Here to learn!

[DigNative]

Hi, I have found so many of your posts helpful as I am learning about orchids that I decided to join. I have been keeping lots and lots of tropicals for 17+ years, and had only one orchid (a Phal of course) until recently.

Now I have a small collection started and I am having fun learning and testing myself. Growing houseplants is still enjoyable, but has become pretty easy. I was ready for a new challenge.

Indoor windowsill grower, zone 4a, northeastern US.

I am particularly interested in learning from other growers who have similar conditions to mine: long, humid summer days, long, cold, dark winters with dry air.

Right now I am experimenting with a few different genera to see what works, although I am really tempted to get more genera and more of the genera I already have. Trying to pump the brakes as I am low on space, pretty busy, and saving $ for other priorities. Orchids have been a great diversion when I need breaks between all of the busy things. I'm happy to have gotten some helpful advice from more experienced growers and been able to start with some reasonably- priced plants. Most of my houseplant collection was built over many years from cuttings and trades, so this has been a very different experience.

Edit: typo

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome!
I think the biggest learning curve for me when I added orchids to the plant collection was the idea that the roots needed to have good air circulation because most either grow on rocks/cliffs or on trees/tree branches (sometimes in very shallow, loose leaf litter, sometimes completely bare root). And...in my climate/care the orchid bark worked great until about December when suddenly it decomposed to the point where the roots did not get enough oxygen and then I would be staking/wiring the rootless orchid on top of the new medium each spring to grow all new roots. The bark was also quite light and when we would have a big storm, I would have to go searching nearby yards for the orchids. I now use red lava rock for all the orchids that are not mounted. I water frequently (the rock dries quickly) and that helps with the humidity in the winter (as does the nearby tropical plants). I give the orchids extra calcium to avoid fungus and bacterial issues, too, as that can be a problem during the winter and during rainy weather when the plants are outside.

I save money on orchids by buying the orchids I want when they are a few years from blooming size. I do not mind waiting and can usually get a good quality orchid for an affordable price.

If you have a nearby orchid society, you might check their schedule on their website to see if they have any 'member plant auctions' or 'member plant sales' where members can sell the orchids they no longer wish to keep. Sometimes orchid societies get orchids donated to them, too, from people who are moving or downsizing and they tend to either give these away or sell them quite cheaply. You do not need to be a member to attend a meeting and buy some plants.

[rbarata]

Welcome DigNative!

[DigNative]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Those are some helpful pointers, Leafmite. Unfortunately, I do not have a society anywhere near me, and only Phals, if any orchids, in the few stores. It's easy to get overwhelmed when shopping for them online, but I'm finding my way. I have made a handful of orders so far, all from different nurseries.

Initially, I never thought I'd grow Cattleyas, because the only ones I'd seen were standard sized ones, but now they are making up the better part of my collection. I hope they can do the windowsill thing for a while, but I do have a grow light if they need it. I will have to update my profile with the few I am adding next week!

[Mountaineer370]

[estación seca]

Welcome!