Bob, I like them a lot myself, and as you said, "What's not to like"? I also like the oncidiums, but I don't have a place for those. I had a greenhouse years ago, and I had gotten many plants of various genera that were collected (presumably by volunteers) in areas that were being deforested, mostly Mexico, Central America and southeast Asia and India. They were, of course, species. I did have a few hybrids, Catts, BLCs etc. The collected wild plants were available at pretty low prices then, through an organization in Michigan, which is no longer in existence. I'm not even sure how they were able to bring the plants into the US, but I know it was done according to laws in place at that time. Anyway, one winter we had a terrible storm and it literally blew my greenhouse apart. Everything was lost.......all the orchids, some Australian shrubs and Acacia tree and several bromeliads, all mature and several years old. Anyway, the phals are the way to go now, and fortunately they are not expensive (unless of course you seek out a revered hybrid), and they're readily available. Everywhere from supermarkets to Home Depot, Sam's Club etc. has them for sale. Good luck with your collection!

If the original container has drain holes you can use it. The dark spot might be sunburn from your window. I would not repot unless your pot has no drainage. I'd wait to repot until you see growth occurring, which should be early Spring. If the sphagnum is very dry, give they plant a soak, let it drain well then put it back in the same pot. I wouldn't disturb the roots this time of year. Sorry I didn't retread your other posts before replying. It was after 1am, long day/night of shopping and cookie baking, and probably too many 'rum-balls.'...have to keep tasting the cookies to make sure I added enough rum, Merry, Merry, Jane

Yeah I think you're right about the white; looked again today and it was gone. The scale on the last plant if there is subtle, but how about the numerous non-subtle brown spots, some of which look eaten into the leaf? Some kind of mite? If so, here's the combo I've come up with: Acephate - Amazon: "97UP 1lb bag Generic Orthene Insect & Fire Ant Killer" - http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05507.html says "Insecticide with some effectiveness against spider mites. Systemic." Forbid 4F - eBay: "Free Forbid 4F Miticide Spiromesifen 1/4 OZ free gift when u purchase 3 pipettes" - "Like Avid, it is translaminar. The active ingredient, spiromesifin, while not systemic (i.e., it does not move through the plant’s vascular system like, for example, Merit does), is absorbed by the plant’s leaves and will move from the tops of the leaves to the bottoms where the mites feed." A lot of the more mainstream systemic products use Imidacloprid, and while they don't claim to work against mites, they also don't mention that one reason that spider mites become a problem is insecticides [such as Imidacloprid] that kill their natural predators.

It is a Phalaenopsis orchid given a blue dye treatment to produce blue flowers. If you can keep it alive future blooms will be white. The marks on the leaves are probably sunburn. No treatment, just a bit unsightly. Find some complete cultivation notes for where you are in the world and go from there. Freshly opened blooms should last for several months in good conditions. Bright Light (Not direct sunlight) Temperature range 60 to 90F Keep potting material slightly moist. First step is to provide conditions for the blooms to last. Longer care needs reference to complete cultivation notes.