How many orchids in a collection is normal? - Page 7 - Orchid Board

fotofashion · #61 12-01-2009, 02:15 PM

Well, let's see. It took me the better part of a day to clean out the GH to get it ready for winter (which, BTW, is making itself known). We may even get snow on friday. Unusual but not unknown.
Then it took me three or four days to get most of my plants into and accommodated in the GH. I still have a few ferns, two cimbidiums and two epiphyllums outside.
I have around 80 orchid plants, with four recent wins on eBay due to arrive tomorrow. But I also have upwards of 50 rhipsalis, numerous desert cacti, staghorn ferns, and over 30 epiphyllums plus around 15 Hoyas.
I imagine if you were to ask others, they too, have more than "just" orchids.
My question would be rather "what constitutes a well rounded collection?" Of course the answer would depend on one's location and growing conditions.

Beverly A.

shadytrake · #62 12-01-2009, 04:11 PM

Normal for me is having an orchid in bloom every day of the year (even if I have to go out and buy one to look at while I'm waiting for one I already have)

I probably have over 200 right now (a bunch are compot seedlings) and I have about 10 flasks on reservation at Troys.

Hedge · #63 12-01-2009, 05:01 PM

How did I miss this tread back in June....

Who wants to be normal?

I was once told that the only predictable thing about me was that I was unpredictable. I'm still trying to work out if that's good or bad.............

On the subject of orchids, I have around thirty four now, just been given two more paphs for my up and coming birthday - a big number... But I also have twenty five pelargoniums (mostly scented leaf types) and over sixty succulents and cacti. Then there's the garden and the pots of bulbs and .... well you get the picture. And to think I used to grow houseplants with interesting leaves. Every room has flowering plants in now and I'm never without an orchid in flower thanks mostly to my Phal noids

orchids3 · #64 12-01-2009, 05:46 PM

My cymbidiums collection quit going in when it reached 2000 - but then I live in a differant climate than you. Have come to the conclusion that collections are not "too" large, the only problem is our accomodations are too small.

shadytrake · #65 12-01-2009, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchids3

Have come to the conclusion that collections are not "too" large, the only problem is our accomodations are too small.

This is sooooo true!

Country Gramma · #66 12-02-2009, 12:03 AM

Well, right now I have 16 but thats been only since Oct 30. I only had three up till then. Oh, and I'm waiting for another Masti from Ray.

I just looked at my shelves and said to my DH that it looked like there was still room.

Hopefully not for long. There's another show on Cape Cod in Jan (I think)

Sounds like another weekend to my favorite place "The Cape"

Karen

fotofashion · #67 12-03-2009, 09:59 PM

Got a very important question for y'all. Yesterday, DH bought my a plotter, used, refurbished, $800 +. Then he tells me I can't buy any more orchids "this decade."

When does this decade end? December 2009 or December 2010?
I just received four really nice plants from Kawamoto Orchids yesterday and have no intentions of buying any more this month. But, what will I do for an entire year without a new plant or 2 or 3 or 4.....
I await your answer or at least your condolences.

Beverly A.

shadytrake · #68 12-04-2009, 12:56 AM

Well according to every internet site I researched, the decade is 2000-2009 because you start at year zero.

So you only have 28 days to wait.

Hedge · #69 12-04-2009, 06:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fotofashion

But, what will I do for an entire year without a new plant or 2 or 3 or 4.....
I await your answer or at least your condolences.

Beverly A.

I made a new year's resolution last year to abstain from buying orchids because of financial considerations - I made it last until the end of April.... Since then I've bought four, been given two as gifts and donated three by incompetent keepers.

My recommendation to you is to beg new ones off friends in lieu of other gifts or better still get them to buy you gift vouchers for all occasions including DH's birthday to spend at your favourite supplier

Meanwhile, commiserations - but just let them try forbidding me chocolate!

snakecharma · #70 12-04-2009, 03:34 PM

What is this "normal" of which you speak?

The amount of orchids in my collection is never the reason I get thought of as weird - more likely it is the 8 snakes, or the 5 lizards, or the odd Heirloom veggies I grow, but most likely its the motorbike. Yeah, definitely the motorbike

The Other Half doesn't really get it (he's not a plant person at all), but I don't really get firearms either, so it's all good.

A quick chid count is about 50 plants. I really need to get those terrestrials I was meaning to order......