Suggestions for first Orchid in non-ideal climates

[Leafmite]

My temps in the winter is set at 64'F but on cold, dreary days and frigid winter nights, the window areas are likely colder. Neofinetia and Burrageara Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' should do well. The first is small and cute but only blooms once a year (some varieties bloom less often) but the Burrageara Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' is an undemanding orchid that would do well with your lighting and tolerates a variety in temperature over 50'F and blooms three times a year for over two months at a time.

[bmilla35]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

My temps in the winter is set at 64'F but on cold, dreary days and frigid winter nights, the window areas are likely colder. Neofinetia and Burrageara Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' should do well. The first is small and cute but only blooms once a year (some varieties bloom less often) but the Burrageara Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' is an undemanding orchid that would do well with your lighting and tolerates a variety in temperature over 50'F and blooms three times a year for over two months at a time.

I really like the Swiss Beauty..know of any particular place to get them? Or will they mostly all be the same thing online? I would imagine there are more reputable breeders/growers known.

[Leafmite]

Because this was a very complicated cross, all Burr. Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' are clones of the original. Any by that name will be exactly the same. I bought mine at an orchid show. Good luck!

[bmilla35]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Because this was a very complicated cross, all Burr. Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty' are clones of the original. Any by that name will be exactly the same. I bought mine at an orchid show. Good luck!

I might see if the green house here at Penn State has anything they'd give to a student..

[Leafmite]

Marlow's Orchids has the Nelly Isler. He was at the Pittsburgh Orchid Festival. He is very nice and the plants I bought from him were...fantastic! They are not as expensive as the ones I have seen online. If they aren't listed on his site, write him an email and ask. If you want to save on shipping, ask him if he'll be at any orchid shows or society meetings in the area anytime soon. I have a kid in college and one about to go so I do know what is like to want to save $.

[bmilla35]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

Marlow's Orchids has the Nelly Isler. He was at the Pittsburgh Orchid Festival. He is very nice and the plants I bought from him were...fantastic! They are not as expensive as the ones I have seen online. If they aren't listed on his site, write him an email and ask. If you want to save on shipping, ask him if he'll be at any orchid shows or society meetings in the area anytime soon. I have a kid in college and one about to go so I do know what is like to want to save $.

Haha yes, money is definitely important. I get zero help from my family with school, too!

That's a good idea though, i'll send him an email sometime today. Might even send an email to the Pittsburgh Orchid Society..who knows?!

[Leafmite]

Where you are, there is likely a closer orchid society? You could attend a meeting for free to see if you like it (yes, I know, with college, this might be impossible).
If you don't get a nelly isler now, mine will be divisible in a year or two and you would be welcome to a freebie. This past year, I have been giving away orchids at my OS to make certain all my plants would fit. I had doubles, divisions, and those I no longer wanted. Nelly Isler looks like it grows fast once established (like an oncidium) and I don't have room to allow it to get too large. Just revive the thread next year and ask.
Good luck with college!