Phal species for beginner

[JaneEyre]

I have seen so many phal species pictures here on this forum and they are so beautiful! I would really like to grow one. Somewhere I heard or read that species are harder to grow than hybrids so I was wondering if you agree. If so, is there a candidate that is a good introductory miniature phal species for a beginner? Any special requirements in growing? I am a little intimidated, but would like to give it a shot growing one.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions you may have

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I wouldn't say that they're harder to grow. They have slightly different demands and different degrees of them depending on the species in question.

Starter mini, Phals...

The only one I can think of is Phal equestris.

All the other miniature Phal species require mounted culture.

For now, do not grow Phal appendiculata. This is a challenging species. Wait until you have had much more experience with growing species Phals mounted.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If you like Phal relatives...

Doritis pulcherrima

If you're thinking a bit larger...

Phal amabilis
Phal aphrodite
Phal philippinensis
Phal schilleriana
Phal stuartiana

[Louis_W]

I think those are perfect recommendations.

Also don't be afraid to try species. Hybrids are usually a little more vigorous and adaptable to different conditions so it is a little easier to provide for them (in general, not always), but there is great information out there for just about anything you want to grow. Read up on what you are buying and make sure you can provide the correct conditions. Good luck!

[Triffid]

Another one to add to Philip's cracking starter list and consider is Phal. bastianii.
This one (according to what I have been told) is also another good species for beginners, and similarly to P. equestris has a habit of producing keikis.
It must be noted that it is sometimes confused with P. mariae.

Here's a link to a good picture of one.
http://www.dustindorton.com/orchids2...s/DSC_8737.jpg

and one for the info
Phalaenopsis bastianii - Orchids Wiki

But I must admit you can't really go that wrong with a P. equestris. Unless your growing conditions really aren't suitable. They also come in a good selection of variants.

As for one plant being harder to grow than another, I think that depends on a few things, like Research and the Growing Conditions which you can provide. Species, Hybrid or Noid, if you don't treat it right it just wont do well.

[JaneEyre]

Thank you everyone for all the suggestions. This gives me a good start. Phal equestris is beautiful and I might start with that.
Thanks

[Fishballs]

Equestris without a doubt. I have keikis blooming on keikis blooming on keikis. I now consider them weeds. They make great gifts.

[camille1585]

I was also going to suggest Phal equesrtis. It's a very easy species to begin with and mine seem to be constantly in bloom.

You could even consider getting some primary hybrids, they're very species like in the way they look, but have the hybrid vigor going for them.

Many species are no harder to grow than the hybrids, but they can be more difficult to bloom if you don't have the right conditions.

[JaneEyre]

I have decided to get Phal. equestris and now I just HAVE to have one. Funny how it is. I was ok without it few days ago.

I found some at www.orchids.com and was hoping they had a white one, but they didn't. Anyone knows who might sell one?

[JaneEyre]

Well, I ended up getting Phal. amabilis. It was on special at seattleorchids.com so I couldn't resist, not to mention it was in spike. It arrived today and I couldn't wait to show you my new addition. It has nice roots and looks very healthy, just one basal leaf yellowing (can't see it on the picture as it is hiding underneath bigger leaves). I am hopeful that the buds will survive.

I am still on the lookout for Phal equestris. I saw few candidates, so I got some options to choose from. But I need to make some room in the house first.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions