How infections do you find orchids to be? - Orchid Board

FairyInTheFlowers · #1 09-02-2010, 12:14 PM

Hi, I was wondering on average how infectious growing orchids are to everyone on this site? Do you find it easy to get other people hooked on orchids, or do you find that only a certain few have a chance to get hooked? And do you find that it only goes to an extent, or to you have an unsatisfiable thirst for new orchids?

neb · #2 09-03-2010, 09:04 PM

If you give someone an Oncidium alliance or other orchid that will most likely bloom again then it is easy to get people hooked. Now if you give them a Phalaenopsis it doesn’t work as well.

thakshila smith · #3 09-03-2010, 09:28 PM

Really its difficult for me to understand the question.
I think every one is having an idea or interest on it. But most of them do not know how to grow it.
I heard that some people buy plants with blooms and when they wilt away just throw them away.
Its a hobby . I may inform you .

Masdyman · #4 09-04-2010, 06:16 AM

I think growing orchids for some is addictive but so is every hobby , you have to look at the long term and if you are still doing it after a couple of years you could say you are hooked !
I collect orchids -i am hooked no doubt ,i have just taken up golf and at the minute i am as hooked and think long term still will be .
I also think some have that something in them that makes them collect and do something full steam ,not everyone buys a orchids and then collect them .So i suppose the answer is no they are not infectious it is whatever floats your boat that makes something addictive or not .

CTB · #5 09-04-2010, 06:25 AM

We become orchidoholics and seek out other orchidoholics, and we promote orchidoholism.

Swamper · #6 09-04-2010, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTB

We become orchidoholics and seek out other orchidoholics, and we promote orchidoholism.

That's cute, I like that answer.

Lagoon · #7 09-04-2010, 08:00 AM

Orchids are great and I love keeping them. But, I also think you have to save or set aside time for other interests you might have. I also think time that you have for any hobby is important. Having 100+ orchids is a good number for me, sure I could have 300 but I know I wouldn't be able to give them the time and care they need. I'm growing inside, no greenhouse for me

I want to have nice clean/ pest free blooming machines, If I had more then want I have now ... I feel they would be in SO-SO shape a burden to me. At some point you just have to say NO to new orchids or trade some out and get the new ones you want.

Orchid keeping is a wonderful hobby, it could get very out of control (been there, done that) at some point I feel you do need to put a lid on it. I did that last year having close to 200 orchids. I feel much better now and I think my orchids are just doing better to.

I believe for me, its under control, it doesn't mean I'm not tempted from time to time

Gin · #8 09-04-2010, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CTB

We become orchidoholics and seek out other orchidoholics, and we promote orchidoholism.

Right on !

peeweelovesbooks · #9 09-04-2010, 10:43 PM

Hmmmmm........

I'm a "collector" by nature, but I also tend to lose interest in a given topic quickly. So, I'm rather surprised that I've gotten into orchids as much as I have.

I'm slowly starting to get into other aspects of gardening and just not orchids. But, I have come to the conclusion that I'd rather have a smallish collection and enjoy myself, rather than amass a great number of them and find it to be a chore.

So, about 6 months ago I gave away about 50% of what I had, and I've kept my numbers around 80ish.

As far as getting anyone hooked--I'm really not interested in doing that!! LOL People for some reason are fascinated by orchids I have at work--and for some reason are not as equally fascinated with my sister's phals (which are also in her office).

They stop to check out my plants all the time.