Suggestion for new orchid challenge
 

Hello,
I bought my first orchid in Dec 2007, Phal Wedding Promenade. It has done just great! Still has the 4 blooms from purchase, plus has 7 new buds and 2 new blooms since in my care. Now my question. The garden show is coming to town this weekend and I would llike to try another type of orchid. This plant is in a southern window off to the side for indirect light. I would either like one that likes direct southern sun (if there are any) or similar conditions to my phal. Any advice greatly appreciated. Thanks -Mel

Hi Maree,

here is one, which I think is worth a try: Rossioglossum Rawdon Jester
it's an easy plant, and like similar light conditions as Phals, but can tolerate some more light too. It likes slightly lower temps, but keeping it outside during summer, and in winter next to a window you slightly open during the nights, would be enough...

Mel, where in the US are you? Latitude plays a part in how intense your light is, which in turn will impact plant recommendations. Catts and Dens for the most part like high light, and some can even take direct sun, but again we'll need to know where you are to make a safe recommendation. :)

What size plant are you looking for? What size flowers? Do you want a multitude of flowers? or just single flowers?
Fragrant? Non-fragrant? Any particular color? :hmm

I live in Pennsylvania and am looking for a plant 18"-24" tall. I like orange or the green-brown speckled blossums approx 2". Fragrant would be a nice thing too. Does this info help? Thanks for all your responses. -Mel

I'm just going to throw this out there for you to get an idea of the a few oncidium intergenerics - ODONTONIA (Odontoglossum x Miltonia)
If there are any that you like we can see if they are suited for your growing environment :)

I recommend a Brassia. They are so cool and so easy to grow (as long as you can give them lots of light - like south window).

I would love to try growing that little orchid that looks like a furry toilet bowl. . .Pleurothallis cypripedioides.

Andy's got em.

Furry Toilet Bowl :rofl:

I wonder what other FTB orchids he has if that one is only one of ? :hmm

excellent suggestions, I will see what I find at the show!

How bout a Zygopetalum. They tend to like intermediate conditions (great for PA), bright light and like to be evenly moist but not dry like your phal. plus they have some wild spotted looking blooms. Not to mention some are mildly fragrant. Good luck :)

Zygopetalum - wow, that's beautiful!

catleya,sand their hybrids are a great choice in a southfacing window.
there are so many varieties to chose from, and many of them fragrant as well
also not too difficult to grow

Maree, have you grown many orchids before? I would take into consideration the ease of care and how often your orchid of choice needs to be watered, what kinds of temperature, etc.

With that being taken into consideration, Dendrobiums and phals are great house plants. Dendrobiums tend to like more light, like the south window you mentioned.

Both of these types of orchids are usually easily found at home/garden stores or expos rather than a more specialized orchid that you could aquire from a dealer.

:twocents:Personally, I would find what I liked and then figure out how to care for it, hopefully before I buy it :blushing:.