Hello From New Zealand

[awest]

Wow you sound so prepared. When I was in college (in Maine) my aunt just gave me a Cymbidium kanran and it died insta-death (like every vanda i try). That's how I started growing orchids. I'm guessing your experience is going to go a whole lot better than mine. Good luck! Try not to be too disheartened if the first one doesn't make it.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by Lainalou

My goal to start off with is to just get one plant to thrive and flower. If I can succeed with one plant I will consider expanding my collection.

Good luck with that!

I had the same idea 8 month's ago...and I am now up to 18 orchids! I find these plants to be completely irresistible. Good luck and enjoy!

[Bloomin_Aussie]

Well I'd recommend Aussie native Dendrobiums like speciosum, gracilicaule or kingianum. You'd probably do well with your own native Winika (Dendrobium cunninghammii) although I don't know how easy that is to come by.

BTW, you realise that it will ne a couple of years at least before you know if you are looking after a plant well. I challenge you to hold out that long with only 1 plant!