New forum member and new to orchids

[Diane56Victor]

Hi guys
Looking forward to reading the posts on the forum. Only had orchids for just over 12 months.
I have some Dendrobiums, Cattleya, Cymbidium and Oncidiums.
Recent purchases have been some young Twinkles and Tolumnia.
Ive also discovered Bunnings bag babies!
These are cheap enough and have allowed me to expand the species I have without worrying too much if they dont survive my well intended care!

[Ray]

Welcome to the board, Diane.

[Mountaineer370]

Welcome to the OB!

[WaterWitchin]

Welcome Diane!

[Diane56Victor]

Thanks for the welcome.
Noticed all the USA flags, guess I better explain my comment about Bunnings bag babies.

Bunnings is a big hardware chain here in Australia, probably similar to your Lowes or Home Depo.
Bunnings get very tiny orchids in plastic pouches once a year, these pouches have a far bigger range than the usual offerings of Phals and Cyms.

[camille1585]

Welcome to the forum!
I wish we also had bag babies in Europe, I've never seen any. But maybe it's a good thing, I don't have much space left for new orchids!

[fishmom]

Welcome! You have some great orchid growers in Australia. Have you found a local orchid society yet? That would be a great place to indulge your new passion and get lots of excellent information!

[Diane56Victor]

Hi fishmom
Yes I have joined the local society. They hold the monthly meeting a few minutes drive from my home.
They also have regular workshops and visits to other orchid growers homes. I love seeing how other people grow their orchids.

Hi camille1585
I know what you mean! When I order online I always feel the need to get that extra plant to 'justify the cost of delivery'.

[SouthPark]

Welcome to the forums!

12 months of growing means you're definitely past new to orchids stage! Ok...... 'relatively new' is ok!

Bunnings certainly does bring orchids to people. That's a big plus. Although, I have noticed, along with other people, that there is also a lot of orchid abuse or neglect going on at Bunnings.

Not sure how wide-spread it is though. Maybe happens at all Bunnings. The new shipment orchids look great. At least some old ones sitting there for a while get to a unrecoverable state. Some good samaritans rescue some of them by buying some --- just to save them.

On the other hand ----- at least people are able to buy some orchids to enjoy from there.

Welcome once again!! From 'up' here in North Queensland.

[Diane56Victor]

Hi SouthPark
Thanks for the welcome.
There must be lots of people buying the Bunnings bag babies, I went to three different stores to get the 6 Ive got and the display boxes had lots of empty places.

My local store still has Cyms Dens and Vandas left but after I got the 2 Dens I was interested in, loddigessi and lindleyi I was only interested in Oncids and Tolumnia.
I did manage to get one Tolumnia, a Petiei Yoran Red but it wasn't the best at the time I bought it and eventually died...grrrr.
I particularly wanted a red Tolumnia too.

The Phals in the local store are getting past their best, maybe when they reduce them I might be tempted to expand the species I have...lol