Toronto sources for orchids/keikis

[ksb]

I have a very few orchids, mostly Phalaeonopsis though I just bought an Oncidium 'twinkle' @ SOOS on Sunday. I was really hoping for a meeting. I would love to get to know people with knowledge of growing orchids here in the GTA.

I would really love to be successful growing lots of orchids. I knew how to grow them when I lived in Hawaii but there it was so easy. They love life in Hawaii!

I want to bring happiness to my plants. I do have an eastern exposure for them over the winter or I could even set up an area for them with a light.

Thank you for any ideas! I'm really glad I found this forum!

kevin hannah

[WhiteRabbit]

Hopefully some members in the area will be able to help!

[ALToronto]

It's great that you found SOOS (Southern Ontario Orchid Society), the meetings are a very good source of information. They usually have an 'orchid doctor' table where you can bring your sick plants and have them diagnosed, and get general advice. The member's sale table is probably the best place to buy cuttings.

The next big event is the annual show and sale February 8 and 9, 2014. If you joined, you will get plenty of notice. The next regular meeting is Jan 5.

[ksb]

Good morning,

Thank you for your replies! Does anyone have a favorite book that has great illustrations and instructions on growing orchids in Ontario?

[Vanda lover]

There are some wonderful orchid shows in your area. Just look them up on the internet. You can also find orchid growers that way. The orchid shows are one thing I miss from when I lived in Ontario.

[ksb]

Thanks for your note. I see you live in Vancouver. Do Vandas love it there? I'm thinking they wouldn't be happy here but maybe I'm wrong?

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by ksb

Thanks for your note. I see you live in Vancouver. Do Vandas love it there? I'm thinking they wouldn't be happy here but maybe I'm wrong?

I'm actually out on the island, and the climate varies quite a lot. We have hot, dry summers where we are, so I put them outside. In the winter they are in a south facing window and I have added a Sunblaster light because our winters are dull and rainy. In Ontario I didn't need that, because there is a lot of sun during the winter. But I did move them around to get maximum sun.

[ksb]

Hi, this is good news. I think I have to get myself a sunblaster light though (not sure what it is or how pricey?) I have only an eastern window for wintertime. no south windows anytime! and west windows are sunny in summer.
I love Vandas too. I used to see them in Hawaii a lot. Do you have any pictures of yours?

ksb

[Vanda lover]

Sorry,
I am useless with computers and haven't mastered that yet. there are lots of members who have posted some real beauties, though. These days there are quite a few vandas that have been bred to be more tolerent of the temperatures and light in our climate. Pachong blue is a really good one. It can bloom 3 times a year.
Your light doesn't need to be a Sunblaster, but Lee Valley tools has them. They are around $30 to $60 I think. They have ones for high light plants, also for medium or low.