Onc. Twinkle. Perfect for beginners?

[Jerry Delaney]

After all these years, I wonder if I have been giving bum advice. I believe that lots of orchid growers, including me, advise beginners to start with a Phal. Looking at it in retrospect, I wonder if that advice is still as valid as it might have been some years ago. I sometimes think it was a good answer because nearly everyone could access Phals locally and could provide conditions suitable for their culture. This Onc. Twinkle is in a 5" pot as is it's red cousin which, while not open yet, has even more buds than this one. I have moved them around the greenhouse a number of times this year to make room for other plants. It didn't seem to care where it was placed. These things are like weeds!! There are many other orchids that, in my opinion, are much easier to grow and flower than Phals (which for me seem susceptible to every fungus, bacteria, virus as well as low tolerance to physical growing factors). I would really appreciate other orchid growers thoughts on this subject.

[Ranchnanny]

Jerry, your Onc. Twinkle is just adorable. I have 3 small and 1 large Onc. and can't get any of them to bloom. They get plenty of light I think but no flowers. I will be moving them into a greenhouse in the next few weeks so I am hoping that will do it.
Again your Twinkle is just so sweet.

Great Growing
Sheridan

[WhiteRabbit]

I have killed too many phals to count! Yet have had fair amount of success with various oncidiums!
You could very well be right! Tho I suppose it might depend on the growing conditions available to each individual. My third orchid was/is a noid oncidium from trader joes' - rebloomed the next spring after purchasing and reliably every year after with more spikes each year

[Lagoon]

I've never truly understood why phals keep comming up as the *one to get* beginners plant
I've had my fair share of phals to start with, but it was when I got in the oncidiums and catts that the orchids world took off for me. Yes catts need more light but they were easier to grow for me. I would still recommed a slipper over a phal anyday.

It's like you said though Jerry - Phals are probably easier to get and the non fussy lower light requirement that phals can take.

You're Twinkle is just stunning - Wonderful growing Jerry

[Sandy4453]

This is an absolutely, gorgeous specimen, Jerry. Outstanding growing.

I think, probably because Phals are more tolerant of varying conditions that it's a safer orchid to get bloom than others. True, that once you know the conditions others need to grow well, they're all pretty easy to maintain but Oncidiums, for instance, especially need good air movement (at least for me, here in Florida) to really do well and, of course, good light. Since my setup is on a patio with limited space and fans don't reach where I need to place them (cat's love to chew the leaves ), they're not on the top of my buying list, just my wish list for someday.

This Onc. is truly stunning!

[rogerman]

Yesterday i was at my wholesalers orchid farm. We were talking about phals interestingly enough. He told me they grow in the natural upside down to stop the water from collecting in the crown and causing rot and fungus to set in. Makes sense really.

[clare wiseman]

Happy New Year to all at Orchid Board, this is my first post of 2009. Have had lovely Christmas and New Year celebrations with all the family home here in our small town house.
Given books on Orchids and another orchid. so I'm very happy. determined to read and learn more about orchids.
For me Phalanopsis are definately the easiest orchids to grow in the house. They tolerate darkness(It gets soooo grey and dull here in Devon). Cymbidiums too are long sufferingly tolerant. If ever I manage to get my covered walkway built will be able to put my reading to use and grow more and different orchids. That is my aim in 2009
to become an orchid collector - and not just all over the house.

[Tommyr]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

After all these years, I wonder if I have been giving bum advice. I believe that lots of orchid growers, including me, advise beginners to start with a Phal. Looking at it in retrospect, I wonder if that advice is still as valid as it might have been some years ago.

Must........get........one........of........those!

Gorgeous!

I find Oncs. MUCH easier than phals. I am a Phal killer. I'm probably in the process of killing one right now!

[Gin]

Your plant is beautiful .. I have to agree with you Phals. are easier to get and if nothing else teaches patience , frustration , failure, and best of all success . Gin

[Paul]

Beautiful onc! I have the hardest time growing them or any member of the onc alliance. My Onc Twinkle is close to dead.