Inherited greenhouse_what to do

[Optimist]

I would love such a thing to happen to me! Welcom to orchid care! If a member of the orchid club helps you out, maybe you could time share for green house space in return for orchid knowledge. Basically read somethig like dummies guide to orchids, figure out what they are, figure out their needs. If your grandfather was a good plant man, where they are sitting now should be where they need to be so dont move the pots.
Different varieties need to be nearer orcloser to the source of sun.

Tell us how it goes.

[theroc1217]

Originally Posted by Klueless_Kristie

Hi all :-) I have just inherited my grandfathers greenhouse after 3+ years of neglect. There are over 30 pots of orchids inside, labels are so old the writing is gone. The pots r so root bound the roots are coming over the top and bottom n I can't see the pots from the roots. Nothing has flowered in over 3 years but there are green leaves n shoots inside the pots. Where do I start :-0

Where are you? You might be able to get someone to come by and help. If you're near MN (no one ever is) let me know.

[OCRC_Dir_China]

Get some help from your local orchid club or society.

[JanS]

Dear Kristie:
First, the fact that you bothered to look for help with your grandfather's orchid green house situation and found this forum (rather than try to sell or just give them away and use the funds for a non-plant purchase) means you already have a relationship between you and your grandpa's plants.

Heed the advice of many of our members and, if you can, get direct advice from somebody local. However, (my suggestion) don't ever give anyone any of your grandfather's ENTIRE plants. Split them as per directions if you need. At this point you don't know which ones will thrive with you or which will pass off with their former care (or non-care, relocation, etc.). We all have many orchids that are doing great but also we have failed with particular species..and may have no clue why.

You are essentially starting your own initial orchid collection - don't blow it, it's worth it.

Good Luck and Welcome to a great hobby!

[POLKA]

Howdy
the NOID / NONAME / NOTAG yellow/green cattleya appears to be BLC Ports of Paradise 'Emerald Island' -- or something of similar breeding, which tends to bloom mid-summer; it is /will become tall (to 15 inches or so) and blooms in twos, maybe threes; occasionally more than once a year when really grown well, and mature / undivided.

Hope this helps you on your way.

Rex

---------- Post added at 09:39 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:36 AM ----------

Howdy again
and -- the purple/pink flower you showed us is a dendrobium of some sort. Being that you are down under, it is likely to be a dendrobium-phalaenopsis sort (read: common hybrid) with some native Aussie blood in them, with some antelope dendie genes in there too.

Don't forget to saddle up to your local society, if you have one.

Rex

[K.C.]

You could post some pictures of plants, and tags. I have put years, and 2 or 3 repots and what I ended up with was junk sometimes. Pick your battles, then get some orchids that you like. I have bloomed a orchid out of flask faster than saving one in bad shape. I always do the save thing it's like a sickness, do as I say not as I do.

[Klueless_Kristie]

Hi All :-) thanks so much for your wonderful advice. I have struck luck with my local orchid society, it turns out they meet once a month in my suburb approx 2 streets away lol but downside is they meet once a month except in jan and feb :-(
I have started a tag system as recommended in your fab posts, as I have several plants I have split and several that had multiple aerials. So I have labelled mum plants n littlies so I can hopefully ID later.
Rex :-) your ID was so helpful for pics, I appreciate it so much. After your post I had a long look at old tag on the Catt, scraped off years of dirt.. Then stuck it right over naked bulb n could just make out pencil indent if "isl..d" lol so now I'm trying same tactic with the other old tags :-)

[Klueless_Kristie]

Can anyone tell me what's wrong with this plant and what I should do:-( I found it at the back of greenhouse yesterday hidden amongst a heap of others

[Klueless_Kristie]

And another :-)

[Klueless_Kristie]

And another ...... I have found quite a few with marks on them so I have downloaded a pest/bacteria/fungus booklet with pictures and purchased some kodicide ....

. But I'm feeling a little overwhelmed by how many there are that seem to be sick and bevause they are all sitting side by side touching i think its possible some plants have multiple problems (black spot on one leaf, brown rot on another)

I just feel too inexperienced to know :-( and I don't think my heart could handle them dying because I didn't try to treat them.

I woul really appreciate any ID help of problem (don't be gentle.....lol I'm poised and ready for the worst since its been 3+ years since they've had love) any Amy tips on how to treat (including isolation, sanitation etc.)

i also don't think I've mentioned that my grandfather built in an overhead irrigation system by hand himself in greenhouse that waters overhead directly from rainwater tank. I'm not sure if this assists when advising, maybe I'm just having a brag about how amazing he was and just how much he loved these plants :-)