my orchid tragedy last night

[VickiC]

Thanks for the encouagement, Becky.....but I hate to hear that you've had "orchid-tragedys" in the past, too. Pretty scary, aren't they? Strange, isn't it.....that they grow better after having an accident?! In that case, maybe something good's came out of it afterall. Maybe mine will start growing like weeds. (I wish) As for what it is that seems to revive them, maybe they just needed a good shaking up. lol

Originally Posted by Becky15349

Actually, on a positive note, I've had some orchids completely thrown out of their pots after falling, and they grow better after this happens! Maybe its something about being repotted, or falling, but it seems to revive them! Stay positive, and good for you for not giving up!! They will repay you for it

[VickiC]

Oh my....boy can I relate to how you must have felt. I'm sorry it happened to you, but I've got a feeling you have replaced them since then several fold, though. lol

You are so sweet....thank you so much for offering to help me "rebuild", but after having taken a much more accurate tally this morn., I'm in better shape than I thought. Far from good, but not quite as bad as I was so afraid of. As I was telling Royal, I really wanna take a closer look at some that are still in the living room on the floor. It is really rainy, dark and gloomy today, and the light is awful. Hopefully, when the weather clears a tad, I can take them back outside....but if for nothing more than to take a look. Hopefully....and I said HOPEFULLY, I'll be able to move them into a new "growing area" of their own soon...maybe in a few days???....a room that Rodney's helping me fix up (his old electronics work shop off from our garage)

Maybe I should have told you that I lost totally every single orchid I had....demolished....gone and never to return (lol).....that way I might have been able to add bigtime to my collection....gifts from you, that is....I could have "made a list". lol NEVER would I do that, though! That's NOT at all in my character (thankfully). I could never tell anyone such as that. Couldn't sleep at night, for one thing. lol

Again, thank you very much for offering, Marilyn. It sure is good to know that there are thoughtul people here in the world.

Originally Posted by Grandma M

Really feel bad for you. I lost about 20 vandas to a storm a couple years ago. Only 2 survived and I know how sick I felt.

What did you lose? I can help replace some if I know what you grow or need. Make a list.

Marilyn

[VickiC]

Thank you, Susie. All of you are making me feel better....just knowing (as I actually already knew) that there are such good people here. I really do appreciate you being so thoughtful by replying to my post, as you did. I sure have been glad to hear that orchids are tough because I sure can have some "blonde moment" accidents (involving others [not necessarily people obviously] sometime).....and add that to the fact that I am no longer a young person (sad, but true. lol ).....situations can really get rough. lol
Vicki

Yes, Rodney has been quite a help to me, but guess who has done most of the "moving" work....taking his electronics stuff out of the room and putting it on shelves in the garage?! You got it.....yours truly. lol And to top that off, much of it was not light to move around.
Vicki

Originally Posted by susiep

Vickie, I feel so bad for you! I have had similar catastrophes myself, but never as big as yours. You know orchids are really hardy and in nature go through worse than that. As shirley said you will have to deal with the cosmetic damage for a while. At least your hubby is helping you set up a nice room! All snug and safe indoors. Lucky plants to have you caring for them!

[VickiC]

Thank you! I'm sure everything will be fine. I do panic more than I should, though. Maybe that's really not a bad thing, in a way, cuz a person who does that can be very pleasantly surprised if the situation turns out better than expected. lol
Vicki

Originally Posted by Buds!

Oh Vicki, I am so sorry about your orchids!
I hope they will make a quick recovery!

[VickiC]

Thank you a lot for the encouragement....I won't give up, if the orchids won't.

You have really tough growing conditions there. I thought Alabama conditions weren't so good, but your extremes are awful. I can relate to the 100 degrees, but I can hardly relate to 5% humidity. You sure showed me a good example of how tough they are. By the way (subject change) I hope you are doing well after having been in the hospital. Also, how is your greenhouse coming along? Now don't tell me your fiance has started it yet. lol If he hasn't.....you sure his name isn't Rodney?!? lol
Vicki

Originally Posted by utah

Have faith in the 'chids Vickie! I know it's a mess but, like everyone says, they are tough.

I spent a week in the hospital a few weeks ago and my 17-year old son was on "water the orchids 2x a day" (over 100 degrees here with 5% humidity) duty. I think that over the 5 days they may have been watered 2 or 3 times - total. They were cooked when I got home. All 150+ bounced back except one.

Oh, and he had let the koi pond nearly go dry: "I wondered why it sounded funny" - (duh, the pump was sitting above the water line!!)

Have confidence in the orchids and enjoy that new room. My post-hospital melt-down was motivation for my fiance to get off his rear end and begin building me the greenhouse he promised for my birthday (3 months ago)

Get those babies into a raccoon, wind free environment with plenty of room for more!

[VickiC]

Hi....thanks for the tip! I started using KLN a few weeks ago, and I feel like it has helped.....but since what it helped probably went down the drain, I'm sure gonna use it this next go-round. In fact, I've already started.....yesterday when I repotted.
Thanks,
Vicki

Originally Posted by betwixtimes

I've been told that dyno-gro KLN helps to promote root growth. Sorry if that's not helpful---

[CoolPhrog]

I'm so sorry to hear about your Fay issues...trust me, you're not alone we're here for you!!!

A very wise woman said to me (very recently), "Orchids are tougher than you think." Here's a parental statement - It hurt you worse than it hurt them...

I'm sure you and your hubby will have them looking oooh la la very soon

[utah]

I'm sure the orchids will make it. They have a great 'chid mom! :-)

Thanks for asking how I am doing. It was pretty rough there for a while. My "simple" out-patient procedure (to fix a problem caused by my cancer treatment) turned into 5 days on an IV and ice chips with severe pancreatitis. It's an ongoing battle.

Good news is I only had to say goodbye to one 'chid and the teenager is still alive. As punishment I'm making him help my fiance wire all the electricity in the new greenhouse and strip old siding off the garage for new cedar. I'm having the greenhouse built attached on the East side of my garage where I used to have a covered patio. Lots of work but my little green babies need a nice home.

Let us know how your orchids make out. Bet they are bigger and better than ever next spring!

Originally Posted by VickiC

Thank you a lot for the encouragement....I won't give up, if the orchids won't.

You have really tough growing conditions there. I thought Alabama conditions weren't so good, but your extremes are awful. I can relate to the 100 degrees, but I can hardly relate to 5% humidity. You sure showed me a good example of how tough they are. By the way (subject change) I hope you are doing well after having been in the hospital. Also, how is your greenhouse coming along? Now don't tell me your fiance has started it yet. lol If he hasn't.....you sure his name isn't Rodney?!? lol
Vicki

[Ray]

Vicki,

Having had a greenhouse blown away in a tornado, another crushed by falling limbs from trees, and a complete, 20-year collection lost to a heater failure on a 7° night, all I can tell you is to keep your chin up and understand that you are rapidly becoming an "orchid veteran".

[Grandma M]

OH NO!!!! 3 times, Ray? Mr. Murphy has been working overtime at your house.

Marilyn