I, too, am new to the boards. Although I have been lurking for several months.
I am not new to growing orchids. I've had orchid plants in my house for the last 25 years. They weren't so readily avail. then!
I had approx. 50 plants, & usually half of them would be in bloom at any time.
Then I went away for the winter of 2008. My neighbour, who had helped before, was watering the plants. However, I didn't know that your thermostat had a battery! So, the battery died, the furnace didn't come on, the plants all froze along with the water pipes. The pipes burst, the plants just went black & drooped! He plants, however, didn't do any damage. Luckily my neighbour came in the next day & took care of the problem with the water pipes. (A very good neighbour!).
Since then, I have moved to a T.H., and have just started replenishing my orchids. Have about 15 plants now. But they're not flourishing like they did in the other house. This T.H. only has south & north facing windows. The orchids are in bloom when I buy a plant, but don't seen to want to do it again. Right now, I have one with a new spike & buds, but that's it! I do have 3 plants with withered droopy, soft leaves. They're not looking too healthy. While lurking here, I have seen many comments on s/h. At one time, I grew all my plants hydroponically, but never the orchids. When I moved I got rid of all the hydroponic pots & supplies.
I'm hoping someone will have suggestions on the care (& blooming) of my plants, and also some hints on where to buy lava rocks etc. Thanks.
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