Branching out from Phals, blue orchids (again) and lots of questions

[LadySoren]

Ok so I don't even know where to begin-
I'll just go for it:

I currently have 3 Phals (two are mini) and am a beginner (since Novemeber last year 2012).

My husband is obsessed with obtaining a blue orchid (I know there aren't any true true blues as of yet, but those horrible dyed ones got him thinking). Other than that he just goes along with my new hobby. But yes, he would love a blue flower ;P

1.ish
Anyway, seeing as I am trying to keep these Phals alive right now (over concerned mother, they're fine though) idk if I should be venturing into other types of orchid territory...... Thoughts?

Here's the one he wants:

V. Pachara Delight 'Sakate' FCC/JOGA (V.Karaulea x V. Gordon Dillon)


2.ish
Anyone know if that particular one is actually on the blue end of the spectrum (I have no doubt it's way more purple than it appears in the picture)?

3.ish
What's the bluest orchid you know of that I have a high probability of not killing right away?

4.ish
If its a vanda- I have no clue about vanda care. Help?


Urrrrrrmmmm..... I think that's all my questions???
Also I have never ordered plants online so that's new for me too.


This is a terrible thread. >.< I'm sorry.

[jeremyinsf]

A totally blue orchid is about as common as a totally black one!

[kindrag23]

Check the vendors forum, I actually just posted about several that I ordered from that I got some great orchids from.

I personally like the paph's there are so many different bloom types. With some really neat color patterns.

Don't worry we all at one point send out a rapid fire question thread or 3 or 5 ourselves!

Vanda's I have heard can be easier to take care of, likes lots of water but not to be standing. Takes bright light.

Ummmm and blue orchids...yeah no sorry. I have seen pictures of this breed I have seen but they are more of a purple color then a blue.

Would your husband be interested in a black flower? Check out the Catsetum (?) They are really neat looking and some even shoot stuff out at you if you move it just right. Great for practical jokes I would think. They are in the black range.

[Bud]

the nearest shade of blue that you can ever get in an orchid is in the coerulea strain....either a Phalaenopsis, Vanda or a Cattleya....if you set your mind to it and follow the correct culture=you will not kill it; in fact you might be able to rebloom it year after year.

[LadySoren]

Ah yes, I am aware.

So um, apparently my husband ordered the vanda! D:
I am happy, but I feel like I just found out I'm pregnant with a gorilla?!???? (Weird analogy I know)
I have no idea how to take care of a vanda! We have a dark dry home, this doesn't sound good. Guess it will live in a bathroom with some lights and humidifier. >.<

About the "true blue" issue- he says he's partially color blind so he doesn't care. Haha

What have we DONE?!?!??

Sorry- I am freaking out.

---------- Post added at 06:59 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:57 PM ----------

PS is the one I gave a link to a of that strain mentioned?

[kindrag23]

Don't freak out check out the Vanda Alliance that is on the board and ask questions there that you may have or on here even, everyone will be more than happy to help you. I don't have a humidifier I use an Ice tray filled with water under mine to help with humidity.

---------- Post added at 06:17 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:59 PM ----------

Oh and I am thinking your husband is liking the orchid growing as much as you are since he decided to order one! HeeHee

[LadySoren]

Black would be his next choice.

Um, yeah apparently he is! I'm in shock. I am out of town with family and sent him the link to the vanda he ended up purchasing bc I know he wants a blue flower. Next thing I know he's sending me links to vanda care sites, LCD grow lights, etc. then he's texting me saying he's going to Lowes to look at lights (again, our townhouse sucks for natural light) and then he said he ordered it! What??? AND I just found out he ordered the 65$ "mature" one not the "near mature" which was also expensive. Boy am I in TROUBLE.
I told him he had better help me find a good growing environment for this and help take care of it.
He didn't seem all that interested in my Phals except "Emily, stop moving them! Leave them alone they're fine!" Haha

I'm so excited yet scared but I will def research my little brain off about vandas!!

[kindrag23]

O dear orchiditis has bit his booty!! How awesome is that!!

[Bud]

It would be ideal if the bathroom window is south facing.... that is nice because the plant will get warm steam when you shower....but overnight when no ones using the bathroom....it might get cold so you need a warm steam humidifier....it would be good to have additional light if the days are gloomy.
Pachara Delight is an easy Vanda to grow....it is a developed hybrid so that it can stand abuse and stress and still bounce back....the flowers are large lavender that has a tinge of blue veins....it blooms three times a year for me....if it comes in a basket then you have to water it more maybe twice a day if it is hot or in winter you water it only every other day or watch out if the roots are light gray then water it until the roots turn green....I also have Pachara pink and Pachara red wax....and I grow my orchids in a Manhattan apartment....you should be able to make this orchid bloom if you have a yard with a shady tree in the warmer months while there is still no frost....

[kindrag23]

@LadySoren see fabulous advice!