This just in from Connecticut...

[grgutierrez]

Hello all!

I'm new to your community and I just thought that I'd say hello and introduce myself. My name is Graciela and I'm currently living in Connecticut although I'll hopefully be moving to a tropical island setting (Hawai'i, Virgin Islands, etc.) as soon as grad school is done. Hopefully some place warm and humid enough to support my tropical plant obsession!

I've always had a passion for plants and have had a garden, both vegetable and perennial since I was 13 (I'm 26 now). I tried growing orchids a few years ago to no success . Just recently (October '07) I ran into an orchid that I couldn't resist and I thought I'd try again. This time I've not only managed to keep her alive...but she's flowering again too!

I ran across your board here the other day and I jumped at the chance to meet and be able to talk to experts about my orchid interests and potential problems. I'm so happy to be a part of your community and I look forward to meeting you all.
-graciela

[tuvoc]

Nice to have you aboard, Graciela. We may not all be experts, but we all have a lot of diverse experience. Jump right in, and have fun.

Kim

[Dorothy]

Graciela
Glad you have joined us at the OB
What orchid do you have?
Be sure to explore the board, check out the member's galleries and the forums, ask questions and have fun learning.
We have a great bunch of orchid lovers and grower from around the world.
Enjoy !

[grgutierrez]

Dorothy - Hi! Thanks for your warm welcome.

I have two large phals - Wedding Promenade and Brother Sara's Gold which is blooming right now ( Hurray for doing something right this time!). I will take pictures and post them some time this week.

I also have 3 Noid phals that I got from a home improvement store. Those were sympathy purchases since they were on the markdown bench. I suspected that something was wrong with them and I talked the manager down to $3 (total) because their roots looked terrible and they "might not make it" .

As I suspected, they were suffering from root rot on about 60-70 percent of their roots. After some root removal and a change of medium (from super soggy sphagnum moss to coarse bark) they seem like they might make it.

I also own two miltonias. Those were impulse buys just recently and I'm not too sure if their ID's are correct.

Thanks for the welcome! I hope this answers your questions.

[cb977]

Hi Graciela and welcome to Orchidboard!

You've found a wonderful community full of folks who have the same affliction.
OAD (Orchid Acquisition Disorder) is very contagious, there is no vaccination available and no cure on the horizon...ain't life grand?



The folks here are very friendly and generous...if you have any questions, feel free to ask

[Lorraine]

& Welcome Graciela,

Sounds like you are off to a great start with the phals blooming and nice rescue. I'm sure they will reward you next blooming season. Glad you found OB. Lots of great info here, wonderful pictures, nice members and always . Have fun with your chids.
Lorraine

[grgutierrez]

Originally Posted by cb977

You've found a wonderful community full of folks who have the same affliction.
OAD (Orchid Acquisition Disorder) is very contagious, there is no vaccination available and no cure on the horizon...ain't life grand?

Suzanne - Is that what it's called? I didn't know I had a diagnosis, my boyfriend will be overjoyed to know that there is at least a name for what I have! I can't imagine that anyone here on OB funds any cure research!

Just this morning I have found yet another orchid that NEEDS to join my little community. OrchidTess has it as her profile picture and she's told me that it's a Phal bellina 'Ponkan'. I guess I'm a Phal girl through and through (it's OK, my miltonia's can't see the computer screen ) .

I think I've been bitten badly. Ever since I found OB and have been participating in the discussions I've been finding tons of new ones that I want! Food? Rent? Orchids? Yeah, I can eat Ramen...Orchids it is! I even had a nightmare last night that someone wanted to buy some of my babies and I apparently woke up Andy (bf) because I kept saying "They're not for sale" in my sleep! He just rolled his eyes at me and muttered "Issues" under his breath.

So... "Hi everyone, My name is Graciela and I am addicted to orchids. I'm only here because I'm hoping that some of you getting off the bandwagon will sell me their orchids at a low price!"

Thanks for the warm welcome Suzanne!