New from dry New Mexico

[early]

Early is my legal name . Have not grown an orchid in many years and very new to Phals.
Retired RN with ICU experience and when I buy mark downs from Lowes. I feel like I am nursing a new baby again.

I have a bakers dozen Phals all in S/H, most doing well. I have several minis, and 4 Phals in bloom, Have a hard time keeping humidity up but use a cool humidifier. Would like to connect with other orchid growers from NM and other dry states, hot in the summer, lots of sun year round, cold in the winter, not a lot of rain except during late summer monsunes. Have weeded out most of the videos on youtube and just review my favorites occasionally. I am Master Gardener in MO and NM BUT?? still have a problem growing tomatoes in NM indoors or out. .

[Dollythehun]

Welcome! That's an interesting name for sure, and a cute story. You'll learn alot here! Glad you're on "board."

[early]

Hun The other part of my name is gardner. I have been asked when seen cutting roses if I just took that name this morning. And once in Missouri master gardening class and arrived late, I got many giggles. I actually do have a question about one of my larger Dorita Phals. I have had her for a few months and mostly the leaves are dark green and firm, but have ridges, and one lower leaf is misshapen, curled horizontally downward, three other leaves seem ok but droop a bit. Is this unusual for the DPTS Big Red? I am guessing it was moved about a lot when in a greenhouse.
I have already learned a lot and check the forum every day.

[camille1585]

Welcome to the forum!!

It sounds challenging to grow much in your climate, but then again I don't know if mine is much better, it's the opposite of yours!

[Dollythehun]

If you post that question in the Phal forum, you're sure to get a quick answer, also a picture would help. We do have members in your area, just check the member map (maroon bar on top). You can pm them from the column on the left if you so desire.

Yes, I have a common name too. I used to get comments all the time, I just shrugged them off.

[DeaC]

Hey new member! Welcome from a retired OR nurse. Seems we have more in common than just a medical background. Wish I had gotten into orchids when I was working as the calming influence of growing them would have been helpful. Then again not sure if funds would have been enuf for all that I wanted to try!

[early]

Dea, I don't know about you, but I really miss nursing. I have had a few other obcession other than gardening and now orchids. Played Backgammon for many years and took second place novice in NM. Volunteer with the DAVA for veterans, volunteer in the district court, coordinating monthly a free legal clinic. I hate not being busy with work or a cause. Now I get up and check my orchids, telling Good Morning Babies, check out conditions, water the ones that need it and same thing before I go to bed.
I have one unnamed Phal that is with a lovely cascade of purple. The oldest orchid has dropped its first bloom, the other bloomers are rescuers with only a couple of blooms. I like the huge leaves of the Phals, their wild air and enclosed roots and how well they do in S/H.

[WaterWitchin]

Early! A fun howdy post. I love New Mexico, especially the area around Taos. Used to go through their every year to visit family in Phoenix. I'll bet New Mexico is a lot different than SoCal was, let alone Missouri.

[rbarata]

Welcome Early.
Not NM around here but most of the time is similar to yours. We have very hot and dry summers and cool and sun shining winters. It rains here in winter and especially in spring but that is becoming more of a memory than the norm.
About your question, a photo is always of great help.

[DirtyCoconuts]

helloooo and welcome aboard!!

sounds like you will have lots to add from your experience as well.