newbie looking for purchasing advise

[emeraude1484]

Hi there!

I have been trying to get into keeping orchids for multiple years. I bought a phal 5 years ago, i finally got it to flower in august and hasn't stopped since.

I bought a few since that first phal and none of them have survived including another phal at the Ottawa orchid show that ended up having root rot and i fought with it for 3 months before all the roots disappeared.... Also bought a cat and a vanda.

Needless to say, I'm a tad frustrated but since this phal is doing so well i want to try for more. My mother has a cymbidium that is mine but i don't want to kill it... I'd like to get some pointers before i take it.

The Ottawa orchid show is tomorrow and I'd like to get at least one plant. What should i look for or avoid in the potential plants I'd like to buy?

Thank you,
Stef