New Mexico

[Kevin_PR]

Originally Posted by Optimist

I am not very good with intros.

I live in the arid desert southwest in New Mexico near the Texas pan-handle. Very dry zone 6. I am mainly sticking with Phalenopsis orchids, simply because I don't want to move too far outside my comfort zone. This is fine for me. The fact that there is very little humidity has been a problem to the roots. Basically, I would soak the roots for 10 to 20 minutes and in a few hours the bark would be totally dry. I have finally come across plastic slotted flower pots. This slows the drying time.


I hope to learn much more.
Thank You Optimist

I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. There are orchids that will grow in desert like conditions, you just have to do the research. Google the native orchids in your area. And if you have your own yard even better. You can create micro climates by adding features and vegetation to your garden.

Here are some orchids that will do good for you
Eulophia petersii
Broughtonia sanguinea
Psychillis krugii
many encyclias, and laelias will do fine.



Sorry

Getting back to the Phalaenopsis, You can mix some sphagnum moss into the potting medium, and maybe choose a finer grade medium. Some might go all sphagnum. You can use humidity tray or just saucers under them if they dry up that quick.

Good luck

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by Eskevingo

I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. There are orchids that will grow in desert like conditions, you just have to do the research. Google the native orchids in your area. And if you have your own yard even better. You can create micro climates by adding features and vegetation to your garden.

Here are some orchids that will do good for you
Eulophia petersii
Broughtonia sanguinea
Psychillis krugii
many encyclias, and laelias will do fine.



Sorry

Getting back to the Phalaenopsis, You can mix some sphagnum moss into the potting medium, and maybe choose a finer grade medium. Some might go all sphagnum. You can use humidity tray or just saucers under them if they dry up that quick.

Good luck

Oh thanks for that advice that helps me out as well with the zone I live in.

[Optimist]

[QUOTE=Eskevingo;597884]I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. [QUOTE]

I have killed several now, and I don't like killing plants-- not when they cost so much. I am not really intending on becoming a green-house pro, just a person with a few pretty plants that are not dead after a few weeks. As far as the name, I was amazed no one had it already. It Is not exactly what I am, but maybe what I will be if things go better.