Hello from Mulchlady

[Mulchlady]

Very pleased to be a part of the Orchid Forum. I am fairly new to orchid growing and have been trying to learn as I go. The input of experienced growers would be of great asssistance to me as well as the suppport of newbies who may be struggling with some of the same qustions that I have.

Here is a snapshot of my growing conditions. I have a very small, heated hobby greenhouse. Climate control is one of the primary factors that determins which orchids I attempt to grow. Temps can reach the high 80's/low 90's during sunny spring and fall days. Nighttime winter temps can sometimes did into the 40's
for a day or two.

One of my issues (among my many issues) is that there are many different varieties of Dendrobuims and Paphiopedllums that I am confused as to what is the correct care for them.

Looking forward to hearing form you all.

Thanks,
Mulchlady

[cb977]

Hello and welcome to Orchidboard!

Your snapshot didn't make it
Here are some tips on posting on Orchidboard:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post152671

I see from your plant list that you have a few different types of orchids in your collection...do you have the specific names? Are there tags in the pots? If you could give us that information, we could tell you more specifically what care some of them might take.

You've joined a wonderful community...lots of folks from around the world with varying degrees of experience all sharing with each other...it's fantastic!

If you have any questions, feel free to ask

[camille1585]

Welcome to OB Mulchlady!!
You are lucky to have a small greenhouse for your babies. I wish I had one! For now I am a windowsill grower, but am running out of space. When you have time, we'd love to see some of your growing area and orchids. And I'm sure you'll get answers quickly to any questions you have.

[Mulchlady]

Thank you for your response, Susanne B. I happy to list the names of the orchids that have tags.
Cattleya:
Aileen (purchased Spring 07 from Charley's Greenhouse, has flowered twice for me).
Goldenzelle'Lemon Chiffon (purchased from Lowes last year, not flowered)
Several other small "bargin Cattleyas" from Lowes, none of which have flowered. No name tags.

Dendrobium:
Proud Appeal "Ace" (purchased Spring 07 from Charley's Greenhouse, never flowered). This is one that I need the most help with.
Yellow Song "Canary" (purchased in flower at Philadelphia Flower Show last year. I think it may be growing flower stems from the sides of it's leafless canes).

Oncidium Tiger Crow "Golden Girl" (purchased in flower last year Philadelphia Flower Show).

Paphiopedilum:
(GloriosumxBlack Currents)xPaph. Macabre (purchased Phila Flower Show last year).
sukhakulii "Take Off" Friedrich von Hayek Duette (purchased NY Botanical Garden last year).
HainanesexPaph Wolterianum (purchased spring 07 Charley's Greenhouse in bud. Has not reflowered).

Phaleonopsis - Several. I am actually doing pretty well thith this group.

Well, that's the list. Any suggestions on how to grow these orchids would be most appreciated.

Mulchlady

[lambelkip]

nice collection. welcome to the board. i think you need to make 5 posts before you can post pictures.

a good place to start here is the care sheets section. if you have questions about a specific orchid, feel free to post them in the forum for that alliance.

there's several local orchid societies in new jersey. if you're looking to join one, somebody here should be able to point you to one in your area.

[Chubidubi]

Mulchlady to the OB

[Mulchlady]

Thank you Wanda, Camille and lambelkip. I am looking forward to hearing from someone about NJ orchid socities.

I do have a few specific questions that perhaps you or others might be able to answer for me.

1. There is a lot of conflicting (to me) information about the care of Denbrobiums. As there are many different types of Dens., growing info is specific to the type you have. I think Yellow Song Canary is a noble and I should give it a cool, dry rest period starting late November. But, I may have flower stalks developing on one of the canes. Do, do I still want to keep it cool and dry?

The other Den., Proud Appeal Ace, has leaves up and down the stems. It has not flowered for me yet and I don't know what family it belongs to. Do I rest it also, or continue to water, feed and keep warm? I would love to bring it into flower, but I don't know if I am giving it the proper care to allow that to happen.

Confused is putting it mildly.

Mulchlady