Good beginning orchid

[WhiteRabbit]

In my experience, Cyms are hard to kill (the bigger ones, anyway), but due to size, light required, and cool night temps needed may not be suitable - and while difficult to kill, might not thrive (and bloom) with poorer care.

Den kingianum is reportedly tough as nails - tho again may not thrive or bloom ...

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Like I mentioned before, I think that Oeceoclades fit your criterion for the "perfect beginner's orchid".

Most Oeceoclades are desert orchids.

They tolerate periods of drought far better than either a Paph or a Phal.

I know that the flowers aren't large, but what they lack in flower size, they make up for in unique flower and plant morphology and all around hardiness. Some Oeceoclades even have patterned leaves. Some species are even miniatures.

[Paul]

Don't usually see Oeceoclades offered. Understand that there is at least one species that is an invasive weed in Florida. Don't know if there are issues with other species of this genus.

Really like the leaves of Oeceoclades spathulifera. Wonder how big it gets?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Oeceoclades maculata is the invasive weed in Florida.

The orchid originates from Africa or Madagascar.

It will not become invasive in a place like Canada, (where "clusty" is from). Neither would it be likely to be invasive in a state such as Michigan.

[butterfly_muse]

I don't know how you guys feel about cattleya hybrids, but I've got three of them and I swear I have literally gone off and forgotten about them in the sweltering heat in a west window for a good week and a half and then gone "OH SHIT!" and watered them and they are perfectly fine. They have also been knocked out of their window sill so. many. times. by my cats it's unreal. Like...I literally just had to pull the vent cover out of my a/c vent and clean the bark chips out of it because my cats are like "TRA LA LA oh look at that squirrel!" *knock over plant* (The window sill is a good 4 feet off the floor, btw).

And yet my guys have each given me one new growth and are starting in on a second. They have been the most respondent to my black thumb, which is amazing.

Also I got a beallara from Lowes and after repotting it in CHC, having it sulk for several months, and shriveling all but 1 pbulb, I've got a new growth and a spike..seriously, wth? Lol, but apparently those things can take a beating too.

Ironically, so far the only thing I can't grow is phals. :P

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I think Cattleyas are good. Some stay at a manageable size. Others are pretty big.

I think epiphytic Laelias are pretty sturdy too. Most have the disadvantage of being large.

---------- Post added at 09:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:18 PM ----------

Oeceoclades spathulifera doesn't look like a large plant at all.

I don't have numerical values to throw out, but it seems like a manageably sized orchid.

This species is rare in cultivation, but I think you might be able to run across it.

[Laserbeak]

It also depends on where you live as to some of the other species. In Florida, Masdevallias are generally not going to be easy; however in Seattle, you can probably put them on your front porch and forget about them. Whereas Vandas would be the exact opposite, they'd love to be hung out in the full Florida sunshine and left their own devices.

But as a generic indoor plant, I'd still go with the Phalaenopsis.