Re-growing old plants and going full circle

[Mr.Fakename]

I stumbled upon that pic recently:




This Phalaenopsis javanica is, if I remember correctly, the second Phal species I bought.

I do not recall how that plant died; but a vivid memory is of loving those unusual, cupped flowers. For years, I've searched high and low to get an alba form, I became obsessed by their fantastic looking blooms. Unfortunately, it used to be an incredibly rare and sought after orchid, immediately selling for hundreds of euros.


If the date is to be believed, it was 8 years ago that I bloomed this species for the first time.
Today, I own an alba javanica, and I feel that blooming this plant is an accomplishment, a victory over my former self, who killed that species.


I most definitely wouldn't have gotten to where I am now without the precious help and tips of more experienced growers; and I am grateful for (almost) every story, every enriching discussion, whether in real life or on the Internet.


I'd be very interested in knowing what plants y'all have struggled with, until you improved and tamed them, and what you changed to achieve success!
What victory made you realize you were a much better grower than you used to be?