I need a push and confidence!

[Leafmite]

One way to find a baseline for growing a plant is to find out where and how they grow in their natural setting. I have to do this for many of the plants that I grow. When I learn all that I can from reading articles, looking up average monthly weather, etc., I try to figure out how to make adaptions so that the plant can live happily in my home.

[Cym Ladye]

When I first started too many years ago to remember, I used a small, loose leaf binder. Times change and we are well into the computer age. Now I use an Excel spread sheet with everything I need to know about the plant. Great for sorting for potting dates, types, bloom dates, purchase dates and any other info you want to sort by. Make your own columns. No need to buy anything fancy.

[terracotta7]

I am by no means an expert, but I have all my orchids on 4 x 6 index cards. I write the name at the top, then where and when I bought it and how much I paid. Then I write a description of the plant as I got it from the vendor and (if I repot) what I put it in. I do a little homework and find out what I can about its culture...that goes on next.

Periodically... like I did this week...I go through and write down how big it is and what it is doing. If it spikes or flowers I write that info on there, too. If I have a picture of the bloom I put that on the card, on the back.

I can see that this system will not work forever, because already I am running out of room on the orchids I have had longer. The point is that there is really no "right" way as long as you can access the information easily and you can record it in a way that makes sense to you.

Good luck!

[mimigirl]

Also i am putting a plant sign/sticker/plastic marker with quick info like put out in cool, don't mist, moist, etc. Things will be so much easier when i finish. Btw i just love 5x8 looseleaf binders.

[Cym Ladye]

I loved them too until I got 500+ plants!!!!