Want to Expand My Orchid Collection

[uziyahu]

I have finally gotten the hang of taking care of my two Phal's, so I've decided to move onto something new. While my Phal's are beautiful, I'd like to expand the variety of my orchids.

What variety would be a good "second level" orchid?

[mayres]

First companion statement to your question would be - what kind of conditions do you grow your orchids in? Will you be growing the next genera in the same or different place(s)? Phals are lower light level compared to many - another great lower light level choice would be paphs.......

[jay]

As Mayres has stated, an orchid that tends to do well in similar conditions to your Phals would be a Paphiopedilum. These will require more water than your Phals, and you should read a little bit more about them here.

[uziyahu]

Thanks for the advice. I'll take a look at the Paph's

[digitalgate]

but they are so many type of Phalaenopsis violecea, gigantea, Dtps,...
Why not try mini Dendrobium. compact, bloom like no body business, keiki easily..
Most important of all, small easy to put any corner where there is sunlight. Phalaenopsis
get too big.

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by uziyahu

I have finally gotten the hang of taking care of my two Phal's, so I've decided to move onto something new. While my Phal's are beautiful, I'd like to expand the variety of my orchids.

What variety would be a good "second level" orchid?

I'm familiar with your area; I'm a native Kansas Citian, though I wised up and moved to better weather a while ago.

My mom, aka Plant Killer, who still lives in the area, is having good luck keeping a Nobile type Denobrium alive (and I have one and am getting more since they're gorgeous).

Since your weather is hot/humid summers and freezing cold winters (ad 3 beautiful days each of spring and fall), there might be some stunners suited to your climate that I don't know about ... why not go to Shaw Gardens and ask them ... and maybe pick up a plant, you lucky so-and-so? Shaw Gardens is one of my favorite places on the planet!

Shaw Gardens: Missouri Botanical Garden Climatron® Conservatory Tour

[brookn]

Hi uziyahu,

I am from Missouri also, about a 4 hour drive from you. I would recommend looking into Dendrobiums, Cymbidiums, and Neofinetia. They all seem to grow really well for me here. I also grow Phals, Oncidium, and I have one Paph. The ones that do well for me are Dends, and my Cyms seem to love our weather. Another place to find out about orchids that grow well here are the Missouri Botanical Gardens. There are a couple of growers in Missouri that you could contact, one grows Cyms, and the other seems to specialize in Paphs and Phrags.

Intro

Windy Hill Gardens Homepage

[Orchidementia]

Originally Posted by brookn

Another place to find out about orchids that grow well here are the Missouri Botanical Gardens.

Great minds, eh? I just recommended Shaw Gardens in my post above!

[uziyahu]

Thanks for all the great advice. I just realized that I should have told everyone that I'm moving from St. Louis to Chicago at the end of the month. A different climate will make a big difference.

I will check out the Missouri botanical Garden. I believe they have people I can consult for plants in all different climates. Thanks for the info.

[Orchidementia]

Chicago isn't a lot different; just add lake-effect snow to what you're used to.