Orchid show

[pugmom]

We are having a local Orchid show in my area on March 20th.

I have never been to one before, but looking to make some purchlases (obviously )

Looking for thoughts about maybe what to try next?
Any particular plant or type I should lean towards to try and narrow my vision a bit.

I have 7 phals all thriving, but I don't think I want anymore of these (unless fragrant and easy keepers) I have one den phal which is on the verge of death with one leaf..... and one cymbidium which seems to be thriving, but a bit large.

[kmarch]

Hi pubmom, good to see around again!

Shows are often great places, not just to see and buy orchids, but to "talk" orchids. You can ask members of the hosting orchid society for information and tips on growing various genera locally. In my experience the vendors are also great to talk with. Tell then what kind of conditions you have and ask for recommendations.

As you have had some success with phals, you might consider paphs. They're typically smaller plants (if space is a concern) and their culture is similar. If you've had success with a large ccymbidium, consider trying a miniature cymbidium. They're much smaller and typically put out more spikes that the larger ones.

Of course the most important thing is to get orchid that will do well in your growing conditions.

Do you like cattleya alliance orchids? The Cattleya Alliance is very large and diverse, from something like the small delicate Encyclia bractescens or Epidendrum longipetalum, all the way up to big, bold, ruffly, standard cattleya hybrids. There's something there for nearly every taste and most of them do well in home-growing situations. And again if space is a concern, there are a lot of medium and small plants in both species and hybrids to choose from.

[pugmom]

I had no idea there was a mini cymbidium.....TYVM

I have heard about catt's but never had the opportunity to purchase one, but I will talk to who I can and take lots of pictures!!

TYVM as usual!

I am really excited!

[tangers40]

kmarch, as always, had some wonderful suggestions. i just bought my first paph at a show today, as a matter of fact. it's a small plant since i'm out of room. some of the catt hybrids stay fairly small as well (4 inch pot) but pack in lots of color and bloom into those small packages. my suggestion is to wander around the show displays and vendor tables until you see something that strikes your fancy. then, ask a society member or the vendor about it in regards to what you're looking for (i.e. if you want one that stays small, ask how big they'll get etc). if you find it doesn't fit your requirements or abilities, ask more questions i'm sure there will be somebody there that can direct you to the proper plant for you!