What orchid to buy next?

[JungleWriter]

I am a beginner grower. Please can you give advice on what I should buy next to add to my collection? I have:

Doritaenopsis 'Taida Salu'
Cattleya Tropical Pointer Cheetah Spots
Cattleya Tropical Pointer Cheetah BM/Joga - White w/red spots
Oncidium Jairaj Rainbow Freckle Face

Advice on anything that is easy to grow but also different from what I have?

[cythaenopsis]

^ That's a terrific collection you have going. Phalaenopsis ("moth") orchids are by far the most popular, so usually you'll see beginners starting with those. Despite the over abundance of them, you can find some interesting sub varieties or unusual appearances in NOID's (no identification, a random hybrid). I think every orchid collection should have at least one phalaenopsis!


Where did you buy your orchids from? You may not know this, but you can buy an amazing diversity of orchids over the Internet. They can be a very good deal if you start out with seedlings, and don't mind waiting a couple of years before they bloom. But then, you can also buy some varieties that are difficult to get in local stores. You'll pay more, but it'll be worth it especially if there's a particular species that grabs your attention. I recommend buying from established growers that sell locally in their area as well as by phone or Internet. If you search around, you'll see a number of people giving thumbs up to some. I bought my first 3 seedlings from Jewel Orchids in Georgia.

[ronaldhanko]

Just be very careful with Ebay if you buy on the Internet and do not order from overseas vendors.

[JungleWriter]

Good advice! I bought a couple from local garden centers. There is a local orchid store here: Atlantic Avenue Garden Center, but I've not had a chance to visit them yet. I think the varieties at garden centers are more limited. I would really like to specialize in Amazon rainforest species, since I have a personal interest in that region.

Thanks also to Ron. I'll probably avoid ebay until I know more, and I wouldn't buy from overseas for concerns about the provenance of a plant -- e.g., if wild-collected (a big no-no for me) and disease/pest issues from foreign imports.

[Gage]

I would go for something that either blooms often, or blooms when your other orchids may not be blooming. Everyone has a different experience, but my Dendrobium Salaya Candy has blooms 10-11 months out of the year. There are almost always multiple spikes in bloom, and multiple spikes emerging. I have heard this is true for most established Phal type Dendrobiums (not related to Phalaenopsis, the blooms just slightly resemble those of Phals). Or you may want to try your hand with something from the Vanda alliance. These are some of my favorites, and you can find just about any size, shape, or color. Please post pics once you find your new addition(s)!

[fishmommy]

it seems you have relatively bright light conditions, so maybe a Miltonia with great fragrance might be a cool addition? or even a vandaceous if you're ready to water a lot

[Bud]

Go to White Oaks orchids...they are reliable and they only sell mature healthy plants specimens that have bloomed or are about to bloom...they dont sell seedlings

[JungleWriter]

Cool, thank you everyone for the GREAT recommendations. My Doritaenopsis has been very reliable since I got it about three years ago. It is almost always in flower, and just sits there on my window sill, as happy as could be I guess I am still feeling my way forward. Is there any family/genus from the Amazon rainforest region that is a must have? I want to specialize in these so I can use my website to educate folks about Amazon orchids.

[fishmommy]

I am no expert, but I believe Miltonia are from the Amazon region of Brazil, and are among the easiest to care for

[billc]

The masdies are very nice if you can keep it cooler where you grow.

Bill