If I were to advise a total novice-Orchid fancier on what Orchid to buy for a start, I would say - buy yourself a really nice Cattleya in bloom. Preferably that would be in the Fall, since many Fall flowering Catts bloom a bit easier then Spring- flowering Catts, at least around here, unless you don't add artificial light.
Comes Spring with temps stabilizing to ca 60 degr. F at night, I would take that plant outside, hang it perhaps into a tree/place under it and water and fertilize it along with your garden. Comes Fall with temperatures cooling down, place it inside into a fairly bright spot, a sunny window. By now it should be used to higher light. Water, when needed/ touch the bark, if it feels dry, take it to the sink, flood the roots with room temp water, let it drip off and place it back into its spot.
By that time you should see new growths and sheaths developing, just in time for a nice Fall to early Winter bloom. Enjoy!
This works well here in NJ, I need to say!
