Hi there! I have always been a little fascinated by orchids - each June when I was a kid, my grandmother and I would find the lady slippers that grew wild under the pines around the perimeter of her backyard and put a stick with a ribbon in the ground near each one so no one would step on them. I am not sure why it has taken me so long to consider keeping orchids myself, but here I am, having just purchased two young Phals from Carter and Holmes. They arrived Thursday, looking healthy, no spikes - I am hoping they are mature enough to have their first bloom this year... maybe the temp drop from SC to MA will do it. If not, I am patient.
If I can make these two happy, then more will certainly follow. I have been reading and learning a lot here about the care and keeping of these lovely plants; thank you for creating this community with so much fabulous information.