First phal species?

[Dante1709]

I've been growing orchids for around 2-3 years now, but never found myself a Phalaenopsis species and I'm interested to try some. That being said, I completely skipped the Phalaenopsis phase and have only ever had one NOID which is a rescue.

I seem to do very well with Oncidiums, but my Paphs and Cattleya-type orchids seem to be doing well! I'm more interested in Phal. cornu-cervi, amboinensis..etc but I'm worried about temps and growing them in pots with lower humidity? Any advice would be appreciated

[unhappykat]

If you are strictly looking for species to practice with I would recommend a Phalaenopsis amabilis, one of the dwarf varieties preferably, Or Phalaenopsis manii.

My first phal species was amabilis 'Snow Drift' which I still have after 5 years, very easy to care for and it tolerates low humidity and bright light very well. I treat it more like a cattleya than a phalaenopsis and it has never failed to bloom in 5 years of abuse and neglect.

Phal manii is another one that tolerates abuse quite well, tho it does need to be sprayed or watered more often than the amabilis. I have it growing a little shadier on the back wall of the greenhouse where it gets watered twice a week and has more air moving around it during the day, sensitive to heat if the humidity drops too low for a prolonged period.

Both are quite easy to grow and flower regularly once mature.

[RosieC]

My first species was belinna and I've found it easy to grow with just a little more light than other phals.

I have also found mannii easy, though mine sulked at first once it settled in it was very happy and I grow it very like all my hybrid phals.

The only other species I've tried is speciosa/tetraspis 'C1' (it's the C1 clone but which species it that clone actually is seems to be debated). I can't say how easy that is though as mine is only just breaking out of the year long sulk it had after I bought it (finally the start of a new leaf).

[Dante1709]

I love the look of Phal. manii and now I'm hoping that the vendors for the orchid show have some! I'm open to any other suggestions though!

[theloyalplum]

I second the tetraspis/speciosa! But if you want something typically more NOID phal-like in spiking, I'd go with schilleriana and philippinensis, and equestris as a miniature.

Perhaps you'd be interested in paraphalaenopsis? It may not be a phal but they sure are cool.