Hi, new to the forum

[robd]

Hi,

Brand new to the forum and just now starting to look into orchids. I find them pretty interesting and I'm always up for a challenge when it comes to caring for something like a plant so... glad to be here.

I live in the recently (and unfortunately) flood ravaged middle Tennessee area. Thankfully my house being somewhat elevated wasn't affected, but man... we got more rain than I've ever seen at any time, anywhere in my whole life.

My backyard isn't in the right condition yet to plant (tons of weeds, I need to hit it up with some blue corn gluten, or whatever it is that clears up weeds organically when the fall comes around). Hopefully I'll be primed and ready to go next spring.

I've been scoping out some orchids at my local Lowe's, but I think I might hit up some of the nurseries in the area to see if they might have any. I have two questions off the bat, both of which I might find the answer to in the browsing of this forum that I'm about to do, but I figure I'll ask anyway:

1- what's the suggested best orchid for beginners?

2- does anyone know any good cork bark suppliers? preferably online.

Thanks.

- Rob

[RosieC]

Hi Rob and welcome to Orchid Board

I saw some pictures of the floods as OB member Amandalee is also in that area. Glad you weren't too baddly affected.

There have been a couple of discussions recently on goood beginners orchids. It's not a simple matter as it can depend where in the world you are, but here is a link to the most recent of those threads.
What is the Best Type of Orchid to Start With?

I'm not in the USA so have not tried any suppliers out there. I've heard repotme.com is a good one for media.

[Donald]

Welcome. Was just at a wedding in Clarksville the first week in April. Hope you dry out quickly. Enjoy this website it is very informative.

[trdyl]

Welcome to OB!

I would like to make a suggestion from where to get your first orchid purchase. Go to an ordhid nursery for your first purchase. While you are there you can always quiz the staff. You will get a plant in much better condition than you will find at place like Lowe's. Not all plants at Lowe's are bad but you need to know what to look for.

[orkie]

A lot of people will suggest Phalaenopsis hybrids as a good beginner orchid, but many Oncidium, Dendrobium, and Cattleya hybrids are quite easy as well, but they usually need higher light (in general, hybrids are a bit easier and less exacting as species).

Check out the AOS care sheets to get an idea of care for these various orchids AOS | Members Only Area
and also, you should google up some pics or browse here, since you'll not only want a plant that is easy, but one that you like the flowers on!

[RJSquirrel]

hi rob I'm new too and what I learned so far is my friends who call orchids FLOWERS don't know a stem from a stern welcome and enjoy

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by orkie

A lot of people will suggest Phalaenopsis hybrids as a good beginner orchid, but many Oncidium, Dendrobium, and Cattleya hybrids are quite easy as well, but they usually need higher light (in general, hybrids are a bit easier and less exacting as species).

ditto about Oncidiums, Dens, Catts.
Many Oncidiums and some Dendrobiums do well in an east or west facing window. Some mini Catts do well in the same. Some Catts and Dens do require more light, but can do well in a south facing window.
Phals are frequently considered good beginner orchids, but after 6 years of growing orchids I still struggle with them And my first orchid was actually a Catt - and while I couldn't seem to get it to rebloom I was unable to kill it lol!
My best success early on was a noid Oncidium - grew well and bloomed profusely every year for me - kept me hanging in there with orchids.

I also put many plants outside during the warmer months, and if you have a nice sunny spot, Catts can do quite well there til they need to come inside.

[Tindomul]

Hi, welcome to the Orchid Board. Glad you joined, and glad to hear you fared well in the past few days.
When you get around to planting you yard again, try out some native plants. I hear blue grass is a sight for sore eyes.