Angraecoids for a beginner?

[Silje]

I've got two aerangis: Aerangis Elro and Aerangis modesta, one Rangaeris amaniensis and an Angreacum Magdalenae.

I've had them for 8 months or so. Both of the aerangis are mounted and have been pretty straight forward. The Rangaeris amaniensis is hanging like a vanda without any growth medium, but I'm considering adding a couple of large fir bark pieces to the basket. The only thing about these three is that they do need their water! And because I was afraid of overwatering when I let someone look after my orchids during the last holiday, I underlined the importance of not drowning my plants. The result was that my mounted aerangis got watered waaaaay to little and now have dehydrated older leaves. *Sigh*

My greenhouse has about 50-75% humidity and I normally water the aerangis twice per day. That keep them happy with new leaves and happy roots. So they do like humidity and moisture.

I got my Angreacum Magdalenae at the same time as I got the aerangis. It said "near flowering size', and the nursery was correct, because a couple of months ago I could see the first buds appearing! *Happy Dance*

The Angreacum has actually been VERY easy. I've potted it in a small pot with fir bark and leca and the roots are just taking over completely in that pot. I've heard that they can be picky and sulk after re-potting, but mine was all smiley. I guess I was lucky and happened to have perfect timing.

These three plants have made me very keen on extending my angraecoid collection. The first year has been rewarding and fun. And I don't mind pure white flowers at all.

Good luck!

[stefpix]

Also to mention roots do not like to be disturbed at all and in case of Aerangis (i have a mounted modesta) the spike is really growing in slow motion compared to other orchids. Angraecoids are very slow growers. Very very slow.

[PaxTea]

Thank you all for the feedback!

I've decided on the sesquipidale, but first I need to do some intense googling and triple-check to make sure it's not toxic to cats.

One of my furballs just loves to eat random things. I've even caught her chewing on velcro and tape. She went after my first orchid within the first 10 minutes I had it home. I sat it down on the table, took off my shoes, and when I turned around she was on the table (NOT ALLOWED!) and had her jaws wide open to take a bite out of it.

Anyways, I sort of got excited about orchids and forgot how hard it can be to find reliable information about plant toxicity. The ASPCA doesn't even cite sources. *sigh*

FWIW The ASPCA says that Phals and Cattleya are safe.