How many orchids have you killed?

[trdyl]

Over the past 34 years of growing on and off I would have to say 60+.

[Ray]

I was told - a log time ago - that one is not an "orchid expert" until he has killed his weight in plants.

I suppose I am an expert.

Also, as I grow older, I seem to have more room for expanding my expertise (according to the bathroom scale).

[trdyl]

Originally Posted by Ray

I was told - a log time ago - that one is not an "orchid expert" until he has killed his weight in plants.

I suppose I am an expert.

Also, as I grow older, I seem to have more room for expanding my expertise (according to the bathroom scale).

Nicely put Ray.

[PleuroPal]

Let's see...
I killed a Brassovola nodosa a few years back by leaving it next to a slightly open window when I left town for Thanksgiving - froze to death. I killed a Masdevalia mendozae with too much sunlight, most likely. And I've lost four this year alone: My Gastrorchis tuberculosa slowly declined over the course of years - I never could figure out what it wanted. Same thing with my Dracula houteanna - a long slow decline. My Masdevalia atropurpurea died this summer - probably from too much light/heat and not enough water. (I was out of town on business a lot.) And finally, I have a Milt. 'Hawaiian Sunset" that is just days away from the garbage heap I fear. So yes, it happens. A lot. I only wish I could say I learned something from each one of these deaths, but the sad fact is a couple of them are complete mysteries to me.
Oh yeah, I have an Ascocenda something-or-other that has always been a problem child, but it's not dead yet. Again, a complete mystery though - I've tried everything. <shrug>

[Phyrex]

I have 108 orchids now and on the way since summer 2007 I have killed 10.
1. Phal Cygnus; my first try at orchids, didn't last too long. Overwatered it and killed it in a blink.

2. Paph Jogjae my first of 3 paphs that I purchased, this one slowly dwindled and croaked. I have another one and it's doing splendid. one of other 2 paphs in this purchase is doing really well and the other was divided and traded.

3. One of my first catts Cherry Song x Netrasiri Beauty gifted from someone on the board. Never really took at my place and slowly went away.

4&5. Blc I purchased off of ebay which weren't in a very good condition (I chalked these up as not my fault).

6. Phal Salu Peoker; lovely plant looked stunning for a week and 2 days later it was dead. Still haven't got a clue what happened.

7. Neostylis Lou Sneary; I potted it in the wrong medium and treated it as a real Neo. Bad me.

8&9. Two phal species seedlings that lost their leaves one by one and just peaced out.

10. Den kingianum single cane I got in a trade as something extra that was in dire need of TLC. I managed to get it to grow some leaves and a new cane after which it perished because of me leaving it in water culture too long to save it.

11. Neo var. Shutennou; not sure if I should count this one. I sold it to a board member and after a couple of days it passed. It must have been bad to begin with so I'm claiming it as my loss (the plant was replaced with another one that is doing fine).

There are a few more that are still hangning in there and might or might not make it through.

On the flip side though I've managed to divide several catts and oncs and save several flower store leftover phals so I'm guessing I'm about even on the killing and saving now.

[Connie Star]

I'm worried- I haven't killed one yet- I'm only a senior member because I post a lot- been at this for just under a year.
I guess I'll take my time catching up to Ray- in dead plants, and weight!

[got ants]

TOO many!!

What irks me now is the ones I really want to get the hang of just ain't working out... species Tolumnias. The hybrids flourish no problems. I still haven't figgered just what I'm doing wrong.

I mean COME ON!!! I've now resided to leave them alone. No water/fert, notta no thing. It's not like they get loving care out in the wild?

What I'm thinking is since they are from growers, they just have bad genes...right?

What really sucks, I wish to garner species from my local... Florida, the Bahamas, Cuba and Jamaica, etc. I even have a Tolumnia prionochilum that I picked from St Jose. Yeah, I know it was bad of me. I didn't know so at that time but that's still no excuse. Anyhoos, it's near death and I want this one so badly to succeed.

Any help?

[tim abbott]

I've been lucky, I have been collecting orchids for about 5-6 years maybe & I haven't managed to kill any yet although several bear the scars of my mistakes, I have found them to be very hardy & resiliant.

Tim Abbott

[Ray]

You have plenty of time, Connie. I've got about 35 years on you.

[Connie Star]

Originally Posted by Ray

You have plenty of time, Connie. I've got about 35 years on you.

Not so sure Ray- unless you are 95!