Interested in Oncidiums and Miltoniopsis, where & what? - Orchid Board

lotis146 · #1 03-21-2014, 08:50 AM

I have been bitten by the Orchid addiction bug! At present I have 2 Paphs and 6 Phals (which include 2 keikis recently potted) and one mini Phal. I'm interested in branching out a bit and growing my collection. I live in the Great Lakes region and in the winter I keep the house 72 and while the house gets warm to hot in the summer I do use A/C, honestly it depends on the day and how I feel, sometimes I let it warm up. All but two of my current plants are at an east window that gets a decent amount of morning light, direct, but then more indirect in the afternoon and on. The other two are a bit quarantined on the floor under a large south window.

I'm interested in picking up an Oncidium and even a Miltoniopsis. So far I plan to visit Hausermann's in IL at which they have some Milton varieties but I'm interested in more options for it and Oncidium. What are the best varieties to get for a newbie? And where do you suggest if I order?

Thank you!
Lotis

Optimist · #2 03-21-2014, 09:04 AM

My biggest, happiest, most prolific oncidium alliance orchid is a Beallara. It is a good size (8 inch pot) so the size might be part of its vigerous growth. I like the Beallaras because the roots are not as fine as some, they are about as thick as my dendrobium, and there is less chance of breaking or drying out. Having more robust roots make them easier to care for. I think they mainly are in the white to purple/ red color range. Howards Dream, and Tahoma Glacier are nice ones.

Leafmite · #3 03-21-2014, 11:42 AM

My favorite is the Burr. Nelly Isler 'Swiss Beauty'. When I gave mine to a friend who admired it, I bought my new one from Hausermann's last year. It is a good grower and blooms two to three times a year with long-lasting, fragrant red blooms.

Sagamore · #4 03-22-2014, 04:53 PM

I live in WI and personally I've had much better luck with oncidiums. I have an Oncidium sphacelatum that has been growing and flowering like crazy since I got it 2 years ago. I also recommend "Sharry Baby" for the fragrance and "Space Noise" for the insanely long flower spikes. Also Psychopsis (a close relative of Oncidium) is an easy orchid that can withstand a wider range of temperatures. My cultivar "Pavane" has flowered 4 times in the last year. I keep all my Oncidiums and Psychopsis collection in a sunny south and west facing window corner. I have a shade curtain for the summer but during the winter I let the sun in. They all seem to benefit from high light. Miltonias I have had more trouble with. They cannot handle heat, but since you have air conditioning that shouldn't be a problem for you. They also need high humidity, and should be watered with RO water and not allowed to dry out completely. I have mine sitting right under the humidifier now since the heating has made the air in our apartment very dry. Good luck!
Also there is an AWESOME orchid nursery in Madison WI if you're ever in that area.

LovePhals · #5 03-22-2014, 08:41 PM

theorchidgallery seller on ebay has miltoniopsis variaties. I recently ordered from them and received great plants. One was in spike! Hausermann's is another good choice I think they had Miltoniopsis that were in bud on their website.

Sharry · #6 03-22-2014, 08:59 PM

I also find Sharry Baby to a reliable, easy to care for plant. I have the same on for 10 years now. It blooms every year. Others that i have had success in Maryland are Twinkle and Onc splendidum, a mule eared species,

RandomGemini · #7 03-22-2014, 09:21 PM

You won't be disappointed with whatever you choose from these suggestions! I also like Oncidium Sweet Sugar. Not scented, but the flowers are very classic "dancing ladies" with huge puffy skirts and a bright, happy yellow. I love how whimsical they are.

Sharry baby is also a favorite of mine, for the scent alone, it's worth it! I wish I could fill my house with them.

My Green Pets · #8 03-23-2014, 01:11 AM

I'd say Sharry Baby is the most famous oncidium hybrid, and for good reason, they smell so sweet!

Just to tempt your taste buds, Porter's Orchids is in Michigan and they have a nice list of easy-to grow oncidium alliance plants. I'm planning on ordering one or two from them when the weather improves.

Catalog-Oncidium Alliance

LovePhals · #9 03-23-2014, 08:59 PM

Oh, they have some very nice choices! Let us know how your order is!

lotis146 · #10 03-30-2014, 08:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CambriaWhat

I'd say Sharry Baby is the most famous oncidium hybrid, and for good reason, they smell so sweet!

Just to tempt your taste buds, Porter's Orchids is in Michigan and they have a nice list of easy-to grow oncidium alliance plants. I'm planning on ordering one or two from them when the weather improves.

Catalog-Oncidium Alliance

Thank you very much!

I followed the link you provided and was definitely impressed. However when I called to place an order I learned that the website was really up to date and most of the ones I was looking at he doesn't have anymore, including Sharry Baby. I'm still hoping to get a Vuyls. and waiting to hear back from him Monday.

Also checking out theorchidgallery on e-bay.

Thanks again everyone and I will be sure to let you know when I make my selection and put up pics when they arrive.

Cheers!
Lotis