Newbie orchid lover from Vero Beach FL

[lys]

Hello orchid enthusiasts! There were so many intros here that I was a little bit apprehensive to post one myself- so I better make it interesting! I hope to become active in this community to make some new friends who share a similar passion- especially those who live nearby. Anyway I have tons of pictures so I figured I'd just start by posting one of myself.



This big showy phal. may not impress the seasoned orchid growers as much as the novice, but it sure gets a wow out of everyone who visits!

[cb977]

Hi Lus
Welcome to Orchidboard
Please don't ever feel apprehensive about posting here on OB...our members are some of the friendliest, most generous folks around! We're all here to talk about orchids...which we are all passionate about

What a fantastic Phal!!! I'm sure it astounds everybody who sees it in person!

What other types of orchids are you growing over there? Do you grow indoors or outside?

If you need help with anything, let us know

[Orchidophile]

Welcome to the OB lys, that is a huge Phal. great job

[lys]

Thanks Susanne! I grow both indoors and out. In the winter we get an occasional day or two of frost so for those days I bring in my cattleyas, dendrobiums, & oncidiums (all hybrids),though I bet they could withstand it. This year we didn't even get any frost. Just a couple mornings in the low 40's. I also have an array of small plants on my computer desk growing under some compact florescent bulbs. So far my maxillaria tenuifolia has bloomed under them so I think I'm doing something right.

What is the preferred way to post pictures here? I have tons (I love to photograph) but don't want to get too image heavy in case some viewers have a slow connection.

[cb977]

Wonderful !!!

It's best to resize the pics to a smaller size...we refer members to this:

Resizing Images...originally posted 6/13/06 by Marty

Gallery Photos

Thumbnail pics in posts

Keep 'em coming...we're almost as addicted to orchid pics as we are to the actual orchids!

I'm on the west coast of Florida, in Spring Hill. I used to grow all the 'chids out around the pool but it became way too much work on those few nights that the temps drop too low so we added a room onto the lanai. Most of them now stay in there year-round with about 40 or so around the pool. It's a lot easier moving just 40

I hope to hear more from you...don't hesitate about getting involved in the forums. Lots of great information gets distributed here...and there's also a lot of comedy along the way

[Dorothy]

Lys
Glad you have joined us at the OB
Have fun exploring the board - there's lots here to see ...
We have a Photography Forum here also for any questions you have or info you seek
Your Max. Ten. flower is beautiful .. you must be enjoying it's coconut fragrance .. I can only imagine how pleasant it must be as mine maybe too young to produce flowers this year still .. .. I know, patience .. patience ..
(Patience is a trait I am learning from orchids and it's a good thing .. I just wish it didn't take so long )

[lys]

Thanks Dorothy- I was surprised to see my max. bloom so quickly. Here's a pic of a soldier orchid I found in my yard. Did a little research on it- I thought it was cool since it's one I didn't have to buy!
I'll be working on adding pictures to my gallery soon.

[GreggC]

I think you will find many nice folks here on the OB. Happy growing and keep up the good work!!

[cb977]

Originally Posted by lys

Thanks Dorothy- I was surprised to see my max. bloom so quickly. Here's a pic of a soldier orchid I found in my yard. Did a little research on it- I thought it was cool since it's one I didn't have to buy!
I'll be working on adding pictures to my gallery soon.

A friend of mine, catlady here on OB, found these soldier orchids growing in her yard this year! I brought one home, of course , but it didn't last very long
The actual name for it is: Zeuxine strateumatica

[snow]

hi lys glad you joined
hope to see some more of your wonderfull pictures
i can.t get over the size of that phal.
what are you feeding it?