Orchid Life Expectancy?

[Austinerd]

Hello All,
I was just wondering low long an orchid can be expected to live if given proper care. Of course I'm sure it depends on the species, but I'm curious how long, say, a phal will live or a Psychopsis? For those long-time orchid growers, how old are your oldest plants?
Thanks in advance for any responses.
Dan in Austin, TX

[jkofferdahl]

My oldest plant in the current collection is about 10 years old, but this is only because a rather crazed ex-wife managed to wipe out a nice collection some years ago. With, as you say, proper care an orchid plant's life expectancy is not determinable. Free of problems, disease, and that ex-wife I expect my plants to outlive me.

[cb977]

I have plants in my collection that are now what could be called third-generation...don't know hold old they are but I'm at least the 4th grower!

I have read that Sederia japonica has an expectancy of 3-4 years

[Royal]

With proper care, most should live indefinitely. I too have a few heirlooms in my collection.

[Des]

Yes, I have plants in my collection that are a lot older than i am. Some of them I bought from an old grower who was 86 when he decided to give up the hobby and go to the big Orchid house in the sky !

[cb977]

Hi Des! Welcome back!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by cb977

I have read that Sederia japonica has an expectancy of 3-4 years

huh? say it ain't so!

[Shirley]

I have a couple of plants that are more than twelve years old -- one a phal and one a paph roth cross. Bad news about the Sedirea japonica.

[cb977]

I don't know if it's correct information or not about the japonica but I do remember reading that somewhere

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by cb977

I don't know if it's correct information or not about the japonica but I do remember reading that somewhere

I hope not! try to find info about that - but couldn't find any
well guess if mine dies I can blame it on that