Hi from Rochester NY!!

[Tude]

Finally - FINALLY I have an orchid. Every place I've lived was not a good place for one and even my current apartment is not good either as I keep it quite cold in the Winter - AND, most importantly, I have a 3 yr old siamese who would kill it. As it is when my boyfriend brings me a bouquet - I have to put it on top of my cabinet in the bedroom and even then my siamese sits on her haunches on my bed and "bats" at thin air and meows - wanting to get at the flowers.

BUT - I have a new office - and I now have a refugee orchid from my Mom (new to the orchid stuff too) and I'm "having a baby". I have no idea what it is - she doesn't either. So I need to go and do some online research using the leaves I guess - and then wait for a LONG time to see the bloom (small purple - is what my Mom remembers - but then the plant hasn't bloomed in 1-1/2 yrs. It seems to like my office though - shot out a potential bud right away!!!

Anyway - this was a long winded intro - and I shall enjoy my time here reading up more on my favorite flower.

I shall be moving within a year - and the next place will be more orchid favorable - especially so the Siamese has not contact with it either.

[JaneEyre]

Welcome

Good luck with your new 'chid'. If you get a chance to post a picture some of us maybe able to help you with what type of orchid you have even without flowers and give you tips on growing it.

On a side note, not sure if you are aware but don't bring lilies into your home especially Easter lilies, Stargazer lilies, etc. Those are deadly to cats. Even one petal can kill them. Since you mentioned your Siamese likes to go after plants I thought I'd mention it.

[Tude]

Outdoor lilies have been my "orchid" pacifier for these many years - love them. Have been having quite the issue with Red/Scarlet Lily bugs the last couple years - but I have the cure now (plus squishing the nasties) and so I had a great front year this year with my lilies.

And no I do not bring anything into the house - used too with my big orange tabby as he doesn't do anything to flowers - but my 3 yr old Siamese wants flowers and plants so nothing comes in.

And thanks for the info - I did not know about the lily issue with cats.

Will post a pic of "what is it" when I get a new camera in August (miss a camera - bit the dust).

[WhiteRabbit]

Glad you found us!

Yes, lilies are very toxic to cats - even the pollen, which they so kindly spew everywhere!

Have you tried having pots of cat grass and/or catnip around? Maybe kitty will leave other plants alone then ?
I guess I've been fortunate that my pets have never nommed on my plants. At least orchids aren't toxic if my cat should decide to taste one

Hope you are able to post pix soon! Don't forget pix of your kitty! ;D

[Tude]

I will definitely be posting a pic of the "baby" orchid to find out what I have - and of course the siamese "Ming" as well.

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Glad you've have finally found somewhere to keep orchids