If I knew then what I know now...

[BikerDoc5968]

Don't buy any chids in the first place..... Wrong answer????? Build a bigger GH????? Never go to the garden center hungry????? Never shop alone???? Maybe enter into some kind of psycho-therapy... Geezzzz Sue this is a tough one for me! OB has taught me sooooo much and and and well I'm going out to the GH and see if I can find a better answer!!! Don't wait for me, I may be out there for some time!!!!

[seamonkey]

Wow, so many things I wish I'd learned earlier.

1. to avoid overpotting, as has already been mentioned. When I finally did my research, I realized that at least four orchids were horribly overpotted, which was why they weren't thriving!

2. not buying orchids that are too big for my space! That gigantic cymbidium sure looked nice in flower, but now it's a flowerless behemoth that takes light away from more compact types.

3. giving certain orchids a winter dormancy. I killed a lovely dendro by watering it regularly through the winter.

4. not buying rescue plants. Very early on I made the mistake of buying an onc. with SCALE because it was really cheap. I've more than made up for my savings with insecticidal soap and time spent Q-tipping the little buggers off.

5. phals are not supposed to be solidly packed with moss. I was always amazed at the quantity of stuff that came out of those tiny pots, and felt inadequate when I couldn't pack them as tightly :P

[annehylee]

One thing I wish I had when I first started growing orchids is to have patience. Don't fuss over it and leave it alone, lol... And NEVER over-water!!!

[Kath]

Originally Posted by annehylee

One thing I wish I had when I first started growing orchids is to have patience.

I so agree with this. I had no patience at all with my poor orchids, then we moved house and the orchids were all in a very small GH with lots of light, no heating and water when my son could throw a bit at them. They all survived! Then, when we moved in to the house, I thought that my plants didn't have enough attention. Mistake! Now I give attention when they seem to need water and to check for bugs etc.

Oh and by the way, what is 'over-potting' Is it planting in a pot too big?

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by Kath

Oh and by the way, what is 'over-potting' Is it planting in a pot too big?

Yes, orchids really hate being in pots that are too big. They might not bloom if they have too much room at their feet, and worst case scenario they'll get root rot since there is so much empty medium.
Now my rule is 'when in doubt repot in the same sized pot'!

[learning2letgo]

I would have started off with more paphiopedilums if I had known how much easier they are to care for than other species

[Stefan]

good question,
well i would have repotted orchids at the right time, that is when the roots where active, not dormant, ie in winter, saving alot of plants that died due to root rot.
-to follow gut instinct, as it usually paid off.
-to stick to the basics
-again, not over pot orchids
-chose orchids wisely
-stay away from seductive phals, as they are nothing but time consuming babys that always need attention, and the moment there needs are not met they die ( in my opinion anyway)
-don't listen to what everyone says, take the advise you hear often, and on the OB, these people arn't trying to condem you to buy more orchids, and fail in growing orchids. i was told to water alot for one plant, which killed it, and to water little for another, which killed it.
- although flowers in the sun open faster, they do not look good, having alot of sun damage
- and finally, stay away from seedlings, untill i have the experience to tackle them, as they, like phals, are only there to take up time, and cause nothing but pain and suffering ( again only in my experience)

stefan

[RosieC]

I would not have thought 'oh the local garden center orchid bark will be good enough for a begginer like me'.

No, no, no... get the quality stuff every time.

[SamandAnne]

Great idea!

Similar to those above, I'm glad I learned to repot and to check that the medium works for the plants and watering requirements. For me, that meant repotting phals from sphag into bark right away.

Glad I learned how important the roots are, and to use clear pots to be able to check if they need water or not.

And to be careful to follow the instructions given to care for each one, and not just try to "wing it!"

Thanks to all those on the board who taught me these things! Looking forward to some thriving plants...

[quietmorning]

Originally Posted by RosieC

I would not have thought 'oh the local garden center orchid bark will be good enough for a begginer like me'.

No, no, no... get the quality stuff every time.

**just learned something new... again!!** Rosie, what kind of bark do you use, if you don't mind my asking. . .and what is the difference between the 'good stuff' and the stuff. . . my phal is currently living in purchased from my local garden center?