starter pack

[ed h]

ok I see lots to read my head and notes are all over the place.
what are the beginner orchids that I could look up.
is their any other plants I can mix with them.
this will be in a 90 gal tank 48x18x24.
I am a noob so please be nice lol

[shushu45]

Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum are what most people start out with.

---------- Post added at 10:40 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 PM ----------

What does everyone else here think??

[Skayc1]

My first Orchid was a Phalaenopsis. I had it for almost 1 year before getting more. It was one of those just add Ice Orchids- which is the wrong way to water orchids, but in my unkowning I did. Luckily It grew well & now I know better.

[shushu45]

Mine first was a Cattleya I nearly killed the poor thing by overwatering. Now it's coming back slowly.

But...

I have read a lot of growers have lots of success with Paphs.

[Dendy83]

Phals are easy to get and are fairly hardy. Paphiopedilums are great too because they like lower light levels. Dendrobiums are very hardy but do require more light than either of these.

[catherinecarney]

No contest: Dendrobium kingianum. Small grower, fragrant winte flowers, grows like a weed for me in a bright window (winter) and on a shaded porch (summer).

Ed H if you are interested in orchids for terrarium culture, you may want to check out vivarium forums and dendroboard. There are some great build threads on both sites, and although there is more of an emphasis on critters (mostly herps), many of the members have done some amazing habitats with orchids and bromeliads....

Catherine

[WhiteRabbit]

Den kingianum requires cool temps to bloom ( and likes bright light) so perhaps not a good choice for a tank.

What temps and lighting will the tank get?

[catherinecarney]

While kingianum can require cool temps to bloom (and it seems like some members are blooming it with "room temps"), that doesn't necessarily mean it won't work for a terrarium--mantella frogs, many newts, and other herps can require a cooler period as well (not a true hibernation, but brumation)--and axolotls can become quite sick if temps get above about 70F if I remember correctly.

So, as with many other things, the best plant is the one which matches your conditions. That said, I have found kingianum to be hardy and adaptable, both requirements, IMO, for a good beginner orchid.

Catherine

[Dendy83]

Well now I have a question. I keep a terrarium with a couple of tomato frogs. I was wondering if a mini phal would be ok in there. I really dont want the pollen or anything else to affect my frogs, or vice versa. I would probably keep the phal in a container within the terrarium so the frogs dont destroy the roots (they're burrowers). But a long time ago I read that certain plants are not recommended for froggies so I've always been hesitant...but now I think it could work.

Do you think it could work for rescues? ideal temps and humidity would take a lot of guesswork out of helping a phal along.