Starting with everything except knowledge!

[JimA]

We recently purchased a new home in the suburbs and it had an attached fully equipped greenhouse. When I mentioned to some friends that I was about to embark on the the hobby of Orchids, I immediately received the gifts of about 8 plants in various degrees of health, mostly "poor." So I bought a few books and started reading. But by the time I accumulate any useful amount of "book smarts," I'm afraid these plants will croak. Help! Is there someone out there who would let me email them pictures of these hardship cases, and who would then make suggestions as to the rightr first aid? I would be most grateful.

If the pictures aren't useful, maybe just some rudimentary advice on water/sun/temperature/fertilizer? etc. will be welcome.
Thanks in advance.
JimA

[littlefrog]

Where are you in the world? Might be somebody willing to pop on over and give you advice in person, or maybe we could direct you to a local orchid society.

[cb977]

Hi Jim Nice to have you joining us

Do the orchids you received have name tags in them?
You can post pictures here too, here are some tips:

Thumbnail pics in posts

Once we know what types of orchids you have, we can give you some advice on basic care for them...
plus we love seeing orchid pictures

[Dorothy]

WELCOME!
Don't panic - orchids are hardy and if they are a bit under the weather, they can recover very well
Post photos here and you will get plenty of suggestions and advice
First, we must identify what type of orchid they are.
Then there is plenty of info here to help you - there are care sheets to give you a basic understanding of the needs of the genera and/or alliance of orchid you have.
If you need guidance on this forum .. just give out a shout and we'll assist you along
So for now - post pics here so we can id what you have then we'll go from there

[JimA]

I never received so much good advice from anyone about anything!! Good grief, now I have to produce. So I am rushing out to the greenhouse and taking pictures and making notes from the tags that are in several pots. And then I shall follow the directions for uploading the pics here and prepare for the return advisories.
This is exciting.
If I'm not careful I may just give up everything else in my life and become an addict!

TO THE greehouse ! !

[JimA]

fOR THOSE WHO ASKED....I LIVE IN THE COUNTY OF WESTCHESTER IN THE STATE OF NEW YORK, IN THE U.S. OF A. (This is a very sad anniversary here, as all of us knew persons who perished here 6 years ago. But plaeas don't reply to this note; right now I'm thinking beautiful thoughts about orchids!)

[shakkai]

Welcome, Jim! It is very easy to become an orchid addict - especially with a group of 'enablers' like you'll find here!

Really, though, no need to panic. If you have labels, that's great - you can then get some detailed information and loads of advice from everyone here. Even without labels, if you post photos, we can probably narrow down the type of orchid and give general advice.

You've got a great opportunity to start a lifetime hobby, and one that will never bore you, as there are always new things and new orchids to try you hand at! Congratulations on getting a house that came with a full blown greenhouse, and on having such nice friends that give you orchids!! You've just made a whole bunch of new friends by joining us here.

[JimA]

I really am overwhelmed with the kindesses flowing in here. Too bad we cannot use this attitude to make the world a better place. Ah well, better to light . . . . . .etc.

[Dorothy]

Nice to have a orchid neighbor - I live on Long Island and had just been to the Reptile Show at the County Center in White Plains and picked up my first Exo-Terra Tank
For now, I shall set it up as an orchidarium but .. I see vivariums in the near future

Jim - warm orchid attitude runs full here and will overspills into your everyday life as it has mine
It does make this world a better place

Orchid addiction? .. say it isn't so ..

[Rosim_in_BR]

Hello from Brazil, JimA! Welcome to OB and the wonderful world of orchids. As everybody says, the only problem with orchids is that they are like virus; once in your blood stream... there's no cure at all!