Essential orchids?

[My Green Pets]

There's a video on Youtube about a huuuuuugggge Pachara Delight that had me drooling

Mine

To help you out on your quest, I would like to share with you how I put together my current collection. Many of the plants were pics I had seen on this and other message boards that I instantly said, "I must have that!" I checked conditions first to keep the number of casualties (and financial losses too!) to a minimum.

Others came from a bit of research—for example, upon realizing how many hundreds of Oncidium intergeneric hybrids there were, I decided I wanted an Oncidium species so that I could understand better where all those hybrids started.

I also wanted to get as great of a variety of genera as I could grow as a beginner, but nothing especially rare or difficult. I would love a Paph. sanderianum for example, but for now I am seeing how I can manage with a 50% sanderianum hybrid.

I quickly learned that if it ain't fragrant, I'm more than likely not interested (my big exception is the slipper orchids). So that has become a guiding factor in whether or not I want to add a plant.

Finally, you will find that when you meet other orchid growers, they will often GIVE you plants, so a fair number of mine were actually gifts! Which is wonderful, because the plant takes on a real sentimental value and reminds you of that person every time you see it.

Good luck and I hope you get them all to bloom for you!

[Zabeta]

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

Mine

Oh, that's your channel? I have been binge watching it (as I've been bingeing on this forum - I work from home and am in the midst of finishing an unpleasant chore at the computer, so . . . procrastination). It's a lovely channel, and your shade-house setup is wonderful. I like how you care for your plants.

Thanks so much for the kind advice. I've mostly decided what orchids to buy based on the forum and Youtube channels. I do hope to make it to my orchid society meetings at some point, but transportation and time are issues. Regardless, it's a very fun hobby. I'm not in a super hurry to acquire plants or get a greenhouse (if I even could), but sometimes it's hard to resist an intriguing new orchid.

[gngrhill]

Originally Posted by Zabeta

sometimes it's hard to resist an intriguing new orchid.

That's the problem I have

[estación seca]

Also realize your climate is a lot different from other parts of the country. Some plants with cool-growing Miltoniopsis in their background might be quite difficult in the hot Central Valley, even well north of Sacramento. And plants that like hot summer nights might do better there than in the Midwest or Northeast.

This is why people suggest joining a nearby orchid society.

[Zabeta]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Also realize your climate is a lot different from other parts of the country. Some plants with cool-growing Miltoniopsis in their background might be quite difficult in the hot Central Valley, even well north of Sacramento.

I learned the hard way that Miltoniopsis doesn't work here. :-\

[Subrosa]

Not a single member of the Stanhopea alliance? I find that as long as I keep my Gongora galeata moist, shady, and above 50F, it's a very easy and rewarding plant for me.

[Zabeta]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

Not a single member of the Stanhopea alliance? I find that as long as I keep my Gongora galeata moist, shady, and above 50F, it's a very easy and rewarding plant for me.

I know zero about the Stanhopeas. Maybe I'll start with the Gongora galeata - thanks. :-)

[NYCorchidman]

There are way to many orchids to try.
You grow what you want. I don't think making a list is necessary or even helpful.

You want to visit orchid nurseries or shows where lot of different orchids in bloom are presented.
Seeing these in person is probably the best opportunity to decide what you want.
Then, of course, seeing photos online helps.

Before making purchases, you want to find out if you can provide the kind of care to those plants you want.

You can talk with the vendors or read about them online like here.

Your collection might gradually increase as you see more of what's out there.
Many people also focus on just one or very few types, so no need to diversify unless that's what you want. Make sure the cultural requirements are not vastly different in that case.

Happy collectiong, shopping, and growing!!!