Starving college student from Portland, OR

[Jadeco]

I don't even know how I can afford orchids! But somehow I've managed to scrape enough cash together for 3 phalaenopsis and 1 oncidium over the past year. One phalaenopsis is currently in bloom, while the oncidium and another phal are budding.

I'm an amateur orchid hobbyist, though my grandmother has an extensive, thriving orchid collection. She keeps hers around the kitchen sink near a window. Unfortunately, I do not have such a place that encourages humidity. I'm thinking of buying one of those humidity trays or at least small individual trays for each pot.

I've learned that ethylene gas is bad. I now refuse to buy bananas because their ripening caused my phals' and oncidium's blooms to drop. Sigh.

There is also a lack of orchid sellers in Portland due to our climate. Of course there's Trader Joe's and Whole Foods, but not any specialized growers that I am aware of. If someone knows any growers in the Pacific Northwest, please speak up!

[Ross]

Once again, welcome. Tell me a college student not starving? And for years afterwards as well? One thing you will learn here is self-control. There are plenty of enablers. You can recognize them by the mantra: "certainly you can get just one more." Or the really subtle ones like "Look at the really nice orchid I just got and how nice the bloom is. Wouldn't you like one?" Now having said that, have you thought about maybe one more plant? I'm sure you could squeeze one in...

[quiltingwacko]

There is Briggs Hill in Eugene. They have a nice web site. I have had good luck with their orchids from the local show. There is another one up there too. I'll have to check my book marks.

[Roly0217]

Jadeco and to the OB !!!! this is a great place to be and like Ross said; in no time you'll have a huge wish list like I do. and Happy Growing !!!

[quiltingwacko]

Hi again Jadeco
Okay it is Home Page
I have not used them but did happen across them on the web one day. Imagine that!

[kiki-do]

Hi Jadeco!
I think every college student needs orchids, so I'm glad you have a few. That's enough to get you through the tough studies/exams. They will keep you sane. Orchids have a way of doing that. They definitely try your patience, but they keep you sane.
What I would do is kindly ask your Grandmother to replace her humidity trays because they are out-dated, and then offer to take her old ones off her hands.
Actually you can find make-shift trays here and there at lawn sales, Walmarts, etc. Ice cube trays work, depending on the size of your pots. Let your imagination run wild.
What's your major? Did your Grandmother get you excited about orchids? I think that's wonderful that you have an interest in orchids and I wish you all the best in your studies. If you have any questions, give us a holler.

[Jadeco]

Thank you for all the welcomes =) I am double majoring in molecular/microbiology and geology with a minor in chemistry. I plan on going to medical school for surgical pathology.

My grandmother did get me excited about orchids, along with a piano teacher I had in high school. Her piano room received a lot of filtered sunlight. It was pretty much perfect.