Hi from Florida (via Alaska)!

[alaskagirl]

Hi! I've been a long-time lurker here, finally decided to suck it up & register!

I currently live just outside of Orlando, FL, moved here from Alaska (where I grew up). I own a condo with a couple small screened porches where I grow all my plants! I have about 20 orchids, 10 hoyas, some random houseplants and lots of succulents. Gotta love the weather here! You can grow just about anything

Last weekend I went to the Platinum Coast Orchid Show (my first show!) - LOVED IT! I went w/ my boyfriend and I got a Phrag. Don Wimber & Oncidium Twinkle, he got some crazy Paph. that I can't remember the name of. I have been obsessed with orchids for years, he knew nothing about them until we got together, and now he's getting the bug too. Haha!

Well, just wanted to introduce myself. I promise I'll stop lurking & start posting

[Swamper]

Hi and welcome alaskagirl...I wonder who else is lurking and now that you're posting who's lurking and watching you??? heheheh
Glad you joined us, and congratulations on infecting your boyfriend with the bug

[alaskagirl]

Thanks!! Yeah my boyfriend had no idea what orchids really were until he met me. He likes all the blooms that look "manly" as he describes them. Some of the Paphs. with hairs & warts, Dracula, anything dark colored, etc. Too funny! I of course go for the pink frilly flowers The orchid show was awesome, can't wait for next year!

[Swamper]

manly? hmmm ok, I don't have any pink ones, although I do love pink.

[Becca]

Hi and Welcome to the OB! Glad you decided to come out of the shadows and join in the fun! Talk about a change in living....from Alaska to Florida? Wow! I bet that will take some adapting...but you must be in heaven with all the orchids you will be able to grow outdoors! I am jealous!

[whygreenberg]

Originally Posted by alaskagirl

Thanks!! Yeah my boyfriend had no idea what orchids really were until he met me. He likes all the blooms that look "manly" as he describes them. Some of the Paphs. with hairs & warts, Dracula, anything dark colored, etc. Too funny! I of course go for the pink frilly flowers The orchid show was awesome, can't wait for next year!

LOVE IT! Welcome welcome to the OB. You have come to a great place. Everyone is really helpful, smart, and a lot of fun. Good job on getting your bf into it! If he knew the Greek/Latin etymology of the word "orchid", he might be able to get into all of the many different blooms, including the "pink frilly" ones.

Online Etymology Dictionary

[Swamper]

Yvan ..you got a lot of bulbs to bring that up again.

[whygreenberg]

Who, me?

[alaskagirl]

I always wanted to grow orchids, but Alaska just wasn't the right place to get into it. Hardly any local sellers, shipping prices, etc. So when I moved to Florida I went all out! My back patio faces east and is screened in, so it's almost perfect. They get morning sun, and filtered afternoon sun. Temperatures in the summer from 70F @ night to 95F during the day. I use a mix of bark, charcoal & perlite in terracotta pots. Everything is growing like weeds right now! I keep the Phal's in my bathroom.

I just got the Phrag. & Paph. so am not too familiar with them yet. Hope all goes well! I've had very good luck with everything up until now

[Bird Song Farm]

Originally Posted by Swamper

Yvan ..you got a lot of bulbs to bring that up again.

Excuse the but that was to funny to let go by.

AL