Hello from Ohio - Orchid Board

editorbob · #1 01-28-2009, 09:11 AM

Greetings to Orchid Board members. I'm a complete newbie at this. My wife, who died of cancer in December, was a fancier for many years. She began a small collection in 1997, currently 29 plants, including a Zygopetalum who's in serious trouble. I've been watering and doing very basic care for them since late August 2008 when she became too ill to manage it. Now that I've inherited the collection but can't ask her what to do, I'm seeking a community where I can find answers to my questions and learn as much as possible. My hope is to honor her love for these beautiful plants by becoming skilled enough to see them thrive (or at least not kill them outright!). I look forward to conversing with you all.

cb977 · #2 01-28-2009, 10:01 AM

Hello Bob and welcome to Orchidboard

Sorry for your loss...I think it's a wonderful tribute to her for you to carry on caring for the collection I know she loved...bravo!

You've come to the right place to meet folks who will help you with your questions and have some fun along the way.

What types of orchids do you have?

If you need help with anything, let us know

Chubidubi · #3 01-28-2009, 10:17 AM

Welcome to the OB.
So sorry about your loss. It's great of you to want to maintain the orchids. You'll find very useful information here as well as great people to chat with.

Austinerd · #4 01-28-2009, 10:19 AM

Hello Bob,
Welcome to the orchidboard. I think you'll find you came to the right place. I am a newbie myself, and everybody has been very kind and helpful with any questions I've posted.
Welcome!
Dan in Austin

jkofferdahl · #5 01-28-2009, 10:19 AM

So sorry about your loss! I know it's been ard for you.

This is THE place to find answers. Good luck!

Ethan · #6 01-28-2009, 10:49 AM

Bob, I'm so sorry for your loss. What a wonderful thing you are doing to carry on something that meant so much to your wife. I'm sure she is going to continue to help her orchids grow in a way she never could before....

You mentioned you are having trouble with a zygopetalum - what seems to be the problem?

editorbob · #7 01-28-2009, 11:06 AM

Thanks for asking. Its leaves are yellowing badly and have fairly large black spots. It used to be lovely & healthy. I haven't moved it or changed its routine, so I don't know why it's going south on me.

Ethan · #8 01-28-2009, 11:11 AM

I hate to admit that I haven't had the best of luck with zygos myself, but I know there are others on the board that have good luck with them...hopefully they can give you some better advice.

Old leaves do die and turn yellow after a while - are there newer leaves that still look healthy or are they all like that? A picture of the plant might help if possible....it's strange that nothing has changed and it's doing that...

editorbob · #9 01-28-2009, 12:42 PM

first time I've tried a photo. Hope it works! My Zygopetalum looks like this:

editorbob · #10 01-28-2009, 01:41 PM

Dear all who've replied so far:

Thank you for your kind words re Suzanne's passing. I love her immensely, and while not a diehard fancier, I love and enjoy her beautiful flowers, too. (She created a fabulous garden in our yard as well.) I fully intend to give these plants the affection and care they deserve, and judging by the responses here I think I'm going to like being a member. Peace to all.