I agree with ginnibug, diversity in leaves is what really makes the plants attractive since most of the year they don't have flowers. I have one of the miniatures where the entire plant is no more than an inch-and-a-half tall. Variety is Seiryujishi. But my problem is that although the plants grow very well here in north Florida, the hot summers tend to prevent it from blooming except just occasionally; my Neo falcata plants can go years between blooms.

For inexpensive species Phals, check out Oak Hill Gardens. They always have a big selection. But be sure to check out sizes, as a $4 bastianii is a small seedling. You don't need to buy a blooming size plant (price marked with an asterisk), but depending on your level of experience, you can choose one a year or so from blooming. Over the years, I have gotten many of my species Phals from them. Just a bit of information: Phal braceana is a cool-intermediate to cool-grower and will not be happy with 95F summer temps (I keep mine in the air-conditioning during the summer). Phal cochlearis grows on limestone cliffs and likes a more alkaline environment -- I have a few chunks of S. Fla coral rock in the pot with it. Speaking of limestone cliff dwellers, Jay has a good list of Phals. Just do a search of the page for the word "limestone" Here is a link that might be useful: Phals growing on limestone

>A new genus of tree is always good news, makes you wonder what else is still out thereUnder current conditions dozens of species are being obliterated every day, some without ever having been examined and classified by scientists.

I don't know of anyone that is raising epiphytic rhododendrons out of their native habitat as epiphytes. They are epiphytes at very high elevations in the himalayan mountains. Here are pictures of the new rhododendron found in New Guinea: This photo released by Conservation International shows what their scientists suspect to be a new species of Rhododendron (Rhododendron macgregoriae) seen on the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) expedition to the Foya Mountains of Papua province, Indonesia's easternmost Ppua province in December 2005. Scientists discovered a 'Lost World' in an isolated Indonesian jungle, identifying dozens of new species of frogs, butterflies and plants _ as well as large mammals hunted to near extinction elsewhere, members of the expedition said Tuesday. "Giant White" Rhododendron, a species yet to be described, possibly the largest of any rhododendron species in the world, seen on the Conservation International Rapid Assessment Program expedition to the Foja Mountains in Papua, Indonesia, on the island of New Guinea.(Wayne Takeuchi) Wayne Takeuchi is a Botanist with PNG Forest Research Insitute, P.O. Box 314, Lae, Morobe, PNG. He also is affiliated with Harvard University. Here is a link that might be useful: For more info