I agree with the sentiment that hybrids are probably the best place to start. They can be more vigorous and more adapted to various conditions than naturally occurring species, which have evolved to thrive in very specific environments. SVO does indeed have a great selection of mini Catts, and I highly recommend them.

As far as a specific plant, I would recommend Cattlianthe (formerly SLC) Jewel Box 'Scheherazade'. It is somewhat compact, forms a large clump quickly with clusters of blooms on multiple growths even in a 6 inch pot. They tend to bloom en masse, and the result is quite spectacular. It's an easy grower and reliable bloomer. Full disclosure, tho, it is the first Cattleya that I was able to grow and bloom successfully when I was just starting out with Orchids, so it holds a special place in my heart, but I still don't think I'm over hyping it. It really is a great plant, and readily available.

There's also an orange clone of Jewel Box called 'Orange'. Not a very inspired name, but it is also fantastic. It is even more compact than Scherazade, and the flowers have a rich, dusty orange color with some magenta along the margin of the lip. I've only ever seen it available from Hausermann, but he almost always has it in stock.

If you can find Cattlianthe Golden Wax in France, that is usually a very durable, forgiving and long-lived plant. It is an intergeneric hybrid in the Cattleya alliance, and there are several different varietal (clonal) names available. I have one that I have grown continuously for 35 years. I have given many divisions of it away to friends.

A word of advice on growing most Cattleyas. They prefer a well-drained, open mix. A trick I use is to pot Cattleyas in a pot with nothing but whole wine corks as potting medium. By a little at-home testing, I've found that plastic corks do just as well as natural wine corks.

Thank you guys, I'll be taking a closer look at all those recommended plants.

With all the advice given on this thread, I'm sure my first Catt will be a positive experience!

Similar to Slc Jewel Box is Slc Little Hazel. I had one some years ago and it was a fantastic little plant. Sadly it died when my collection got badly neglected in the last 2 years of my PhD....

Mr. FN:

Below I've attached an example photo, showing a Cattleya potted in wine corks, as described.

Cheers,

OW

Attachment 147719

If you want to grow a species orchid, Cattleya forbesii is very easy to grow and bloom. Other than that I recommend hybrids from reputable growers, like others have mentioned.

As far as species, I'm also very fond (approaching obsessed) with Cattleya tenebrosa. This is a fairly recent obsession, but I have about half a dozen, or maybe a few more than that, of different tenebrosas, and I've found them very easy to grow. They don't need as much light as some of the other Cattleya species, and they like to stay moist during the growing season, which is good for me because I tend to be an overwaterer. They get pretty big, so if space is a concern, you might consider that.