Estimated cost of cattleya/orchid collection?

[ALToronto]

MrHungx, your parents need to get a perspective. If I had a teenage son who was interested in collecting and growing LEGAL plants, I'd be thrilled. My kids aren't old enough to be interested in illegal plants, but I dread the day in the not-too-distant future.

In the past couple of years, I've spent about $800 on mostly seedling plants, but for the first year, I only had 2 phals and an onc. I bought 38 mini catt seedlings for $420 in one greenhouse trip last December.

Now, when I go to a greenhouse to 'browse', I look for plants with broken spikes or wilted flowers and ask for a discount. I usually get a generous one.

[sbrofio]

Originally Posted by shadytrake

"Hello, my name is Melissa and I am an Orchidoholic"

OB Support Group, "Hi Melissa"

"My last orchid flask purchase was yesterday"

OB Support Group, "Will you share?"

Same for me

I've got 45-50 plants (orchids), most expensive were 2 FDL After Black SVO and 1 Laelia (Schomb.) superbiens alba selected clone(100€ each one), then a Bulbophyllum fletcherianum and 2 beccarii (50€ each). But I also have 7-8 plants 3 (maybemore) years to flower, some 1-2 years, some Laelia just bought that need to make new roots so..

[MrHungx]

Originally Posted by ALToronto

MrHungx, your parents need to get a perspective. If I had a teenage son who was interested in collecting and growing LEGAL plants, I'd be thrilled. My kids aren't old enough to be interested in illegal plants, but I dread the day in the not-too-distant future.

In the past couple of years, I've spent about $800 on mostly seedling plants, but for the first year, I only had 2 phals and an onc. I bought 38 mini catt seedlings for $420 in one greenhouse trip last December.

Now, when I go to a greenhouse to 'browse', I look for plants with broken spikes or wilted flowers and ask for a discount. I usually get a generous one.

I know what you mean. I usually get the most saddest looking plants I can find at my local nursery (either those that are finished blooming or in need of some TLC). I got most of my oncidiums this way for free . I tend to lean more towards cattleyas, and my local nursery does not offer huge discounts for such orchids. My parents think I should spend more time on my homework instead of caring for my orchids. I find it worthwhile when they reward me with wonderful blooms.

[brn_thmbs]

just bought my first ever Catt today...
I'm in for $22
let's see where this goes...

[RJSquirrel]

its good that you recognize the joy of the bloom, you cant put a price on that and you cant explain it. BUT, unless you are the one getting the joy out of the bloom the others do not understand how something so simple, yet diverse and complex can be an illuminating experience to the human spirit. The possibilities of nature are endless .

Flowers lift me up when the clouds are hanging over our heads and Im the only one thats getting wet


Flowers want to be loved like people too!!!