I bought babies of Bulb. frostii this summer. I love it, the little gumball shaped bulbs are so cute. :-)

First plant someone has mentioned that I have. I have been wondering tho, i have heard it smells of carrion, is that true? If so how strong?

While I'm also in the same boat and don't have too many orchids, nor have I been growing orchids for too long, I'd say the most rewarding of my collection is my phalaenopsis Jiaho's Pink Girl. Not only did it come with two flower spikes when I bought it last year from Hausermann's, it recently pushed out two more flower spikes for this year's blooming. Even without the flowers I think it's a pretty foliage orchid with dark green leaves that have a dark purple contrast on the underside. I've also found that it's really tough and bounces back from mistakes. And I'm also impressed by the leaf count on this one - 13, counting the smaller leaves hidden in the pot and by other leaves, although I'll give the credit to Hausermann's for that.

The orchid that is the most rewarding is simply the one that brings a person the most joy. This is different for everyone because we are all different. :)

My two favorites currently are my Phal bellina 'Star' and Phaius. The Phaius has lush, gorgeous leaves and the Bellina is a sequential bloomer that fills the kitchen with a lovely fragrance. Both are easy (this bellina clone is more tolerant and easier to grow).

I don't remember my frostii having a noteworthy fragrance. I wouldn't say this plant is offensive at all. There are some really stinky Bulbophyllums though. Hehe

The most rewarding orchid in my meager collection is the one(s) that are visibly responding to my care. Right now that is expressed by new root growth on a mini catt and flowers galore on a phal type den.

The thread is a very interesting one, as it contains information about expectations.

I didn't ever think of orchids being rewarding when I grew them.

It's just due to fascination and really liking their flowers (colours, shapes), and other aspects about them.

Or does 'reward' refer to something like - which orchid(s) --- if any -- do they like (or want) the most. This is a good thread! Very interesting one.

i agree but those ARE rewards!!! not monetary but pride, satisfaction, satisfaction of curiosity, desire to make, desire to nurture...all rewards, sir :)

Know what you mean DC! Was just looking up definitions of 'reward' a moment ago --- for double-checking.

Eg...... "a thing given in recognition of service, effort, or achievement."

It is absolutely fine to expect or want a reward in orchid growing. Various different views and aspects among everybody.

I hadn't considered liking orchids being the same as getting a reward out of it. I just like orchids.

Lycaste dowiana is another one that just blooms and blooms for me. It is a smaller lycaste and the flowers are very elegant. The old bulbs remain very nice looking as well.

I'm definitely a beginner when it comes to orchids, although my knowledge is growing and is considerably larger than a year ago when I bought my first. That being said, my most rewarding is definitely my first, a NOID Phal. She was a "just add ice" orchid, which I did for a very long time. I've since adjusted my water method, bought her a new pot, repotted with high-quality appropriate soil, and she is flourishing. Her leaves are long and lush and she has grown a basal keiki and is currently growing a flower spike off of her old spike (which is starting to bloom!) It's been especially rewarding for me to see her make all these new growths. While I've since added 10+ orchids to my collection, this one will always be my most rewarding and sentimental for me. :love: