Newbie from Utah

[utah]

Greetings all from a newbie in Utah (2nd driest state in the US). I'm trying to develop my love for orchids by turning my kitchen into a greenhouse this past winter and all of my basement window shelves into display areas. Hey, who needs to eat when you can grow orchids. I've also found that growing carnivorous plants (I like the sundews an pitcher plants) near the orchids does wonders for bugs and they like the same environment (but very different water/nutrient requirements)

Orchids, and my other obsession - dachshunds, have helped bring joy to my life when things have been rough (like cancer treatment).

All of my orchids are in spike right now including the wonderful ones I just ordered online. I move my orchids outside during the summer and put a mister on them throughout the day. Winter is tough though - I'm fighting 5% humidity (indoors too) and major temperature extremes.

Next thing I want to do is start mounting the orchids. That's why I'm here - I want to learn from all of you!

Utah

[tuvoc]

Hi utah, and welcome, from the driest state in the US, Nevada. I'm originally from Utah, so I guess I like it dry.
Jump right in with any questions or comments. Above, all, have fun.

Kim

[utah]

Thanks Kim. Guess I'm not the only crazy in the desert who loves tropicals!

[(..._...)]

HI! You have a nice collection started there! I have low humidity too, but not as low as 5%, I get 10% in winter *brrr*!! Anyways, mine seem to do fine.
Ohh and I like your pots!

Welcome!!

[gmdiaz]

I absolutely cannot grow healthy orchids at my humidity level about 5% or less. . . not long term. My hygrometer literally reads '0". . .inside and outside.

I use covered tanks. . . exo terra terrarium, a plastic covered grow rack and an aquarium. Works like a charm. . .really, your only limiting factor is the humidity. If you can find a away to tame that, you're in business!

It's challenging, to say the least, but really fun! And really rewarding when it works and you see blooms!

Good luck! And welcome!

[utah]

Thanks everyone! Gwen, it's nice to know that Colorado is doable too - maybe there is hope for Utah. :-) Today I set up an inexpensive little outdoor greenhouse for some of my vegetable plants (with a heater for another month or so). I'm going to move some of my orchids into that this summer - at least the ones that like to stay moist. Right now I'm keeping them on humidity trays and keeping the indoor greenhouse closed during the day after a few spritz of water too - yeah, I open it at night and let it dry out.

This is a fun experiment and so rewarding. Many of the plants I started with last year I rescued from the "clearance" rack at the home improvement centers then nursed them back to health. They were all happily blooming outside by the end of last summer. That started the obsession . . . then I found the Carter and Holmes web site and, I'm a junkie now. :-)

Nice to be here and have such a wonderful welcome!

[gmdiaz]

Just wait until you find: Oak Hills Gardens, Andy's Orchids, New World Orchids, & Erin Pottery!

*evil laughter along with the delightful scent of orchids. . .and I don't mean the ones that smell like bacon!*

[samizook]

Welcome Utah. Are you in Salt Lake? Good to finally see a local member here. Lots of good info and people on the O.B.

[utah]

Thanks all. Samizook - I'm in the Salt Lake Valley but not within the city (can't afford the city). :-)

[L-Dub]

I recently joined this forum, and I'm also from Salt Lake City! I was starting to wonder if I was the only one...

Do either of you go to the Utah Orchid Society meetings?

Bryan