Karen, Ray,

Thanks for your replies and warm welcomes to this group! This definately
provides me with a bit more insight..

So, Ray, presumably Bletillas enjoy a slightly cooler climate? Any idea
where they're from?

Karen, Ray - Bletillas doesn't seem like the MOST popular species - are
there a few 'newbie' species or popular ones that are worth me looking at?
(particularly ones that are happy indoors because of my 'lack of garden
constraint').

TIA,

Rich



"Rich" wrote in message
...
Hi there,

Yup, first orchid. I'm totally new to orchids, but have experience with
plants (bonsai, carnivorous, other exotic houseplants etc). Anyway, I was
hoping for some practical advice from the knowledgeable, hence my post.

I bought it yesterday, and it is all of about 1" tall. It currently has
two
leaves that are still not completely opened.

The tag describes it as 'Bletilla - Penway Rainbow' (presumably an
artificial hybrid). I'm intending on growing this as a houseplant as I
live
in London, England, where things such as gardens are a rare commodity!

So, any advice anyone can give on raising this plant - it's likes and
dislikes would be appreciated. I've currently got it situated near a
west-facing window, it's potted in a smallish black plastic pot (was told
small pot = good), bark compost, gravel and humidity tray.. I've started
watering with filtered water (London water has a gH of around 14), and am
planning on using a weak fertilizer (.25 strength apparently?) This all
seem
sensible so far?

A couple of other newbie questions - being aware that there are 1000's of
different species and hybrids galore, is the propagation method of orchids
similar for each species, or vastly different? For instance, how easy
would
it be to eventually propagate my Bletilla, and what methods of
propagations
are the most feasible? Also, any good books on orchids, particularly on
houseplant varieties and their care?

Many thanks in advance for your time!!

:-)

Rich (the proud new orchid grower)