Hi Everybody

[Katie]

WOW this forum looks amazing!

I've always wanted to grow Orchids but they seem so delicate and I'm NOT a green thumb at all.

I figured if I educated myself about Orchids BEFORE I buy myself one then it might have a hope of surviving.

[Ross]

Welcome. There are several Aussies represented here - hope they come forth We're glad you chose to join the forum.

[Undergrounder]

Hey Katie welcome!

I just started as well, and haven't had any deaths from flowering-sized plants, and i'm not a green thumb either. If you start off with some Aussie natives you'll have a hard time killing them under the wheels of a truck.

What orchids are you interested in getting?

[Buds!]

Hi Katie,
Welcome to the OB!
This is a great place to learn all about orchids!
I started growing phals in July this year.
I just have to warn you that orchard growing is a HIGLY ADDICTIVE hobby .
I love it!
Cheers,
Buds!

ps. which state are you from?

[GreggC]

Well, that is EVERYONE BUT ME!!!!!

[cb977]

Hi Katie and

I have learned SO much from the folks here at OB

Two things that are very important:

- orchids are not as fragile as you are expecting them to be. The blooms, yes...the plants themselves, not so much

- if you have the space, time and can afford it without going into debt, they are VERY addictive!

- most importantly, there is no one set of rules to grow orchids. There are guidelines. No two people (or not many, anyway) grow their 'chids in the same conditions so it stands to reason that what one person does may not work for somebody else.

Read all you can, and then apply what you've read to what the conditions are in your environment.

If you need help with anything, let us know

What types of 'chids are you interested in? Would you be growing them indoors or outside? We have a number of friends in Australia who will be able to give you answers for your location.

[Katie]

Thanks for all the welcomes

I'm thinking of starting with a Cymbidium (hope I spelt that right)...

Should I just buy one from somewhere like Bunnnings or go to a good nursery?

[Lagoon]

Hay there Katie, its good to have you here ~ Welcome to the forum
Try to go to a place where they understand the conditions of orchids

[justatypn]

Aboard, great that you have found the OB. A wonderful neighborhood to learn about our passion and if you have thoughts about purchasing orchids...your passion as well. It's a great hobby with so much to learn and here at the OB a wealth of information awaits...

[GreggC]

buy the plant(s) you want, but where you can get information about that plant.