Why my collection will never be large - Orchid Board

The Mutant · #1 03-12-2012, 07:08 PM

Again!

Interesting title, eh? Especially since it's me we are talking about.

But, here's the thing. I'm actually quite picky when it comes to which orchids I like and which will never put a leaf on my doorstep. I love Phals for example, but only a certain type. Take species Phals for example, the only subgenera I like are Phalaenopsis - Section Phalaenopsis and Phalaenopsis - Section Stauroglottis. Also, I think I could live with a specimen of the subgenus Aphyllae, but that's it. I don't like the rest. I can definitely appreciate hybrids where some of the others might be involved, but not as species.

So, when it comes to the Phals that I like I have yet again a lot of strange criteria for shape and colour. No stripes - either horizontal or cross-stripes, no harlequins (unless they look like my Black Jack look-a-like), no hint of green on the front of the flowers, no waxy flowers, no flowers with enormous petals (like elephant's ears), no large flowers, and no purely white flowers, not even on an equestris (I'll probably never have an alba in other words).

The only other genera I've found interesting so far are Paphiopedilum and Cymbidium. And even if I find some of the flowers of Dendrobium and those of Oncidium/Odontoglossum beautiful, I don't think I'll ever buy any specimen of any of these alliances since I really dislike other parts of the plants too much to bother.

So, these are the main reasons why I think I'll never have a big orchid collection.

Lucky me most of the mass-produced Phal hybrids fall into my rather narrow category of potential "must haves", otherwise I wouldn't have any reason to call my self a fanatic, right?

So, are any of you guys as picky as me, but maybe in other areas when it comes to orchids?

Bud · #2 03-12-2012, 07:34 PM

I think you will change your tune in a couple of years...there are many varieties of orchids than what you have mentioned...and when you discover their culture and gaze at their beauty...you will want them in your collection...its just a matter of getting to know your orchids...

camille1585 · #3 03-12-2012, 08:10 PM

Never say never, you will get more!!

As you gain more confidence in growing orchids and venture into other genera, your tastes are going to change. And then when you really discover the great big world of species, there's no turning back! Angraecoids are some of my favorites, although I suck at growing them.

I started with hybrid Phals, then started to get a bit of everything. That's when I realized that it wasn't what I liked that mattered, but what will grow well in my conditions. So while I like angraecoids, masdies, and the mini species very much, most do not do well for me.

Leafmite · #4 03-13-2012, 12:44 AM

You are fortunate. I have been discovering new orchids that I like and finding homes for others to make room. It has been terrible. I think it is great that you are selective in your tastes. Enjoy!

Bud · #5 03-13-2012, 12:51 AM

right, Camille...My collection of Angraeoids varies in size ranging from very small to very large. The flowers are usually quite fragrant at night having white or green flowers. And most of the plants are lovely in and out of bloom. I grow some of them mounted and the little ones potted. I just cant get enough if it is available to me...

Leafmite · #6 03-13-2012, 12:57 AM

Camille, try growing angraecums, aerangis and aeranthes in net pots and lava rock or large leca. They really like air around the roots and dislike being repotted so using a medium that doesn't decompose is perfect. With a net pot, you just drop them into a larger pot when there is need. These do not like salt build-up, either, so flushing the pots once a month is essential. I hope this helps.

RJSquirrel · #7 03-13-2012, 02:02 AM

your going to be needing a doctor with all the denial

Discus · #8 03-13-2012, 06:19 AM

Denial, not just a river in Africa

Yes, I also really like angraecoids; I guess living in Africa helps a bit with growing them, but the key seems to be humidity (it isn't that humid around here, but I take steps...!).

Masdevallias are great too, but I think it's mostly a touch too warm around here to keep them happy; mine are looking terrible at the moment.

I find I can find things I like about most species, but I find many cattleyas distasteful, too big and showy!

I find weird and quirky things interesting, so I can see myself owning lots of strange bulbophyllums over time.

My collection is bounded only by silly concerns like space, time and money!

camille1585 · #9 03-13-2012, 06:26 AM

I used to HATE Catts. Like you say, too big and showy. But then I changed my mind about some of them. I actually kind of like the smaller bloomed ones, without any ruffles, and more or less a solid color.

Discus · #10 03-13-2012, 06:35 AM

Oh yes, some of the minis are OK, and some of them that look like the more modest species (narrower petals and so on). Big, flouncy meringue wedding dress flowers? No thanks.

I do actually have two "cattleya" type plants, Cattleya Kagaribi Dawn (pic below) and Cattlianthe Tropical Treat, both of which have pretty narrow petals and relatively small flowers. Which of course would score poorly in judging, but I like them as they are.