What are good orchids for beginners?

[ShadePlant]

Yes nogreenthumbs it is. However while some say the scent is intoxicatingly wonderful I find it a bit too much of enclosed in a room with it. To me it smells a bit like a an old school grandmother's powder room. I enjoy the blooms but had to move it outside. When I walk by it at night it was a bit cloying.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Ever try growing Oeceoclades spp.?

You could try growing the pan-tropical weed, Oeceoclades maculata.

There are much more interesting species than Oeceoclades maculata, though. Many of them grow similarly to succulents.

Other species you could try would be maybe Oeceoclades roseovariegata or Oeceoclades calcarata.

I've had a Oeceoclades calcarata for about 10 years or more. This is a giant of a plant. It is about 3' - 4' tall when in spike. Each pseudobulb can get to be about the size of a softball at the largest.

I also find Laelia superbiens to be ridiculously easy to grow as well. This species is a beast!

---------- Post added at 06:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:32 PM ----------

Eulophia petersii grows like a succulent as well.

[Dollythehun]

"Beautiful plant, which is that?"
Dendrobium Lautouria Little Atro. Very rewarding. That plant has only lived here a year. That was its first bloom.

[nogreenthumbs]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Ever try growing Oeceoclades spp.?

You could try growing the pan-tropical weed, Oeceoclades maculata.

There are much more interesting species than Oeceoclades maculata, though. Many of them grow similarly to succulents.

Other species you could try would be maybe Oeceoclades roseovariegata or Oeceoclades calcarata.

I've had a Oeceoclades calcarata for about 10 years or more. This is a giant of a plant. It is about 3' - 4' tall when in spike. Each pseudobulb can get to be about the size of a softball at the largest.

I also find Laelia superbiens to be ridiculously easy to grow as well. This species is a beast!

---------- Post added at 06:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:32 PM ----------

Eulophia petersii grows like a succulent as well.

I have limited space. I'm not going for all minis (so far nothing I have is a mini), but I'm not looking for giants either. I've accidentally got one, and will grow it until it's too big and then give it away or trade it for something smaller. But I'll look those up. They are names that I don't recognize (as so many are).

[will1986]

The first orchids I was able to grow really well were Oncidium-type hybrids. Watch out for hybrids that have ONLY cool-growing parents in the background (Miltoniopsis, Odontoglossum, Cochleata), as those can't tolerate being outdoors in places with hot summers, if you put your plants outside in the summer.

Specifically, I would recommend any of the Beallaras (they're now known as Aliceara, but many growers are still using the older names), such as Marfitch, Tahoma Glacier, or Peggy Ruth Carpenter.

Oncidium Sharry Baby is also a great choice. It blooms at least twice a year, it grows like crazy, and it has a wonderful fragrance, and it enjoys the temperatures you would have inside at your window. The plants grow fast and can get big, and you said space is a concern for you, but you can divide it when it fills more space than you'd like, and give away or trade the divisions. This is one sturdy, easy to grow plant.

[nogreenthumbs]

Thanks, I've seen the Sharry Baby recommended someplace else too. Two votes is good.

[estación seca]

Minis are going to need frequent watering. If you're willing to do this there are a lot of easy ones. If you can't look at them every day to see whether they need watering, minis are not easy.

[nogreenthumbs]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Minis are going to need frequent watering. If you're willing to do this there are a lot of easy ones. If you can't look at them every day to see whether they need watering, minis are not easy.

Yeah, I can and do check my plants every day. I probably won't ever have more than 5-10 here, and the place is small, so watering isn't an issue.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Not all the Oeceoclades are giants.

[estación seca]

I agree that in Houston, Oeceoclades maculata will be very easy to grow. It might do fine outside as a plant in a pot in dappled shade. It has become an established weed in Florida. Protect it from frost in the winter.