Newbie: Wondering how small is too small?

[nowlan]

How small is too small?

My mother keeps cymbidiums outside.
I just visited local orchid show here in Melbourne and bought some Phalaenopsis's.
Right now they are sitting on the coffee table where its warm.

I have been eyeing off ebay for more, but concerned about small plants.
My mother says not to get small ones because they take years to flower, and less hardy.

So yeah, just looking for some feedback on what to do.
I think ebay is 8-10cm across, but i notice that generally pots sizes start very small. (community?)

Easier to buy more seedlings at $8 instead of flower size at $20.

Right now keen for more Phals for their colour.

Anthony.