Greetings from New Mexico, US!

[ThoughtSprocket]

I'm so glad I found this forum while I was researching online to find out what kind pests are in my new orchid bark. Now I know. That's very good! They are definitely Psocids. I have decided to completely repot that orchid. I will throw out the new infested bag and buy another one at a different plant nursery.

Everyone here seems dedicated and knowledgable about all things to do with orchids, so I decided to join. Many, many moons a go I worked in the botanical sciences and co-managed a very large nursery. Since then, in the past 15 years I have turned toward multi- and inter-disciplinary fine art, aquarium keeping, and dog rescue, among many other things. I began keeping orchids at the beginning of the Covid pandemic after gifting a lovely Phalaenopsis (unknown species/cultivar) to my 84 year old mother. I decided to start rescuing poorly orchids from our local hardware stores and Walmart to see if I could revive them and learn about how to best care for them alongside my mom. I think of keeping my orchids as a mother and daughter project. I am no orchid specialist by any means. I am thrilled to be learning many new things regarding their care. I am elated when I see new roots, new leaves and new bloom stalks. Currently, I have two in bloom. They're such a pleasure to see each day.

I'm very happy to be here to learn from all of you!

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

[DeaC]

Hi and welcome. Growing in your state must present the different challenges I'd like to hear about. And dog rescue is very commendable!

[Louis_W]

Welcome! I'm in New Mexico as well! Albuquerque!

[early]

Welcome I live in Los Chavez, Valencia Co. South of ABQ

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Welcome

[Ray]

Welcome and kudos!

“Starting” with weak plants is not a particularly good way to learn about orchid-growing, as it makes the learning curve far more difficult to climb, but it sounds like you seem to be doing OK, so 👍.

[ThoughtSprocket]

Originally Posted by Ray

Welcome and kudos!

“Starting” with weak plants is not a particularly good way to learn about orchid-growing, as it makes the learning curve far more difficult to climb, but it sounds like you seem to be doing OK, so 👍.

I'm certain that is very true, but yes I am learning so much. Thank you.

---------- Post added at 07:56 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 AM ----------

Originally Posted by early

Welcome I live in Los Chavez, Valencia Co. South of ABQ

Nice to met you here! One of my rescued dogs was originally a foster from the Valencia County Animal Shelter. She's an Aussie named Yoyager. She is a senior girl now, and I adore her. I hope your orchid growing is a success for you here in our desert climate.

---------- Post added at 07:59 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Louis_W

Welcome! I'm in New Mexico as well! Albuquerque!

Very cool! Nice to meet you here on Orchid Board. Do you find that our dry climate creates issues growing your orchids? We have evaporative cooling during the summer, so mine appear to benefit greatly from the humidity. During the heated months, thankful so few of them, I run a mist humidifier in the bedroom where I have my orchids growing on shelves under grow lights. I think my greatest challenge has been finding that sweet spot regarding watering. And now I am having my first pest situation with psocids in some bark media. It's actually in the bag of media and I didn't know it. Thank fully, it is only one plant...so far. We shall see!

[estación seca]

Psocids don't harm living plants. They eat decaying organic matter.

[Dimples]

Welcome!