Hello from VT.

[lpcme]

Hi There,
Just saying hello for now from the chilly Green Mtns. I have many interesting plants, but only one orchid (so far). I've had it for 5 years. Actually bought it at Home Depot. It's a hybrid Paphiopedilum of some sort. It's a really cool plant with spotted leeves and a velvety purple spike that opens into a ladyslipper type of flower. Dark purple, almost black. There are two new spikes growing now. It's about time for a new orchid, so I'm sure I'll have a few questions. Thanks in advance for all the knowledge.

[Roly0217]

lpcme and to the OB !!!! Let us know what type of conditions do you grow in; ask as many questions as you want and we'll try to enable you with many many plants...LOL I'm starting to collect Paphs now but I have to grow them indoors as my conditions are a bit too warm for them outdoors. So far so good. However my bulk is made up by cattleyas. Enjoy the forums and ask away !!!!!

[Don Perusse]

Welcome to the OB. I am from the deep south so our growing condition are somewhat different but we have so many members around the world and I am sure you will get plenty of advice. BUT you need to increase you inventory some...only one orchid, isn't she lonely??

[kiki-do]

Welcome neighbor! Vermont is such a beautiful State! I have relatives there plus would visit my son at Norwich University quite often. I just loved the drive over in the fall and spring.
Any thoughts to what you will get for your #2 orchid? As others have said, your growing conditions are important factors. What other cool plants do you grow?
Again, welcome!

[lpcme]

hi again....

Thanks for the hello's and comments.

As far as my growing conditions go. It's all indoors with lots of sun available. I haven't seemed to need any artificial lighting and all of my plants, including (Bananas, Begonias, Passion Flowers and even my lonely orchid)... seem to do pretty well here.

The temp is usually around 68F. never really gets colder than 65 F in the house. Though some days the wood stove will get the house close to 80F. It tends to be a little dry in the winter.

While I don't claim to know much, I seem to have a green thumb most of the time anyway.

Any suggestions for a second orchid. I might go looking at a local garden center on Monday, but they usually have pretty common looking plants. I like different and for the moment I find the pap's the most intresting. I really lucked out with the one I got. I had no idea what it would be like and was plesantly suprised.

Looking forward to more thoughts.

[Don Perusse]

She is a beauty. They are cooler growing orchids but don't do well here in my Southern heat. Haven't had luck with mine. Enjoyed seeing yours.

[kiki-do]

Ipcme, you have a beauty for a paph there. I have two that are similar to that one. You must have lots of room in your house to sport passion flower(s). I have one and I keep it trimmed right down until I can get it outdoors on my porch in the late spring. I tried to grow it indoors, but it just went everywhere! If you have lots of light, I would suggest brassavolas (my favorite, brassavola nodosa and easy to grow), brassias, ascocentrums, and cattleyeas. Chances are that your local growers won't have those in particular, but come spring you can order any of these from a variety of good vendors. This forum has a vendor feedback, so you can get an idea of who's out there and who's reputable.
I get carried away when anyone asks for suggestions. I think I hyperventilated there for a minute.
Check out our members gallery pictures. And by all means, take your time deciding and enjoy the fun and challenges of growing orchids.

[Amanda L]

Only one!! Well, now that you have joined the Orchid Board that number will soon change!! The possibilities are endless!!! You have a very beautiful Paph there!!! But, I think it needs some friends, lots of them!!! Welcome to the Orchid Board and all the wonderful enabling that has already started!