Phal species for a begginer?
 

I found a local vendor with multiple species, and I'm interested in them. However, I'm a bit worried that they are more difficult and I'm only a novice when it comes to orchids. I'm currently nursing some phals from the abuse of a relative, but other than that, I don't have much experience with phals.

My temps vary, because I let my orchids out during the summer. I can ensure the temps never go below 60F or above 80F. There is usually a nice night time drop.

My humidity also fluctuates. During the winter, it drops to 25-30% but comes back up to 45%+ during warmer months. I'd rather not have to mount any orchids for this reason.

My kith is a bright shade..my Oncidiums get enough light but my Paphiopedilum doesn't get too much. It's a good medium in my opinion.

Anyways, I'm interested in these species ;
Hieroglyphica
Cornu-cervi
Violacea
Pulchra
Tetraspis

Would any of those be tolerant of my conditions? I want something that isn't likely to freak out too often and does well in pots. I'm open to any other suggestions.

I grew Pulchra successfully in windowsill culture under same conditions than yours.
So, try it :)

My first species was bellina, and then I got mannii. I've found them both quite easy as someone who had success with mass market phals before that. bellina likes a little more light than the mass market ones but other than that is grown pretty much the same. mannii I grow just like my others.

Cornu-cervi was my easiest phal!!! It bloomed like crazy!!! I was so sad when it died, got some severe bacterial rot poor thing. I have a pulchra also! I would get that one it makes keikei very often them you have more plants! I also have a Bellina and it's awesome. You have to get that one if you get any IMO. The fragrance will knock your socks off! I grow all of mine potted. In the winter my humidity also gets quite low 19% sometimes, but this winter was especially bitter and my house is old with a lot of cool breezes coming through cracks so that didn't help...... But long story short they did just fine through that.


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Cornu-cervi, violacea, pulchra & tetraspis all grow & bloom very well for me without any fussing. I would also highly recommend equestris in any of it's forms. It's practically bomb proof and blooms multiple times a year when it's happy.

Most phal species are warm loving orchids. Phal pulchra also but I heard they also cool growing, the same with Phal lindenii.