Hello, pre-newbie here.

[archie22]

I don't consider myself a newbie because I haven't even begun! Names Archibald, archie for short. I don't own any orchids but I'm interested in learning the trade as a gift to my wife. I want to learn everything about them, eventually be able to take care of one properly and ultimately blow her mind. All this for a wedding anniversary. Can you believe it?

Ps- I forgot to mention orchids are her favorite flower, although she doesn't know much about them either.

[jkofferdahl]

Hi Archie. I sure like your reason for getting in to this.

My suggestion would be to start with books. Go to your local library and check out everything you can find. Books are a good way to go; they have a lot of wonderful pictures, and contain great information. When ready to buy a plant, consider some important factors. Where are you going to grow the plants? Look at the place and consider factors important to the plants - all of which you can effect artificially - to determine what plants will do best. How bright and steady will the light be? What will be the temperature, both daytime and nighttime? How much humidity will the area have? Buy plants best able to live under these conditions - you don't want a cool-loving orchid in a hot site, you don't want a shade-lover in a bright placement.

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[Zoi2]

Welcome to OB Archie, you'll learn a lot and have a great time.
Joann

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board Archie

This is a great place to learn a lot, keep reading as much as you can both here and in books and you'll do fine.

I like Phaleanopsis as a great orchid which is quite easy to care for and easy to bloom. It likes standard house temperatures and can be grown easily on a windowledge as long as it does not get direct light.

Of course, as has already been said, your exact enviroment can affect what grows well and I'm not sure where in the USA you are, but Phals like the same sort of enviroment as humans and so can often be easy to grow.

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Hi Archi, and welcome to Orchid Board! What a sweet thing to do for your wife! You can certainly find a lot of great information here. You're getting a jump on things by learning about them before buying one. This way you can choose and orchid which is suited for your growing environment and you'll have a much better chance at success!