Chris,

Based on your questions about watering, I assume that you have very recently
aquired the Phal. I would advise you to wait a while before acquiring other
plants. While I think that Ray's beginner's advice at
http://www.firstrays.com/beginner.htm is maybe a bit too conservative (if I
understand it correctly, it seems to suggest waiting a few years before
trying a different type of orchid), still I think that while a bit more
conservative than most of us are willing to actually adher to it is
basically sound advice.

Different orchid types will have different requirements than Phals, but once
you have learned from the experience of growing a Phal you would have a
better sense of how to adjust the culture to the other orchid species. For
example, if you find that the Phal's leaves grow too dark, and it won't
rebloom next year, then you would know that you definitely need to add a
grow lamp and that a different orchid species that requires even more light
would not have a chance otherwise.

However, as I said I think Ray's beginner's advice may be a bit too
conservative than most of us are willing to live with (considering how
addictive orchids are, waiting before buying more may not be an option :-) ,
and thus I would say, get more Phals -- my own experience has taught me that
it is not much more difficult to keep several Phals alive/thriving than to
keep one alive.

There are some fragrant Phals, so if you are looking for fragrence, you
might look for those.

I have had some mixed experience with mail ordering plants, and definitely
think that getting plants from local vendors is better if possible. If for
no other reason, then because you can actually get a plant in bloom and less
chance of bud blast. However, if after all this you are determined to mail
order, I would recommend Al's Greenhouse (www.orchidexchange.com) for
reasonable prices, good plants, good service, and a great source of advice.
There is another vendor I would recommend as well, but you said that you are
looking for cheap, so I won't.

Hope this helps,
Joanna


"The Enigma" wrote in message
.com...
I don't really under stand how a company can ship a fragile orchid in a
box
but where's the best place to buy on the internet? I looking at the cheap
and healthy. I have a Phal, what orchids should I get next? I want one
that
has a nice smell and looks pretty.

Thanks
Chris