New to orchids and new to this forum! - Orchid Board

ramboa · #1 05-11-2019, 11:06 PM

Hi all!
Like the title says, new to orchids and to this wonderful forum! I’m hoping to learn a lot and hopefully keep my orchids alive! I have 3 phals that were given to me as rescues back in September and are still alive which makes this the longest I’ve ever had any orchid. Looking forward to this hobby and to all your advice!

IngieBee · #2 05-21-2019, 02:31 AM

Cool, where are you keeping them? Do you live in a humid climate (making life infinitely easier on you? LOL) Hope they rebloom for you this year

ramboa · #3 05-21-2019, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IngieBee

Cool, where are you keeping them? Do you live in a humid climate (making life infinitely easier on you? LOL) Hope they rebloom for you this year

Hi there! I wish I lived in a super orchid friendly environment! I’m in the San Francisco Bay Area, where it’s currently 62°F, overcast and windy. On top of that I’m in a north facing apartment! Double whammy for me. I do have my orchids under some lights and there have been some signs of new growth which is exciting

Roberta · #4 05-21-2019, 08:52 PM

The light is fine for Phals, that don't need a lot. The lights also are giving a bit of extra warmth, which is good. And the climate is great for a lot of other orchids, that like cool and damp The San Francisco Orchid Society is a large, active group with some fantastic growers - suggest that you check them out!

fishmom · #5 05-21-2019, 09:06 PM

Welcome, ramboa. You don't say just where in the Bay Area you live, but there are several great orchid societies around the Bay, and they are great places to learn. Orchid folks tend to be really friendly, too! I hope you can hook up with one. If you need help finding the closest society, let us know!

Mountaineer370 · #6 05-21-2019, 10:32 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

ramboa · #7 05-22-2019, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fishmom

Welcome, ramboa. You don't say just where in the Bay Area you live, but there are several great orchid societies around the Bay, and they are great places to learn. Orchid folks tend to be really friendly, too! I hope you can hook up with one. If you need help finding the closest society, let us know!

Thank you! I’m out in the East Bay. Never thought about an actual orchid society since I am so new at this, it’s a little intimidating to be honest!

Roberta · #8 05-22-2019, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ramboa

Thank you! I’m out in the East Bay. Never thought about an actual orchid society since I am so new at this, it’s a little intimidating to be honest!

All the orchid societies I have belonged to, or visited, are full of people who love to help orchid newbies. There is no better way to learn how to grow orchids in your environment, because pretty much everybody there has been down the same path of trial and error and love to share what they have learned. Out here on the web we can give general advice, but the local orchid lovers will have insights more specific to where you are. You are fortunate to be in an area with a high density of clubs to choose from! (Society raffle tables are also a great place to enhance your collection for modest money)

fishmom · #9 05-22-2019, 01:21 AM

Great! Diablo View Orchid Society meets in Concord, and we draw from all over the East Bay. I hope you can make a meeting some time and see what we have to offer. Send me a personal message if you decide to come; I'd be happy to meet you! Here is a link to the club website:

Diablo View Orchid Society – The Orchid Society for the East San Francisco Bay Area