:rofl:

Aloe?

I've just started with orchids, but I think a good plant to start her off with might be one of the "just add ice" phals. I've had a tough time with phals that I've acquired from other sources as a beginner, but these plants seem pretty forgiving. Buy it for the plant, not the method. The method is stupid, IMO. Just cut the tag off and don't even let her see it. :D

They usually come in a clear plastic pot inside a decorative pot and the larger phals are usually potted in bark, not moss. The minis come in moss, but I just leave them in moss until the spike is done, then I repot them in bark.

Teach her to water via the skewer method. This might help her to keep track of when her plants need to be watered.

The minis have been thriving in my windowsill, I'm seeing new leaf growth and root growth, but I can't tell you if they'll rebloom well, just that they seem pretty tolerant of my inconsistent care while I figure out the best way to provide a good growing space for them.

Hope this helps!

Oh, I love the justaddice orchids! These are the other orchids I give as gifts. I put them in lava rock for people and then a couple of years later, people will tell me they are still alive and bloom faithfully...and they don't know why orchids are considered difficult. This company must find the most difficult to kill orchids and that is why they won't reveal the breeding behind them...just a theory. :)

---------- Post added at 12:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:53 AM ----------

I think the toughest house plant is a hibiscus. A certain family member that kills everything, even aloe, peace lilies, and cacti has yet, after six years, failed to kill the hibiscus I gave her. Just amazing.

If its a matter of inconsistent care, maybe you should start a S/H plant for her. Aren't Paphs suppose to be good S/H candidates?

I never understood why Phals are considered a beginner plant nor why a beginner would want to rescue one.:_(

(And I didn't say that to start anything. I really don't get it.)

Phials can be had cheaply are readily available and the roots are huge. I think that's probably why. It helps to be able to really see what's going on with the plant's roots. My other orchids are oncidiums and I'm praying I don't kill them. Their roots are so fine that I'm having a hard time knowing if I'm doing anything right. I'm just going with my gut and praying I don't kill them.


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Edited to add: And did I mention that I'm praying I don't kill them, enough? LOL!

:rofl:
I'm going to use that one!!!

I agree about just add ice orchids. The watering method is unworkable long term, but those things are very hardy. I think during a busy period I forgot to water it for like a month, and it's still alive. I pay attention more now and it is thriving. Plus the other day at Home Depot they had a new crop of the Just Add Ice and these plants were huge! The roots were almost as thick as my finger and the flower spikes were easily three feet long with multiple branches.

I was very close to buying some even though I have been trying to move in a different direction toward more diversity in my collection.

Those Justaddice orchids are always tempting! I only have one but I absolutely love it! And I love buying them as gifts!

If you are looking for orchids, the Greater Akron Orchid Society is having their plant auction on October 14th. Doors open at 6:30.

The Greater Akron Orchid Society

Not only can you bid on orchids (they go cheap, especially the ones no one bids upon) but you can ask how to grow them. The program is about orchid pests and diseases. Anyone is welcome to attend.
There is the West Shore Orchid Society in the Cleveland area, too. Just thought I'd mention it since I didn't know they existed until a few years ago. :)

---------- Post added at 09:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:49 PM ----------

Paul, your post was just great! Love it!