Orchid collecting

[Synapze]

I've been wanting to start an orchid collection for quite a while now and I'd like to have more variety than the species available at local home improvement stores. 

Can anyone suggest a few species of orchids that are diverse, yet good for beginners? I have a large sunroom just begging to be filled with orchids... and a free roaming mantis, of course. 

 

[minomantis]

I don't know what social media you use, but on Instagram there is a whole orchid community on there and also on YouTube! Many videos and orchid species there! A very rewarding plant, once you understand it's needs! Good luck!

 

[Synapze]

Thanks! Yeah, I've been taking some Orchid 101 classes at "YouTube University" for the last couple of weeks and I'm really starting to get into it. The orchids I have now all come from exotic locations such as Walmart and Home Depot. 

I do use Instagram, but mostly for mantid posts. I'll check it out. The downside... I'm less likely to find someone willing to trade bugs for plants.  :lol:

 

[Graceface]

I always love taking trips to the exotic land of Home Depot

 

[agent A]

my youtube channel has "the orchid chronicles", where you can see my orchid adventure

I like Dendrobium kingianum as a beginner species. It can take a number of different light and water conditions. most Paphiopedilum are also quite easy, as are phals

 

[Synapze]

my youtube channel has "the orchid chronicles", where you can see my orchid adventure

I subscribed after watching the culture demos and orchid episodes a few days ago. 

 

[agent A]

I subscribed after watching the culture demos and orchid episodes a few days ago. 

my cattleya intergenerics i sowed on november 1st are finally germinating-note the isolated green dot along the corner of the jar

 

[Synapze]

@mantisloverguy6000 Tissue culturing is very fascinating, but I'll definitely be starting with something larger.  

Avoiding culture contamination must be a challenge... especially outside of a sterile lab. 

 

[agent A]

@mantisloverguy6000 Tissue culturing is very fascinating, but I'll definitely be starting with something larger.  

Avoiding culture contamination must be a challenge... especially outside of a sterile lab. 

I use a glove box and if a little mold pops up (about 10% of my things grow a bit of something funky a week or 2 after opening), i drip peroxide over the contaminant and it stops being an issue

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

YouTube University

That is what we call it too!

 

[Prayingmantisqueen]

The orchids I have now all come from exotic locations such as Walmart and Home Depot. 

Very exotic indeed....

 

[Synapze]

Can anyone suggest an inexpensive source with a good variety and younger specimens? I don't care if they're not in bloom. They're more expensive than I expected! Every time I find one I like, a voice in my head says, "Hey! You can get 3 mantids for that price!"

 

[agent A]

Can anyone suggest an inexpensive source with a good variety and younger specimens? I don't care if they're not in bloom. They're more expensive than I expected! Every time I find one I like, a voice in my head says, "Hey! You can get 3 mantids for that price!"

amazon had a 5 pack of young asst orchids fot about 30 bucks. they r usually a cattleya, dend, and phal. request not to get a vanda cuz those r a to grow