Need advice for next orchid order

[Parasocks]

Hi All,

Hope everyone is keeping well,

One of our local orchid companies is having a 20% off special at the moment and I thought id use the opportunity to nab me some orchids. I live in an intermediate climate (JHB, South Africa), temperatures seldom get be to 4 degrees C, usually around 10 degrees c in winter.

I have these orchids on my list- just wanted to get some comments if these are a good idea or not from more experienced members. I need to knock one or two off the list as I am slightly over my orchid budget and I am not sure which I should drop

Epidendrum porpax (small type)
Dendrobium hercoglossum
Phragmipedium Schroederae
Phragmipedium Grande
Phragmipedium Paul Eugene Conray
Dendrobium chrysotoxum
Maxillaria tenuifolia

Thanks
Parasocks

[Ray]

What do you successfully grow now and what types do you favor?

[Parasocks]

I have these listed below.

I love scented orchids, but some flower shape/colour combos really appeal to me. The list above was my top picks from the site. The phrags a are bit expensive and i am not sure if its worth getting both grande and Paul conray

Dendrobium parishii
Dendrobium kingianum
Vanda coerulescens
Epicatanthe Volcano Trick 'Fireball'
Cymbidium Dots Downunder
Oncidium [Onc.] Heaven Scent 'Redolence 1 160
ansellia africana
Oncidium Pacific Pagan
Aliceara Peggy Ruth Carpenter
Bratonia Charles M. Fitch 'Izumi'
brat cairns new river
Lycaste aromatica
Rhynchostylis gigantea 'White with red spots'
Phragmipedium Sedenii
Sharry Baby
bras Nodosa
Dendro Delicatum
Miltonia sunset
Paphiopedilum Maudiae type - Alba
Phragmipedium Fritz Schomburg
Oncidium twinkle

[Fran20]

Looks like you have a collection of warm and intermediate growers. I believe maxillaria are cool growers so imho I would take that off your list.

[Ray]

I think any of those would fit fine in your collection.

Let's make this easy: Get them all!

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by Fran20

Looks like you have a collection of warm and intermediate growers. I believe maxillaria are cool growers so imho I would take that off your list.

The Maxillaria tenufolia definitely thrives in the heat when it’s well hydrated. It’s one of the lower elevation, tropical ones. Personally, I think it should be in every collection if a person has the space. It’s pretty vigorous under a range of temps. I’ve been keeping mine outdoors year round the last few years (lows of 3°C-4°C, highs of 40°C-42°C). It’s a pretty cool looking orchid AND it smells great!

I may be partial to the Dens and the Maxillaria, but I agree with Ray. Get the all! I can see what you mean about the two Phrags being similar, though. I don’t have either of those so maybe someone can weigh in on which one is more vigorous or easier to bloom?

[ghuylar]

The maxilleria would fit your climate well, they love warmth and they have a wonderful scent! Just be aware that they LOVE water, I had to rehome mine because I couldn't keep up with the demand. The dendrobiums should also do well, as would the epidendrum. Just be aware that depending on the species that both can get very large.

[Parasocks]

Thanks everyone for the replies!

I posted here hoping this would help me cut down the list. Instead, this is making my life harder! I wish I could get all, I just can't blow my budget on orchids (again)

Max tent was recommended but a grower locally as well,
allegedly he said that they do well here. Looking forward to the coconut scent. I'm going to keep it on the list.

Let's see what other people recommend too.

Parasocks