Hello! I'm new - Orchid Board

SuzCC · #1 08-02-2008, 04:01 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm just someone who loves orchids, especially mini orchids of the delicate type. But I also love big phals and cymbidiums. I have had luck with only a few species in getting them to flower again--I have no luck whatsoever with dendrobium or paph and little with oncidium, so I must have the wrong growing conditions. I can't afford a greenhouse and don't really have space for one, unfortunately, so I grow my plants on several windows (or at a distance from the window if sun is strong) I won't even attempt cattleyas or vandas because I don't have enough light for them--though I love them. I have only the info I have been able to get from a few orchid books and message boards, which have been very helpful. I have several of my plants outdoors at the moment because they seem to thrive in a shaded area. I have about a dozen plants right now but I am addicted and it is only lack of $$ that is keeping me from ordering a dozen more--I have a large wish list at orchids.com. Sorry this is so long-winded. Will post some photos later.

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Swamper · #2 08-02-2008, 04:07 PM

Welcome aboard Suz, SO nice that you posted pics on your first intro, thanks. PS. I think lack of funds is the only reason most of us don't go out and buy a dozen or 3 more orchids. That and lack of space....maybe. It could be a spouse thing.

quiltingwacko · #3 08-02-2008, 04:12 PM

Welcome to the board! That wasn't long winded!

Really enjoyed looking at your chids. I guess we would all have more if possible. I'd love to have a greenhouse but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Maybe in my next life.

So I need more windows!

jkofferdahl · #4 08-02-2008, 04:16 PM

Welcome aboard, Suz. Yeah, lack of space and lack of funds are two major drawbacks. They sure do hurt me! But as you get to know others who share this hobby don't be surprised if they send you home with plants.

By the way, though I'm a deep-Southerner my daughter goes to college in Boston (BU), and loves the city - as do I.

priz_m · #5 08-02-2008, 04:18 PM

Hello Suz welcome to the OB! is always great to have new people join, your orchids are beautiful. and as Swamper says, some of us do have that $-space-spouse restriction, I would very easily give up my room for my chids

Hope you like it here

SuzCC · #6 08-02-2008, 04:25 PM

My first response! Already!
I don't have a spouse (had one already, don't want another) tho I do have a live-in BF who seems to be one of the few who don't mind how many orchids I buy. I still feel guilty every time I buy a new one because they cost so much when they are in bud/flower (or if they are rare, and of course I love the rare ones the best--why have what everyone else has?) I also spend i lot of money we don't have on beads and other jewelry supplies to support my other addiction which I tell myself will soon become a source of extra income (the orchids won't, I'm afraid.)
On an orchid forum you don't have to explain the allure and entrapment of orchids. They have probably broken up a lot of marriages--not why my marriage broke up, but that's a very long story...Do you have any photos of your orchids?

dgenovese1 · #7 08-02-2008, 04:49 PM

Hi Suz,
Welcome to the OB! Your chids all look healthy and happy; thanks for the photos!
Although you said that you wouldn't attempt vandas, I think I saw a vandaceous plant in your photos..either a Neostylis (Neost.) Lou Sneary or a Vandofinetia (Vf.) Blaupunkt perhaps.

It's the one with the small blue flowers.
Have fun in the forums!

SuzCC · #8 08-02-2008, 05:01 PM

Hi jk,
I teach at Berklee College of Music in Boston (I am a jazz pianist/composer) Have never been in the deep South except Atlanta, Georgia--great city! ave always wanted to visit New Orleans--hope it happens. My uncle lives in Boca Raton, FL, and has a SPECTACULAR collection of orchids.
Orchids just seem to love the humid hot weather of South FL.

SuzCC · #9 08-02-2008, 05:03 PM

Hi David,
Yes, come to think of it, the Vandofinetia bloomed wonderfully and still looks healthy, though I think it is a hybrid of some kind--still, maybe I should attempt a Vanda.

SuzCC · #10 08-02-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltingwacko

Welcome to the board! That wasn't long winded!

Really enjoyed looking at your chids. I guess we would all have more if possible. I'd love to have a greenhouse but that isn't going to happen anytime soon. Maybe in my next life.

So I need more windows!

I hear you! More windows! More South and East exposures!