Hi, I'm REALLY new!

[lindad3406]

Hi all. I just wanted to get started by introducing myself. I have loved the beauty of orchids for a long time, but just had too many things going to do any research and start growing. I bought my first orchid in May 2007, a beautiful Phaleanoposis Long Pride Isabel from Walmart of all places while it was in full bloom. Already I have purchased more orchids. I have 3 Cattelyas and 1 Vanda. I am going to try Semi-[Hydrophonic on a couple tomorrow. I have bought a couple of books and joined this board to try to learn from others experience. All of my orchids are sitting in a eastern exposure window and I am watering a least twice a week. I have not used fertilizer as yet, but starting with tomorrows watering. Is now a good time to try to repot the Catts? They are Bloom Size plants with new growth. Thanks for any help you can think of.

[Becca]

Welcome to the board lindad! You mentioned you are about to try s/h.....have you been to our s/h section here on the orchid board? Have you been to Welcome to First Rays Orchids website ? He has alot of helpful info...just about all you will need. My biggest mistake when I switched some of the 'chids over to s/h was that I did not wait for new root growth! Do your plants you are converting have new root growth? When you have a chance....post some pics for us to drool over!

[lindad3406]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

Welcome to the board lindad! You mentioned you are about to try s/h.....have you been to our s/h section here on the orchid board? Have you been to Welcome to First Rays Orchids website ? He has alot of helpful info...just about all you will need. My biggest mistake when I switched some of the 'chids over to s/h was that I did not wait for new root growth! Do your plants you are converting have new root growth? When you have a chance....post some pics for us to drool over!

Yes, I have been to First Ray's site and purchased the starter kit with 2 pots ( 3.5 in) and a very nice Cattleya loddigisii v. Harrisoniana. I have not purchased a plant yet that is in bloom except for the Phal. That was gorgeous. Yes, I am studying all I can. I am just going to step out bravely into the S/H and see what happens. You really don't want to see my little plants do you? -----Linda

[Becca]

We all would love to see your plants! And I just have to mention again....just make sure your plants have new root growth! I just can't stress that enough! I am sure if you have been reading in our s/h section you have seen the troubles I have had....don't be like me...err how I used to be...I learned the hard way!

[Ross]

Welcome Linda. We are truely glad you have decided to join our board. I have found that the wealth of international information just amazes me.

As you progress, you might want to consider moving your Cats to a brighter window. I realize you are in Texas and I am in Michigan, but Cats appreciate lots of light. Phals, not so much - east is great for these guys. I know nothing about vandas except what I read so won't offer any help here. If you have followed Ray's site (which you say you have) consider moving to a steady fertilizer regime based on his recommendations and your ability to provide "pure" water. This generally means distilled, RO, or rain water.

[lindad3406]

Originally Posted by RPfeiffer

We all would love to see your plants! And I just have to mention again....just make sure your plants have new root growth! I just can't stress that enough! I am sure if you have been reading in our s/h section you have seen the troubles I have had....don't be like me...err how I used to be...I learned the hard way!

OK Becca, go to recent phots in Members Gallery. I put them there. ----Linda