I caught orchid fever while attending the Portland Orchid Society's annual show earlier this year. Like most newbies, I have a few noid Phals that I'm hoping to keep alive and bring to bloom next year. I have a few other types, but I'm just at the "let's see if I can keep from killing these" stage, so I have to slap my hand when I see those "Buy it Now" buttons on auction sites. I'm glad to be here and look forward to learning a lot from this community.
there will be some deaths, but that is part of the experience. dont let the "it died" to make you stay away from this wonderful world, orchids are often harder to kill than other plants. and a good fraction of them will be forgiving. trust me!
orchids will "talk" to you once you learn to listen to them by observation.
Thanks for the warm welcome. I'm in southern Oregon: 90 degrees F in the day, 65 degrees at night. Humidity .... what's THAT? I'm still figuring out where to put the various types of orchids. The only plants in bloom atm are a couple of the noid Phals and I'm sure you've seen enough of those types of blooms. I'll probably post some pics later ... if there's anything interesting to report. ^_^