Orchid Wannabe - Orchid Board

Rich S. · #1 08-13-2007, 07:34 PM

Hi! I guess I should introduce myself. Rich S. I just discovered this forum and there appears to be more info than I'll ever assimilate.
I've messed about with outdoor and house plants for years. I love epiphytic cactus. But I've not had much experiance with orchids, and what I have has not been successful. From reading on here, it may not all be my fault. I knew nothing about the pitfalls of spha. moss. Rot would be my biggest problem.
Anyway, I have one mini-catt. right now that seems ok. I enjoy Paphs. and Phals. Wine-colored Paphs. with the black hairs are so exotic!
Perhaps with coaching, I can keep my plants alive.

slipperfreak · #2 08-13-2007, 08:12 PM

Welcome Rich! I'm glad to see there's another paph lover joining! There are a number of us here.

Ross · #3 08-13-2007, 08:29 PM

Hi Rich! Welcome. I, too have had some experience with epiphytic cacti and still grow a few true cacti. I would suggest you might be in an environment where your orchids would benefit from a bark mix rather than sphagnum. While there are lots of times one want to use sphagnum for medium, most orchids benefit from air at the roots and a slight drying between waterings. Rot is probably the most common ailment discussed on this board.

Lagoon · #4 08-13-2007, 09:34 PM

Hi Rich, Welcome aboard

You haven't really lived til you've grown a slipper

Got pictures?

Candice · #5 08-13-2007, 11:17 PM

Hi Rich!!!

Welcome to the OB!!!!!!!

There IS so much information here in this forum! I love Phals and am experimenting with vandas also at the time being!

If you have any questions about your current orchids, just post some pictures and many experts here will be able to pinpoint your problems as long as you also describe your growing conditions...i.e. greenhouse, what type fertilizer/H2O, medium used......
You will be taken care of here, just ask away!
Again Welcome!!!!!

Djarum Black · #6 08-13-2007, 11:56 PM

Hi Rich,
Welcome to the OB! Glad you joined! You came to the right place for loads of information!

shakkai · #7 08-14-2007, 07:26 AM

Welcome, Rich! So glad you found Orchid Board and joined us in our orchid addictions!

You've just made a whole bunch of new friends who will help you along every step of the way. Have any questions, just ask! Everyone here loves to help - and we also love photos... So make sure you take pictures of your lovelies and share them with us!

Tindomul · #8 08-14-2007, 10:53 AM

Welcome to the Forum Rich. Ask questions, or just comment on how you are doing your orchid growing, and folk here will guide you along the way. Glad you were able to join.

justatypn · #9 08-14-2007, 10:17 PM

Aboard Rich...great that you have found the OB...a fun place and a wealth of information awaits. We all have been there where we have had the orchid (s) from hell...but this is how we learn

You know the OB loves

s...