which paph

[BillieG]

If you could buy a Prince Edward of York in spike/bloom or a mature Michael Koopwitz, which do you think would be the best decision? This is a lot of money for an orchid and I feel that the Prince Edward of York is a better buy because it is bloom. However, from what I understand from reading, the Michael Koopowitz is an easier bloomer and, although I can't really tell from photo's, it looks to be brighter in color with longer sepals.

I am also looking at a phrag Peruflora's Spirit which is a cross between Eric Young 'Rocket Fire' 4N x kovachii 'Jumbo'. It is so expensive, though. Not sure I should get it, but I want a bright phrag that is easy for a beginner.

[quiltergal]

Personally I prefer PEOF over MK. I like that it has more of a sanderianum look to it than MK does. Who are you considering buying these from?

I would hold off on the kovachii hybrid. It's a pretty new discovery and as such is very expensive including the hybrids. Give it a few years and the prices will come down from the stratosphere. If you like bright colors you can't go wrong with any of the other bessea hybrids and they are much more reasonable in price.

[BillieG]

All the besseae that I have found that are mature or in spike are very high, also. Seems like the phrags are all high. Is the kovachii a good bloomer?

I am looking at Orchids.com.

[quiltergal]

OK let me give you some links to other websites. Orchids.com is way too expensive. Here are some of my favorites:

Woodstream Orchids
We bring you the finest Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and other orchids available.: Piping Rock Orchids
Orchidview
Welcome to Hillsview Gardens
www.paphinessorchids.com - Home
Windy Hill Gardens Homepage
Fox Valley Orchids,Ltd - Lady's Slipper Orchid Specialists
Orchid Inn, Ltd.

Have fun shopping.

Kovachii hasn't been around long enough to determine how good a bloomer it is. Breeders seem to be having success with hybrids so I'm guessing it's not a lot different than other Phrags.

[billc]

Here's another great vendor.
We bring you the finest Paphiopedilum, Phragmipedium, and other orchids available.: Piping Rock Orchids
I have both PEOY and MK and both are very nice. For me MK grows a little better but like Terri said it's what you are looking for. PEOY holds the petals more like a sandie and MK looks more like philippinense in it's petal stance. Either one is a great choice.

Bill

Whoops, I didn't catch that Terri had included Piping Rock.

[MattWoelfsen]

This forum is an excellent resource and you have been given links to vendors. I see you are in the United States, we are a big country! You might want to do a search in your city and find an orchid society, or search on the nearest large city. Orchid societies meet at least once a month and there always a member or two who devote themselves to raising lady slippers. I just got back from the Central Indiana Orchid Show in Indianapolis, Indiana, there were many lady slippers on view. Every vendor that participated had lady slippers on sale. Hilltop Orchids had a booth at this show. It was great to see them and their plants and have an opportunity to chat them up. Another good reason to find an orchid society are the members. They can share with you their experiences with raising and acquiring orchids, some of them are generous enough to give you a plant so you can try growing one. Two months ago, we had a repotting seminar at our meeting. One of the members brought a very large root bound Paph. rothschildianum, she showed us how to remove the plant, remove the potting media, separate the plant into six divisions (keep at least three together), repot the plant, label the plant (we do not want any NOID orchids). She kept one of the divisions, and gave the other five away to members. YMMV

[BillieG]

Thank you so much for your answers and links to other places. I did make a decision and ordered a PEOY that is mature but not in spike yet, as it was much cheaper. I will see how this one goes and if I don't kill it, maybe I can find an MK in spike someday.

[NYCorchidman]

Yeah, get what you like more.
I personally find MK prettier. and easier growing is a huge plus I think.

[BillieG]

I wish I had gotten a MK, but could not find one in spike, and I don't want to wait years. Hopefully, I will find one someday that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

[NYCorchidman]

lol.
but if it is a blooming size plant, then it should bloom in its next season though.

I don't have much patience so I grow things that grow fast and flower often.