First Phal.

[Mikeg]

Why do they have those quarantine laws?

[Rosiefuture]

Originally Posted by Mikeg

Why do they have those quarantine laws?

Hi Mike,

Any country has quarantine laws to stop infection or infestation coming in from outside. A tiny bug or disease that is not much of a problem in one country can absolutely devistate an animal or plant polutation in another country. Australia has really paid the price of non-native animals being brought into the country. Animals like rabbits, foxes, cats, camels and donkeys have all been brought in to mention just a few. The cats and foxes in particular have desimated populations of our native species, a lot of which are now extinct.

Where plants are concerned it's the same sort of thing. Bringing in non-native species can bring with them infections and diseases that are not found here. Because our flora may not have any diffence against them they can wipe out native flora and also crops. Bugs and infections are found in some parts of Australia that aren't found in others. Because of this WA has laws that certain plants are not allowed to be brought in. Also some plants are considered 'noxious weeds' meaning they will spread and take over areas where native flora would normally thrive.

Hope this helps. I love when someone is interested enough to ask questions about these things.

[RosieC]

On a sick day not that long ago I watched a show we get over here about an Australian airport. From that I've seen how strict the quantantine is... someone wasn't alowed to bring in a reed mat in case it carried bugs.

I actually agree with these sort of very careful policies to avoid something which could cause a lot of problems. Of course if you want to import something I bet it's a pain, but better to be careful in my opinion.

[RosieC]

Mike I just love your Phal. Mine of this type of colouring is undergoing my first trial of S/H and is actually doing the best of all the ones I'm trying in that. I'm really pleased because I just love it's colour.

[Mikeg]

Thanks Rosie! Is your avatar a MIltonia? And RosieFuture thanks for answering all my questions lol I just love Australia and want to live their when I get older to be a Marine Biologist. And I can understand completely why they have those laws it's wonderful to see somewhere in the world who has common sense! Lol. Sorry for the late replies been really busy with school and work. Thankfully it's the weekend and can rest some Lol.!

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Mikeg

Thanks Rosie! Is your avatar a MIltonia?

Yeah, I just changed it to a Miltoniopsis last night. Yesterday I took lots of pics of my orchids in flower just now, which I've not had chance to post yet, but this was one of my favourite and the first time it's rebloomed for me.

[Wrebbitrocks]

aw, i remember when i got MY first phal 3 years ago when i was 15. and then killed it 2 days later haha.....i SOOOOOOO overwatered it. not my first though. i started with a dendro(also died in about a week). couple hundred dollars later and many a dead orchids, i can keep them alive....barely....but alive this is really pretty. i like white phals to decorate with. very elegant. a good tip is to water on weekends because when you have to water again, you arent in school. what is your whole collection right now?

speaking of quarantines.... >:/ arizona is the worst. we have the same problem as australia. high priced orchids because of the same spraying laws and whatnot. whats sad is that its not even to protect the native species....its to protect the citrus and watermelon trees we farm in the state for the rest of the country. LAME. unless you know where to look then orchids arent a cheap hobby. usually when i get orchids shipped here its because the vendor has a permit or il tell them to NOT write live plants on the box so the package isnt seized. il risk a plant if i really want it.

oh and btw, i also noticed some of my phals with those notches in the lateral petals on the top. i too want to know whats with that.

[Mikeg]

It's a very beautiful one rosie may I ask for the name for my wish list? Lol. And WrebbitRocks......Watermelons come from trees????? Lol And thanks for the tip on the weekend waterings! I never thought of that. And my Orchids have been really neglected this last month with school, work, and marching band twice a week but they're hanging in there. My whole collection Is as follows; Lc. Rojo X Ctna. Keith roth 'Highland', Burrageara Dee Luce 'Everglades', Miltonia Jean Sabourin 'Vulcain' AM/AOS, and the white phal. It's a collecton in progress lol my mom was just complaining today about me having too many plants because all 10 windows in the kitchen are filled with MY plants so I had to move some to a different area Lol. And, I luckily haven't killed one orchid yet!

[Call_Me_Bob]

I had found a good spot for mine. In a room upstairs. But my mom made my sister move into that room, so I had to figure something out. I ended up takif all my orchids into my room. But since my room is a basement room, I had to get shelves and lights. But I have more space now

Your phal is very nice. I too remember my first phal

[Wrebbitrocks]

OMG, its like a mini me i was in marching band too!!!! <3 what do you play? im a horn player/ mallet percussion (marimba). i remember when MY mom ALWAYS complained about my hobby. "why dont you use that money for new clothes" and whatnot. and same situ with the windows. school and work and marching band always made me neglect mine as well so thats why i moved watering to weekends.

dont worry. after a while, your mom will learn to like them. my mom began liking them when she was bored at home. we were all at school and she had finished cleaning except for the dishes, so while she was washing them, she was looking at the plants above the sink, particularly at one in fat bud. so she spent the whole time watching it open and she fell in love with the intricate unfolding of the bloom throughout the day. now she ASKS me to buy them for the house as decoration.