullimas book) really are.

By the way - I think you probably have pretty low light levels, if the leaf color on you departed phal is an indication.

[Amanda L]

PaphMadMan has an excellent point. Some can grow orchids that others just can't. Don't pay too much for an orchid in the beginning. You really don't want to fall out and cry if it dies.

I personally have had great success and great tragedy with phals. It depends on the state of the plant when you get it, the area you decide to grow in and the light that it gets. I have learned the hard way to keep water out of the leaf crotches of phals and that re-potting when I get it is very important. Clear pots are the best, for phals, to determine when to water. Some people can lift the pot and tell by the weight if a plant needs to be watered, I have to see the roots. I only use bark, because I can't trust moss, rather I can't trust myself with moss. A desk lamp that can be bent to your requirements, with a daylight cfl is a good thing to have. I have some phals directly under the light, their leaves have a deep purple tinge to them, and others I have about a foot away. They all do well with growing and one flowers fairly regular. I also have a Maudie type paph that blooms like mad and another paph that hasn't bloomed at all. Dens that do well and dens that don't do well. Catts that have been rescued and are recovering. All my plants are in the same part of the house, under 4 lamps and might get watered when I remember. But, I also don't grow species plants. Hybrids are way more forgiving.
I use only Brita filtered water to water my plants and fertilize quite irregular. I have noticed that neglect was good for some chids, not so much for others, but they bounced back. My humidity in the winter runs about 23%, and I still get blooming orchids. A phal that is blooming now and an Oncidium that is spiking.

It really depends on your environment and the plant you decide on. Find a plant you like and ask what kind of temps and light it needs, along with humidity. If your environment lacks something, see if you can supplement it's requirements.
Most important don't get discouraged by any failures, growing orchids is always a learning experience. If one dies, buy another kind of chid. When you are more confident, then try the one you killed again.
The OB is an excellent resource for any questions. It's also an excellent outlet for sharing your triumphs. Good Luck!

[graceangela9]

You can grow small plants like cactus, Bonsai etc.These are houseplants that can be planted indoor.You can use LED lights for their proper growth as it produces less heat and are inexpensive.LED lights also help in proper functioning of photosynthesis by providing light.

[Phal_NooB]

I'm also a beginner and started with phal's because they are the cheapest and easiest to buy in my country. The hardest part is not overwatering. I've read almost every post on phal's now and still I overwatered my phal's!!!!!!!!
Main message is that you can read alot but still you have to try it out yourself.
Most people say that you have to water phal's every 4-14days depends on temp and humidity.
I started to water my phals every 14days (indoor growing, humidity at 50-60%), I still overwatered them. I'm now watering them every 21days and now they are doing fine. But you have to figure this out yourself,

[miowntime]

Hello & welcome!

Just wanted to fill you in just in case you do buy a phal. One of the most important tips that I learned here is to use a bamboo skewer twisted down into the growing medium to determine if it's time to water your phal. If it's nearly dry, it's time to water. Otherwise it's only too easy to drown your chid.

Best wishes and happy growing!

[IncredibleOrchids]

Phals are great but can be finicky to rebloom depending on your conditions. Many Paphs seem to be easier to rebloom and grow. Seattleorchid.com is quite helpful in pointing you in the right direction. Inquire and they are happy to help you out!