Toki, I have over 100 orchid plants, not collections! Within the 100+ plants there are all types; from the phals. paphs, dens, onc, catts, some vandaceous, masdavallias, cyms, etc. I have single plants in different species like a mormodes, cycnodes, gongora, paphinia, cleistoma, haraella, and so forth. I really like the miniatures but have a favorite dendrobium that NEVER fails to bloom as well as a favorite phal or two, paph and oncidium. I don't restrict myself to any particular type of orchid and find that some which are termed "easy" or "difficult" are not necessarily so. What you have to examine is what type of growing conditions you are able to provide and how much attention you are able to give to your chosen plants. For example, masdavallias require very different conditions from vandas. So unless you are able to provide different conditions, I'd examine what I have and find the plants which meet those conditions.
I don't have a greenhouse but a heated sunroom with its own thermostat, and sky lights so I can control the environment somewhat. In summer, I have a few orchids which can go outside, but it's actually easier to keep most of them in the sunroom where I can control the amount of sun, air, water and temperature. I'm not always successful with the plants, but I always have something in bloom!
I buy my plants from different sources. I get them at Home Depot, Lowe's, local nurseries, my local orchid society's show & sale and also from some great on-line retailers. The on-line sellers have a greater variety of plants if you're interested in plants not available in your area.
My advice (as just a hobby grower) is to be prepared for trial and error. There are certain requirements ALL orchids need, and if you can meet the minimum requirements you should be successful. By the way, you should invest in a couple of good books about orchids and start stocking up on pots and potting supplies. I use only distilled water on my plants as we have very hard well water which I don't think is adequate for my beloved orchids. Be mindful of watering and fertilizing them, even keeping a calender if need be (I do).
I hope I've been more helpful than confusing! This should be fun and not a chore! I don't see where you are located so it's difficult to apply what I do to what works in your area. Don't hesitate to ask if you have questions because we're all here to share our experiences and if one of us doesn't know, I'm sure someone else does.
Lots of luck1
|