Newbie: Wondering how small is too small?

[nowlan]

How small is too small?

My mother keeps cymbidiums outside.
I just visited local orchid show here in Melbourne and bought some Phalaenopsis's.
Right now they are sitting on the coffee table where its warm.

I have been eyeing off ebay for more, but concerned about small plants.
My mother says not to get small ones because they take years to flower, and less hardy.

So yeah, just looking for some feedback on what to do.
I think ebay is 8-10cm across, but i notice that generally pots sizes start very small. (community?)

Easier to buy more seedlings at $8 instead of flower size at $20.

Right now keen for more Phals for their colour.

Anthony.

[tucker85]

Buying seedlings can be an exercise in frustration. They can die easily and they can take 2-4 years before they bloom. I highly recommend buying blooming size orchids.

[cbuchman]

I often buy "adolescents" that are 1-2 years from blooming size mostly for the cost savings. Even buying a blooming size plant that is not is in bud/spike can be a savings. That said sometimes, I just can't resist....

[Bill U.]

If you are a newer grower of phalaenopsis, I would not recommend buying seedlings as tucker85 said, they do die very easily; unless you know what you're doing, the "savings" that you get from buying the seedling are normally eaten up by having to buy several before you get a plant that survives to bloom.

I always buy blooming size plants that are either out of bloom or plants that are near the end of their blooming cycle and are put on sale. This way I know that the plant is established and is strong enough to bloom, but goes somewhat easy on the wallet. There are some good plants to be had on ebay that are mature but still cheap! Happy shopping!

[nowlan]

Thanks for the advice.

Maybe hold off and see what my first ones do.
I read it is over watering that kills them.

Are there any hard and fast rules to know how old mature a plant is? (pot size/leaf span)
Or should I just ask the seller how old it is etc?

Regards,

Ant.

[Bill U.]

As far as I have been able to find, there are no "hard and fast" rules for a mature plant. Many times it is dependent upon the genus and species of the plant in regards to what constitutes for "mature".

A good rule of thumb to follow is if the plant is of blooming size/has bloomed, it is "mature" (at least for this scenario for the home grower- not necessarily biologically). I personally vary my phal sizes to have variety (anywhere from a 2.5" mini phal to a 6" pot). It really depends upon the space that you have and what you are looking for in your collection. But if the plant has bloomed, I would say that you are good to go

P.S. I warn you now- once you get some orchids that you love and are able to keep alive, you will always want more!