I suggest that you should succeed with a hybrid before investing in a species. Most of the hybrids available have pretty much the same indoor-friendly growing culture, while species can be quite specific in their requirements.

What I would recommend is that you buy a big, fresh- and vigorous-looking phal. Big ones have more resources to recover from any problems. Little ones are too near the tipping point.

If you are buying on the internet, Odoms offers the biggest, best plants for the money. Ask for one that looks to them to be vigorous.

Or, if you prefer another vendor, same thing: buy the biggest one you can afford, and ask for one they think is vigorous.

If you're buying locally, look for the same things you would in any plant-- fresh, turgid leaves, and if possible a young new leaf. In my experience a new leaf is often followed by a couple of new roots in a short time.

There are lots of wonderful phals. I'm glad you're giving them another try. They are pretty tough. PS: the first one I bought was a goner, too. :)

Good luck.

Thank you, both! Very good advice! I will be going to the Chicagoland Orchid Festival this fall, and there will be several vendors there with orchids for sale... I'm sure I'll be able to find a large, healthy plant with new leaves growing.

Since there will be lots of vendors, most rather well-known, I'll also be able to ask which Phal would be the best for a novice like me. I've been saving my cash, and my husband has promised that I could choose a few plants... so... one will be a Phal, with any luck!

Thanks again! I just can't help wanting to try one again... everyone's photos show such wonderful blooms and plants!

If I had to pick one (please don't make me...) I would say Phal. Kuntrarti Rarashati. This is a primary hybrid between Phal equestris x Phal venosa. Close to species, but with plenty of hybrid vigor. I have one plant that has nine leaves, loads of roots, two old spikes with keikis, one spike in bloom and another spike just clearing the leaves. This plant just never stops. It is also compact, never outgrowing my grow space. The plant I have just described is the clone 'Copperstate'; it is a beautiful peach-orange color. Recently at the Santa Barbara International Orchid Show I purchased a second unnamed type which is yellow with pink spots and lip. There is another clone, 'Joy' which is more pink. There's a Phal. Kuntrarti Rarashati for every taste!

jeanne

Thank you, Jeanne, for the suggestions! Peach and orange are wonderful bloom colors... and I love the coppery tones! I'll definitely look into your suggestions!

Hard to choose one. The Kuntrarti Rarashati just went on my list, sounds gorgeous!

My current favorite is Nobby's Amy, another multiflora with many, many white flowers that are flushed with pink and backs of flowers also pink. Lip is yellow. If you google it, you will find many pictures of it. I think Parkside is going to be at the Chicagoland Festival and they have it.

If you're going to be at the festival, you'll be hard pressed to choose just one. :)

I know! I can't wait to attend the Festival, but I know the choices of orchids will be beyond anything I've seen so far, and I'll be going nuts trying to make up my mind about what I want!

Oak Hill Gardens is where I'll be... it's close to my kids and grandkids. Cal-Orchid will be there, along with many other growers and vendors! Parkside, Andy's, and many more! I can't wait to see what they all bring! It should be a really fun weekend!

Nobby's Amy is very pretty! Kuntrarti Rarashati is another beauty! With all the different flower colors and other details, the choice will be a difficult one!

you are soooo lucky to be able to go to the chicagoland orchid festival.. hope you can post some photos of the event...
sue

I've got a nice digital camera with rechargeable batteries... you bet I'm taking it with! I'll be sure to get a lot of photos of the event and the flowers! And I will post as many as I can! I'm getting excited just thinking about it! :-)