Baby orchid care

[Wynterz]

I just bought my first orchid, a Phal a few days ago. Today I went to go buy some food for it and some potting mix and I saw some other orchids like a "dancing lady" which I was interested in, thing is, the orchids were just "babies" and only leaves. As a newbie to growing orchids, should I wait and see how my Phal goes or should I take in a new member of the family? Do the younger orchids need extra care or a special type of food, etc? Please let me know what you think, any advice/suggestions are much appreciated. Thank you!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

How new are you to orchids?

How big are the seedlings?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Never mind, I saw your previous post...

Yeah, since you're growing your first orchid, I'd stick with adult, blooming sized plants for now.

If you want to try adult blooming sized plants that are, in my opinion, easier to grow than Phalaenopsis, try reed stem Epidendrums or Encyclias.

[WhiteRabbit]

Well, in my experience Oncidiums (Dancing Ladies) are pretty easy to grow. I don't know how small, or young the ones you saw are (some get quite big, others will stay quite small). If they are the 'bag babies' - it could be a few years before they can bloom, tho sometimes only a year or two. If you feel ok with the price and giving it a go, I say go for it. I don't think the bag babies need any special care, but
immature plants suffer the consequences of over or under watering more than a bigger plant will, and due to the smaller pot size, will probably need more frequent water than a larger pot.

[Wynterz]

These were in a net and a bag. They had other kinds
as well. I guess I'll see how my Phal
fairs first. If it does well I'll try other types.
I'm just really nervous is all. The tag on the
"dancing lady" said it needed brighter light
but no direct sun. If I did try to grow it, would a screened in porch do well? We have a christmas cactus and a couple of very big bermiliads that are thriving, dunno if that helps a visual.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The lighting for the "dancing lady" would be closer to that for the bromeliad.

[Wynterz]

Hmm, if the Phal does well then I'll try it. I heard Oncs would be a good thing to try because of the conds where I live are ideal. Warm, humid, Houston lol. I'd like to try some that have a lovely scent as well in the future. The "chocolate orchid" sounds cool

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Wynterz

These were in a net and a bag. They had other kinds
as well. I guess I'll see how my Phal
fairs first. If it does well I'll try other types.
I'm just really nervous is all. The tag on the
"dancing lady" said it needed brighter light
but no direct sun. If I did try to grow it, would a screened in porch do well? We have a christmas cactus and a couple of very big bermiliads that are thriving, dunno if that helps a visual.

Well, your store will probably have these often, if you aren't sure now - you can always get one later

I have grown Oncidium right next to a Christmas cactus, both doing well in the spot. Christmas cactus can get by with quite low light, so just depends on how much light yours is getting - I haven't grown Broms much, but I'd take Philip's word that the same light would be appropriate.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

If you want to try adult blooming sized plants that are, in my opinion, easier to grow than Phalaenopsis, try reed stem Epidendrums or Encyclias.

hehe - I'm STILL struggling with Phals

A good point - if you should have trouble growing Phals - there are plenty of other kinds of orchids - some may be easier for you. I had good success early with an Oncidium myself.

[Wynterz]

Thanks! I would love to grow an Onc. Some sweet smelling orchids would be awesome too.