Most people start out with Phals, since they are so pretty, widely available and fairly cheap. I think it is great that they truly have become main stream!
Ken, I think this is a really good thread you started here, lots of good advice!
Now living in NJ and considering our Summer climate, for me a Fall - flowering Cattleya ( /Cattleya hybrid) is/was just about the easiest Orchid to start out with. I say Fall -flowering, because those are a bit easier to bloom for a beginner than Spring flowering Cattleyas. Take them outside for the Summer ( when night temps are holding around 60 degr F), give them a nice protected spot, good light, and water and fertilize along with your garden. By the end of the Summer you should see good new growth. Comes Fall, take them back inside into a bright/sunny spot and watch them bloom by October - December. (Of course you have continued watering inside…)
Which Catts do bloom in the Fall, you ask? One way would be to read our Fall threads and see what blooms in those months. Another is visiting orchid nurseries in your area/ Orchid Shows/Open House and simply ask!
