Greetings from Brasil

[clopes]

Hi Roberta,
Thanks for the suggestions.
Indeed you are 100% correct but unfortunately the place where I live is on top of a mountain and besides all privileges that we have, what is worst about the spot is the wind because I live between 2 "ranges" of mountains and sometimes the wind funnels in-between them (I think it is called a venturi effect) and who suffers?
My house!!!!!
Although I live basically surrounded by what is called the Mata Atlântica" (Atlantic forest?) and inside my property and even adjacent to my house I do have a large portion of "forest" which I am not allowed to touch, I cannot cultivate any orchids freely. Even the vegetation that we plant in the garden has to be "wind and cold proof"!!!
Therefore my orchidarium will have include solid brick walls of about 3 to 4 feet high to protect the plants. The rest will be screened by shade cloth to also serve also as a wind breaker.
I wish it could be the natural way because space is not a problem.
As I started my interest in orchids the other day I was looking up a tree and only at about 50-60m (160 to 190 feet) from where I was, I saw an orchid.
I just went out now and took some photos which are attached.
Regarding cultivating endemic orchids, legislation has become tough and I need to read it about. I know that we are prohibited to pick from the wild but there are ways to purchase them.
Take care.
Carlos

[clopes]

Thanks Sade.
That's the whole intention.
Take care,
Carlos

---------- Post added at 04:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:43 PM ----------

Thanks Charles
Take care
Carlos

---------- Post added at 04:47 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:44 PM ----------

Obrigado rbarata.
I am also Portuguese but am living in Brasil since 2010.
Abraço
Carlos

---------- Post added at 04:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 04:47 PM ----------

Thanks DeaC
Take care
Carlos

[Roberta]

Carlos, you live in such a beautiful place! Yes, of course, native orchids in nature needs to stay in nature! But there are many nurseries that cultivate local (and not-so-local) species. But I can certainly see your need for a protected orchid-growing area!

[clopes]

Oi Roberta, yes the local orchids must be left alone and in peace!
Yes, the orchidarium will be a challenge!
I will keep you posted on what I will decide.

Carlos

[JungleJo]

Welcome!

If you need some advice about nurseries, send me a direct message. I’ve been buying from sellers across the country over the last few years.

I am a true gringo here in Brazil, but I have quite a bit of hands on experience. My conditions, however, are different from yours. I am located just a few hundred meters from the ocean and the summers here can be brutally hot.

[clopes]

Oi, Junglejoe,
Thanks for the offer.
At the moment I am just starting to care for plants that were given to me from other hobbyists.
I will take the offer when i start buying.

Enjoy the beach. Bahia?

Carlos

[ArronOB]

Welcome to the site. I’ve always wondered what it must be like to live in the worlds best country for orchids. Are there many wild orchid species in your area?

[clopes]

Hi Arron,
Thanks for the welcome.

I live in the State of Espírito Santo in the Southeast area of Brasil. The Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlântica is where there is some of the worlds largest biodiversity in the world as well as the Amazons) which basically runs along the sea side and also extends into the interior of the whole country.
Espírito Santo is rated as the area where the most wild orchids are found in Brasil. I don't know numbers but I think it runs into thousands. I have read that there are areas inside the Mata Atlântica where one has to walk looking into the ground watching to not step.
The inland town where I live (Santa Teresa/ES) is known as the city of Colibri (Hummingbird) and Orchids.
Until some years ago people travelled long distances to pick them from the wild but that is no longer allowed and the fines are very high.
Do a Google search and you will find deeper info.
If you look at an earlier post of mine in this Welcome forum, I posted photos of an orchid growing on a tree in my property.

Take care
Carlos