Hello From New Zealand

[Lainalou]

Hello,

I came across this site while researching how to grow orchids. I thought this would be a nice go to when I have questions I have trouble getting answered. I have yet to get an orchid as I want to make absolutely sure I am ready for the responsibility before taking one on. I am on the South Island in growing zone 9a. Cymbidiums seem to be the most common and most recommended starting orchids for this area so I will probably start with one of those. I am setting up a partially shaded greenhouse as well in the back garden. Still figuring out the best way to modify it to fit the needs of orchids. My goal to start off with is to just get one plant to thrive and flower. If I can succeed with one plant I will consider expanding my collection.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Welcome and enjoy this board:-) There is many great people who can help you, as they did help me and others:-) I am different zone, hope someone from the same zone will join soon your thread:-)

[WhiteRabbit]

[tucker85]

Welcome to Orchid Board!

[DIGGER]

welcome bro.

[Bloomin_Aussie]

Yeah you'll need some cold tolerant plants huh? Are you going to grow in a greenhouse or outside in open air?

[annak]

Hello from Greece!

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

[Lainalou]

Thank you everyone!
@Bloomin_Aussie
Fairly tolerant to cooler temperatures is definitely a plus. I have a couple of options at the moment when it comes to growing orchids:
If they are quite cold tolerant they can happily live outside and be brought inside in the coldest weather.
I have a greenhouse I am setting up that can either be left as is or can be heated via a water pump cycling water through a compost heap and through the greenhouse. So orchids can be grown in the greenhouse in warm temperatures year round.

At the moment I am doing research to find what would be best for me. I have arranged to visit a local orchid grower that lives just two blocks from me, I have checked out three books from the library pertaining to orchid growing, we are planning trips to at least one of the orchid shows in September/October, we have been invited to attend the next Orchid Council meeting and finally, I have the internet.

[hcastil3]

Welcome, learn lots from here