I just wanted to take a moment and introduce myself! I've been a hobby grower for almost two years now. I was bitten by the orchid bug hard. I fell in love with my first rebloom and then when I started learning about all the different types of orchids I fell into the deep end.
As of now I have 68 different orchids, a lot are seedlings but I am enjoying the challenge. It's been fun learning, at times challenging to the point I was in frustrated tears over the loss of a plant, but all of it has just ignited a passion for growing. I grow under lights and some outside in the spring/summer
I know Phals are somewhat viewed as the boring beginner orchids but honestly they're so elegant and beautiful that I looked forward to their blooms. I've got hybrids, species (I discovered a love of schilleriana) and a bunch of novelty seedlings. I love catts with their to die for blooms and fragrance and the oncidium alliance to steadily climbing the ranks. My favorite is Charles M Fitch 'Izumi' I haven't bloomed one yet but I'm waiting patiently. I have exactly two dendrobiums and I haven't had to overwinter them yet and it makes me a bit nervous. I have exactly two vanda/vandaceous orchids which considering I'm in south GA I have a good climate for them.
I plan to join the american orchid society this winter. I keep spending the hobby allowance on new orchids. I'm also very interested in joining the local orchid society, which for me would be Deep South Orchid Society out of Savannah, GA but I am two hours away. Jacksonville, FL would be another option as I'm two hours away from there in the opposite direction. I'm not really sure how it works as far as if you have to make the monthly meetings every month or if it's okay to miss a few. That's a bit of a drive, but on the small chance anyone here is a part of either, please reach out to me.
I figured I'd sign off showing my newest bloom. Can't wait to meet new friends here!