What Next?

[tizzycat]

Hi, can I ask your advice?

To date I have seven phals, one Zyg, and one dendrobium. So far my success rate has been pretty good and I'm itching to step out.........

Now, I'm planning a trip to a specialist grower and would like to try another type and wondered what your advice would be bearing in mind I live in the UK and my orchids all reside inside the house.

I did see a lovely blue phal on one of the galleries here, and was very tempted to go in pursuit of such a plant, but realistically I think I should be branching out what do you think??

Thank you in advance for your knowledgeable advice

[tom499]

coming from a fellow UK resident, first its great to have you here as it means we can discuss orchid sellers and conditions and such for our environments. second, for an orchid to recommend, a fairly easy variety would be an odontoglossom. These are sympedial (cant spell it>< ) orchids like your zym, they have similiar bulbs, and grow from these. There are some truly lovely ones with big flowers. They enjoy medium to cool environments on the whole, so are good for a UK windowsill. They arent too fussy on humidity (from my personal findings) and so a windowsill does just fine.

Paphiopedilums are also quite at home on a UK windowsill, from my personal findings and offer really unique flowers.

I guess really, most orchids are quite easily grown inside IF you give them what they require, so really boils down to whether they can grow fine inside or how much you need to change your environment to occupy them.

i'm starting to babble now, so im gonna stop ^^

Maybe if you gave some examples of plants you liked we could tell you how well suited they would be

[Sharyn]

I usually check out my orchid books and grower's sites on the internet for other types of orchids to grow. The first thing I look for is the lighting and temperature requirements. If I can provide what is needed, I'll try another type of orchid. We've probably all made the mistake of buying orchids that we loved, only to find out in the real world that conditions were not ideal.

I also love the blue phals. Most of my phals are hybrids. I've taken the step to try a few species types - so far, so good. And, I enjoy the miniature phals, which also grow well under lights. My most recent "branching out" is a Miltoniopsis which likes the cooler temperatures.

Gosh, you might be sorry you asked this question when you receive all the suggestions from our Geeks! Good luck and let us know what you decide as your next project!

[Vivienne]

I would have to say that if you are having success with Phals then you might want to try a Paphiopedilum. They prefer lower light levels and do very well for indoor growers.

[tizzycat]

Tom,

that's easy, I like them all, (all plants, but especially orchids - one christmas gift and I was hooked) so in a way I suppose that makes things a little easier, but a bit of expert advice is always appreciated.

[tom499]

there should be some culture sheets on here somewhere, if you give those a scan you can see if you can provide for them then go out looking for those.

to be honest, i fell into the buy whats pretty trap a few times but my will to grow such plants made me make changes so as i was able to grow those plants and have success.

But most of my plants are windosill growers, and i find most orchids are great on a windowsill.

I look forward to seeing what you buy, one of the forum rules is you must post pictures of new plants

[jerrymeola]

the blue phal that was posted on the gallery was really a Vanda. I have never seen a good blue Phal and I deal with a lot of big growers

[Sharyn]

You're right Jerry. All the Phals that I've ever seen listed under "Blue" are really purple and/or violet shades, but I like them, nonetheless. Sure wish someone could cross something and come up with a true blue color.

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by tizzycat

So far my success rate has been pretty good and I'm itching to step out.........

I did see a lovely blue phal on one of the galleries here, and was very tempted to go in pursuit of such a plant, but realistically I think I should be branching out what do you think??

Given the success you've had i understand how you're eager to try other types of orchids. Whether you stay with just a few types or try others depends on your growing conditions (light, temp, etc., etc.), what types of flowers you like (big and showy, small and unusual), and how adventuresome you feel.

My advice would be to:
1) Select orchids that will do well in the conditions you have already. If you're home growing you'll be looking for intermediate growers (temperature) and medium to high light.

2) I'm going to sound like I'm on Bargain Hunt and say I think it is important to collect what you like. If you like the blue Phal and can grow it (which you probably can do) get it.

If you're looking for specific recommendatoins:
Papiopedilum (Paph) - one of the 5 types of slipper orchids. - Paph culture is similar to that of Phals

Phragmipedium (Phrag) - another kind of slipper

Cattleya Alliance orchids - the Cattleya Alliance includes many kinds of orchids, Cattleyas, Laelias, Encyclias, etc., etc. and all of their hybrids. - If you have bloomed your Dendrobium, then you probably have enough light for Cattleyas.

Oncidium Alliance orchids - These come in all sorts of different colours and shapes and are sometimes called "dancing ladies" because some Oncidium flowers look like a lady wearing a hoop dress.

You can get culture sheets for all of these types free from the American Orchid Society at www.aos.org Download them and see if you can give then the culture/conditions they require.

Ask lots of questions!

[tizzycat]

thank you so much everyone for your advice - it will give me a fighting chance of success - wonder if I'll manage to come home with just one new plant???? Depends on the price - the growers tend to be a bit expensive.

Thanks again,

Chris

[tizzycat]

No-one has mentioned Vandas so do I take it that they are not suitable?? or are they more choosy about growing conditions??

[tizzycat]

those culture sheets are really helpful Kevin, thankyou.

[BillC]

Hi Tizz, when you get back from your visit to the Spec.Grower, please post on what you have acquired. It is interesting to know what is available in different parts of the globe. I would be nice if you could also post some pics.

Bill

[tom499]

vandas take alot of work in a home environment and usually have to be grown in vases.

i have 2 and have been growing them in the greenhouse here in UK and they are quite slow growers.

dendrobiums i have found to be amazing growers, I have some keikeis from on of mine, the den itself is a powerhouse for growth, i could send you a den keikei when its rooting and putting out new growth

[tizzycat]

Tom, what can I say, other than yes please, that's really, really kind of you.

Of course I'm willing to pay you for it.

Thank you so much for the offer.

Chris

[tom499]

They are years from flowering, but are hardy plants and just want a quiet windowsill.

Once it shows signs of new stem growth i could send it over for you

Dont worry about payment, your in the UK and its only small so it wont cost much.