Hello from MO, new member

[PCgeekchick]

Hello everyone, I've been lurking for a few days and finally decided to join.

I've been growing orchids since 2001 when i first became addicted. Since then, of course my collection has grown. I currently have:

• Colmanara Wildcat 'Bobcat'
• Encyclia Green Hornet (blooms several times a year for several months)
• Ascocenda Chaiyot 'NCN' (grrr frustrating booger for me)
• Phal. happy girl x Phal (M. valentine - n. cinderella) x T. Firebird (this is my favorite, so vigorous!)
• Phal. Rong Guan Amah 'HCC/AOS'
• Phal. Salu Gold Star x Chih Shang's Strpes
• Dtps. Ruey Lih Beauty x Happy Smile
• Phal. white, No ID, possible amabilis hybrid
• Den. Aquatum x Udom Blue Angel
• Den. Eima White
• Den. No ID (still alive & grows great guns, but never has ever bloomed)
• Oncidium, No ID (Home depot rescue & he's been with me for 4 years now)
• Cymbidium, No ID
• Dtps. Brother Little Yellowboy
• Dtps. Tzeng-Wen Sentra 'Jia-Ho' AM/AOS
• Miltoniopsis Ruby Falls
• Ludisia discolor
• Mtssa. Dark Star 'Darth Vader'
• Bllra. Peggy Ruth Carpenter 'Morning Joy'

Whew... Anyhow, I grow them all mostly inside except my Cym. which just comes in over the cold winter. No fancy lights, they are just in my bright living room & bathroom. Ceiling fans occasionally, and water/ferts at least once a week.

It took me a few years to really settle into growing orchids, but now i've figured out a great method that works for me. I'm thinking of switching a few to a modified S/H since I'm sort of growing that way now but in a traditional bark mix rather than LECA. And I'm really sick of repotting rotten mixes constantly. Figure I'll try it on some of my box store "rescues" first.

The Ludisia is new... so I'm a little nervous about that one. It's currently potted in... well, mud and that's putting it nicely.

Ok, I've rambled long enough. Thanks to everyone for your wonderful posts and information!!

P.S. I've posted some photos in the "gallery" section under my ID name.