Total beginner here

[Tindomul]

Hi, I am a total novice when it comes to orchids, and have nothing but book knowledge on poison dart frogs. I want to have both though.
What are the names of the more common orchids? What do they usually cost? Are there ones that are small, or do they all grow big? Plus, I assume that orchids like it bright, warm, and humid. Am I right?

[Whimzikal]

Depends more on the types of orchids you are dealing with. Some orchids like Dendrobiums prefer a lot of light, whereas others like it a bit more shady. Another thing to keep in mind is humidity. Most prefer high humidity, but they don't want their roots saturated. Consequently, I would grow them as epiphytes. To do so, get some cork bark and mat it down with some damp sphagnum moss, then position the orchid on the sphagnum while making sure to spread the roots out as much as you can. Tie the orchid in place as you want it, then add some more sphagnum moss over the roots to hide the ties a little. Mist the sphagnum moss about every other day, just to keep it damp, not saturated. Give it about six weeks and your set.

[Tindomul]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I guess I would have to go with an orchid that likes it not so bright, and humid. And it would have to stay under 12-15" tall. Are there any that do this?

[lohlman3]

there are many new species that can stal small- phalaenopsis that is. I have some new interesting varieties that I can send pictures of if you're interested

[Ray]

For a nice, small plant that's easy to grow and bloom, you might look for Phalaenopsis Mini-Mark, which can bloom with a total leaf span of 4"-6", and would probably do well in a tank. Here's a shot of mine:

http://www.firstrays.com/Pictures_orchids/Mini-Mark.jpg

[TeresaE]

I agree Ray....I have one that just finished blooming, and it had about 10 flowers! I don't bloom a lot of mine so this must mean something! It is also very small and cute - so easy to fit into any collection!

[Marty]

Ray, aka photo master !

That's a nice orchid. Do you sell those? If so, how much?

Marty

Originally Posted by Ray

For a nice, small plant that's easy to grow and bloom, you might look for Phalaenopsis Mini-Mark, which can bloom with a total leaf span of 4"-6", and would probably do well in a tank. Here's a shot of mine:

http://www.firstrays.com/Pictures_orchids/Mini-Mark.jpg

[Tindomul]

thats a real pretty orchid. And they are small huh? I want one!
Where can I find one? Are they available at the local home depot?
What are the blooming habits of these plants. Do they spend months or years without a bloom?
Thanks all.

[TeresaE]

thats a real pretty orchid. And they are small huh? I want one!
Where can I find one? Are they available at the local home depot?
What are the blooming habits of these plants. Do they spend months or years without a bloom?
Thanks all.

I purchased mine from someone local here in Canada. I don't think you would find them at home depot as they are not that common I'd say. I bought mine in bloom and it bloomed again for me this year....so far it looks like once a year but I had lots and lots of flowers. From the first flower opening to the last one falling off I think it lasted about 4 months!

[Tindomul]

Cool, 4 months huh? Thats good enough. Now I just got to memorize the name and hunt one down.