Hello from South Africa - Orchid Board

Daisy Ridge · #1 05-31-2021, 05:40 PM

Hello everybody

Please allow me to introduce myself .....
I'm Daisy Ridge and I live on a farm near a small town in South Africa and have in the last 2 years fallen deeper and deeper in love with orchids. In fact I think it is safe to say that it is now bordering on obsession but hey there could be worse obsessions for sure! Anyway, I have been following these forums for quite some time and I think you guys are all incredibly helpful toward one another which is why I'm here.
I hope that you will allow me to pick your brains and learn as much as possible from all you experienced orchid lovers!

Thank you

Roberta · #2 05-31-2021, 05:43 PM

Welcome!

Lots of orchid addicts here who are delighted to answer questions!

Daisy Ridge · #3 05-31-2021, 06:12 PM

Thank you Roberta,
Your story is really interesting and your plant list amazing!

OK so I'm diving in with my first question........ I. have recently acquired a Goodyera Pusilla and I don't want to mess this up as it is very hard to come by. Not a huge amount of advice on the web for keeping this beauty happy.
Can you tell me the growing conditions and medium you grow yours in?
Also, I was thinking of putting it inside a Terrarium as my humidity is terrible here in the winter even though I do have humidifiers, I still struggle to get it higher than 50. Do you think that this would be a good idea and if so, again any and all advice on media, watering etc please?

Roberta · #4 05-31-2021, 06:17 PM

Alas, my Goodyera didn't survive more than a couple of years, so I'm the wrong person to give advice. Terrerarium might be a good idea - I suspect that humidity might have been my issue (mine isn't so great either) I had it growing in sphagnum. In general, the jewel orchids that have survived for me did better in the house than in the greenhouse - I suspect the lower light and more even temperature are advantageous. But my long-term success with the group is less than wonderful. Others on the Board have done much better. One thing for certain, they need good (like RO/DI/distilled) water.

estación seca · #5 05-31-2021, 07:11 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

I haven't grown that plant.

Daisy Ridge · #6 06-01-2021, 12:54 AM

I do keep mine in the house and I do have really good quality water so that's a start.... Thank you

Diane56Victor · #7 06-01-2021, 07:31 PM

Hi and welcome Daisy.

Daisy Ridge · #8 06-02-2021, 07:52 AM

Hello and thank you Diane and Estacion

naturalistSean · #9 06-03-2021, 06:29 AM

Hello from Germany. South Africa is a beautiful country with fascinating flora. I met my German wife there and our first son was born there. I've spent a good deal of time in SA although my wildlife research was mostly in Swaziland (current Kingdom of Eswatini). From one new member to another; welcome!

Dusty Ol' Man · #10 06-03-2021, 06:31 PM

Welcome!
If you have a serious obsession you are only mildly afflicted! Most of these folks have full blown addictions going on! (Notice how I strategically left myself out?) Make yourself at home.