New member, new to orchids, first post, confessional

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by Call_Me_Bob

Just wait until 7 turns into 100 and your money disappears before it even hits your wallet.

My couple somehow turned into 130ish... how did that happen

I seemed to stick around the 90+ mark for a long time, non-orchid friends who knew I had a lot kept saying "Do you have over 100 yet" and I would say no, still only (only) 90ish... then I finally topped the 100 and suddenly it's 130ish, really don't know how that happened

People ask where I keep them. Well, a few in the greenhouse at this time of year, but every windowledge is packed as tight as I can get the pots without them falling off. Good job I have a hubby who doesn't mind and actually likes using them as photographic subjects

---------- Post added at 10:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 AM ----------

Not looking too bad at all

[Subrosa]

Hello and welcome! While practically everybody starts with Phals because of their easy availability, they're not the best orchid for every growing situation. It's easier to grow orchids suited to the conditions you have as opposed to changing conditions to suit certain plants. Work with those cold dry winters and look for species that require a cool dry rest. There are plenty! Check out some online vendors. Good luck with your rescues!

[GluttonousSolarWrasse]

Originally Posted by RosieC

My couple somehow turned into 130ish... how did that happen

I seemed to stick around the 90+ mark for a long time, non-orchid friends who knew I had a lot kept saying "Do you have over 100 yet" and I would say no, still only (only) 90ish... then I finally topped the 100 and suddenly it's 130ish, really don't know how that happened

People ask where I keep them. Well, a few in the greenhouse at this time of year, but every windowledge is packed as tight as I can get the pots without them falling off. Good job I have a hubby who doesn't mind and actually likes using them as photographic subjects

---------- Post added at 10:52 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:50 AM ----------

Not looking too bad at all

That definitely happens because of divisions. I inherited a M. tenufolia that had no roots. I got it to grow new roots, grow out of control, split it into two plants (and of course I never gave 1 away). Soon I want to repot it in new media, and it should really be split into 4 plants. Of course I would describe myself as an orchid hoarder, so I'll never part with any of the divisions. And I want to sell plants for a living too! HAH

[RosieC]

You are right, or in my case a few plants that are prone to keiki

[Optimist]

After one big spree I have limited myself to 3 big ones (100 dollars approx) per year. I guess it all depends on your situation. I would hate to put all that money into some variety I regularly killed.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by RosieC

My couple somehow turned into 130ish... how did that happen

I seemed to stick around the 90+ mark for a long time, non-orchid friends who knew I had a lot kept saying "Do you have over 100 yet" and I would say no, still only (only) 90ish... then I finally topped the 100 and suddenly it's 130ish, really don't know how that happened

Sounds familiar! I hung around the 70-75 mark for a while, then somehow it turned into 100+ and then I stopped counting Going to have to get rid of most of them before I go to school though

[Leafmite]

I started with two that someone gave me as gifts and then the rest of my first orchids were all rescues...all rootless wonders. They taught me quiet a bit about growing orchids.

[nofickenway]

thank you for all the encouragement - they don't look half bad from the top up - BUT the roots on almost all are in rought shape (except one). I had to cut away quite a few soggy brown roots and all but that one have few left to rely on. I expect some losses, but am pretty excited to see if I can maintain some so I can see what kind of blossoms I get...

I also appreciate hearing from someone who has raised orchids here - am looking forward to the show in March - also going to a seminar at a local nursery this weekend where there are expected to be a number of nice orchids - I was just there buying medium and saw that they already have some nice paphs, cymbidium and dendrobiums on hand but I resisted...

---------- Post added at 12:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:31 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I started with two that someone gave me as gifts and then the rest of my first orchids were all rescues...all rootless wonders. They taught me quiet a bit about growing orchids.

that's exactly what I am going for - if nothing else, a learning experience that can only help...

[Leafmite]

Have fun at the orchid show!

[Optimist]

My first orchid buy was at the Westgate Mall in 1999 in Omaha. Bought an Ondontobrassia Kenneth Bivens and an unrembered Dendrobium. I killed both of them through ignorance. I was highly impressed by the orchid society there. A LOT of excellent people. The one thing I do like about orchid groups is that they know what grows best in your area without fancy greenhouse equipment.