Newbie question - Orchid Board

kmccormic · #1 10-06-2011, 12:30 PM

Hi Everyone:

I may have room for another orchid -barely

and have been toying with getting a slipper orchid. However, having a hard time figurin out which one are compact habits and frequent bloomers. It would be indoors by an east window for light, so needs to be low-light tolerant. I want frequent blooms because it will get more attention from me that way. Any suggestions? Thanks, Kmccormic.

Bud · #2 10-06-2011, 01:11 PM

The crucifix orchids...they are easy to take care of and they bloom and produce keikis as often as they can...
choose the reed stem Epidendrum: I have the radicans and the cinabarum...
they are also called the poor mans orchid because they are really cheap and easy to find...
be careful tho..they can become a jungle in a couple of years...you better learn how to trim them into shape

kmccormic · #3 10-06-2011, 09:02 PM

Hi Bud,
Wow, I'd never heard of them. The descriptions I've found certainly point to prolific blooming. Pretty! Do any of them look more slipper-like? I grew up around wild lady slippers growing all over, and I kind of miss them. The ones I find for sale almost seem more colony-like in order to bloom, and I definitely don't have room for that, but it could also be misreading the listings. Still I may go gor a radicans, gotta look them up.

Bud · #4 10-07-2011, 01:26 AM

Its an orange flower that has fringed lip ... you can put it outside if theres no more frost and it can even take direct sunlight, but do it gradually...then bring it back inside if it gets cold...it can grow tall up to 2 feet...only save and grow the basal keikis...the keikis on the stems you can replant and sell ...to earn their keep

Ray · #5 10-07-2011, 08:14 AM

I would speculate that if you are interested in slippers, a "Maudiae-type" paphiopedilum would be a good choice.

They like similar conditions to phals - not requiring to be as warm, not needing to stay moist at all times (although they do great in S/H culture), not requiring the high humidity, but liking it, and able to accept (but not really demanding) higher light levels.

Paphs are sympodial, and bloom once from each new growth, with the blossoms lasting several weeks. I probably see a new flower from an average plant about every 6-8 months, some more- and some less frequently. Once you get a bit of experience with them, there are multi-flowering ones as well.

Paul Mc · #6 10-07-2011, 08:31 AM

Of course, there are some that are native to the United States in the Cympridium family. I actually just looked into the kentuckiense for Missouri and found a grower in my neighborhood of all places! LOL... He instructed me on the right type of soil and places to put that one and the pubescense (sp?) as he said those were the two most hardy and reliable for Missouri. Just a thought if you are running out of room on the inside.

kmccormic · #7 10-10-2011, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Of course, there are some that are native to the United States in the Cympridium family. I actually just looked into the kentuckiense for Missouri and found a grower in my neighborhood of all places! LOL... He instructed me on the right type of soil and places to put that one and the pubescense (sp?) as he said those were the two most hardy and reliable for Missouri. Just a thought if you are running out of room on the inside.

Thanks for the suggestion Paul Mc. I do like the kentuckiense, so handsome! Anything in the yard just gets plunked down and then ignored to live or die by its own merits. The only garden space I have outside is directly along the house, no shade, and in winter it gets about, oh, 5-10 feet of snow piled up from the roof. Just not the right conditions.

kmccormic · #8 10-10-2011, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray

I would speculate that if you are interested in slippers, a "Maudiae-type" paphiopedilum would be a good choice.

Interesting, now I have some research to do. Thanks for the suggestion!