Do you have the Orchid Bug?

[RNCollins]

Do you have the Orchid Bug?

Do you think about your orchids A LOT?
Do you spend a lot of time with your orchids?
Do you find yourself reading through the orchid boards for tips, pictures, inspiration?
Do you crave to read anything Orchid oriented?

I would have to say that I am a newbie and I have the Orchid Bug.

The first thing I would suggest for a newbie to do is find a local orchid society. For an example, Do an internet search titled "Orchid Societies of Southern California", substituting Southern California with your area. That should bring up a list of societies in your area.

Through your local society you should be informed of the major shows that will be coming in your area. Research the growers and vendors and if you are interested find out what orchids and supplies they will have available for preorder.

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If you like to read like me, there are many places you can get orchid journals and books:

Orchids Magazine by the American Orchid Society.
There are a bunch of articles to read online even if you are not a member. They also list orchid shows located around the world, but they list mostly US events. I believe they have a member's meeting twice a year. If you join, you get the monthly magazine and access to the members-only section of the website. There are back issues of Orchids available for purchase or to read on line (as long as you don't use an apple tablet).
They also have webinars.
Orchids, The American Orchid Society

Orchid Digest
The Digest is printed quarterly and is based in California. Orchid Digest has some good back issues on Paphs. and Phrags. that are for sale.
They are sponsoring the 59th Paphiopedilum Guild Meeting and the First World Slipper Orchid Conference on January 17-18, 2015 in Hawaii
The Orchid Digest Publication

The International Phalaenopsis Alliance (IPA)
http://phal.org/index.htm
The journal is published 4 times a year. They have a yearly Symposium with speakers, vendors, etc. They also have smaller events throughout the year scattered around the US.

The Orchid Review
Published by the Royal Horticultural Society, it is the oldest publication about orchids in the world.
https://www.rhs.org.uk/about-the-rhs...-orchid-review


The Australian Orchid Council publishes the Orchids Australia Magazine
Australian Orchid Council Inc. - Orchids Australia Magazine

If you can add any more orchid magazines or journals to this list please feel free.

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Books!

I've gotten some great used orchid books on Amazon.

If you type in "Orchid Gardening" or "Orchid Culture" or "Masdevallias" or "Slipper Orchids" or "Cattleyas" or "Paphiopedilum" or "Miniature Orchids" etc... The used books are an additional $3.99 for shipping. I really think the "Ortho's Complete Guide to Orchids" is a great beginner book.

For current published books try:
Timber Press
http://www.timberpress.com
They have a great selection of gardening books in general.

Another good resource for books is the Library. Our orchid society has a lending library of books to borrow and share.

Does anyone have anything to add to this post that would be helpful to a newbie or someone with the Orchid Bug?

[WhiteRabbit]

Ebay and Half.com can also be good sources for books

[snowflake311]

oh yeah I have the bug bad. I think I am getting my mom into growing orchids as well.

my daughter wants me to get mini roses. I see no point in keeping any plant that is not a orchid.

[CA2FLxplant]

I was just thinking today that I should get a book. I do believe I'll put it on my To-Do lst for tomorrow!

[ollypolly]

Oh yes I have the orchid bug. Most of the info I need comes from here. The plants themselves have taught me quite alot too.

[terracotta7]

I have gotten some nice orchid books on Amazon as well. Some have been reviewed or recommended right here on OB. Some I am keeping for my own library, otheres I pass along with a division or keiki I might give to a friend. UMMMM. Perhaps this "bug" is contagious!

[mimigirl]

Ollypolly, do you feel that sometimes the plant tells you what it needs? I know that sounds stupid, but i feel that many of my plants communicate a problem &/or need. Or is it just gaining knowldege? Is that what you mean by the plants teaching you a lot?

[ollypolly]

do you feel that sometimes the plant tells you what it needs?

Yes I do, plants are quite "vocal" sometimes when they want or need something. It's in the colour of their leaves, the size and rate at which they flower or grow and the way their roots behave. Knowledge gaining just allows us to understand plant speak as well as anticipating their needs. Yeah I think my orchids have told me to move them when they weren't happy and replied with vigorous new growth when I have. It's like they're saying "Ahhh that's better"

---------- Post added at 11:17 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:55 AM ----------

I should have just said Knowledge is learning to speak plant.