What Kind to Choose

[Mystic_Rose]

Hi Everyone!

My friends and I are trying to pick an Orchid as a christmas present fo our favourite Sushi Bar. We are looking for a hardy, low maintanince plant that will do well in partial sunlight. Could you please give us some suggestions and information? Thanks a lot.

M.R.

[LLW]

If by partial sunlight you mean indirect or filtered light a Phalaenopsis would work and I am seeing a lot of those for sale right now with really nice flowers. The problem would be that these orchids will sunburn easily and do not like strong sunlight. In case you are not familiar with these orchids my avatar is a Phal. bloom. Lashelle

[Anton]

I would also suggest a Phal, there's a variety of colors available, so I would try to find a color that fits in with their decore, and that would show them you put some thought into the gift and also how much you appreciate their service.

Also helps you keep "your bread buttered",......... if you get my drift ?

[jerrymeola]

Phals have only one disadvantage as a gift in that they are everywhere.

You might also consider a Lady Slipper (Papheopedium). They require even less light than a Phal and are not as common. The disadvantage with a Paph is that they are much smaller and not as easy to notice from a distance.

So also consider how the plant might be displayed. A Lady Slipper would look good near the cash register. Behind a bar and you might want the larger plant. I sold several Lady slippers last Christmas for doctor's offices and the person giving them complained later that the Doctors took the orchids home rather than leaving them in the office. So it may not show up where you expect.

If you do give a Phal try buying a basket (red riding hood type with a tall curved handle) that is the right size to hold the plant. Place the plant in the basket and use the handle to hold the flower spikes erect (nicer if the plant has two balanced flower stems) rather than the ugly sticks we commercial growers use. The extra thought that goes into buying the basket makes it much more of a gift.