old orchid grower new to this forum

[Cntry]

My list is growing again, thanks Haika for a few more orchids that I can add to the list of must haves. I thin I will need a orchid room by the time I get done making my list. Ha ha ha addicted to orchids is such a wonderful disease to have.

[haika]

I don't think my recommendations would be classified as micro-miniatures although some Pleurothallids are quite small. Some of my Restrepias are about the same size as Onc. Twinkle as are several of my Pleurothallis plants. I've found Onc. Twinkle to be more sensitive than the genera I mentioned, but that may have a lot to do with the growing conditions in my area (no greenhouse!). As I mentioned, I have difficulty with fine detail work myself so limited my recommendations to plants that are easier for me to work with (size/weight).

Tolumnias (Equitant Oncidiums)....which I just looked up to check for the current nomenclature....were easy for me when I kept them, as they were mounted, so I hung them over fish tanks (for humidity) and dunked them into fish tank water change buckets every day. Small....with pretty flowers.

[Cntry]

wow I didn't know you could use the contents from the fish tank to water your orchids. I will have to try it sometime. All I ever used was tap water.

[RandomGemini]

I have been researching pleurothallids for my terrarium so that's probably where I got the idea that they are tiny. I also think they're kind of fussy, but that may depend on the sort of orchid grower you are though. I like to mess with my orchids once or twice a week and need them to be forgiving enough that if I forget about them when life gets busy, they won't die.

I love tolumnias. Great suggestion I think! If you can give them enough light, they'd be a great fit.

[Cntry]

LOL on the kind of orchid grower I am. So far I killed on ordered 2 more and purchased 1 to replace the one I killed by watering it to much. It just a phal noid but it beautiful in my eyes. The other I ordered off ebay. They are coming from Hawaii and are called Slc World Vacation shibuya sunset. I am not sure if they are large or small. But I was told since I have the MS and have problems walking at times and it will only get worse to look for something on the smaller side. That's why I was inquiring what is small or as some have said look into the Micro orchids. Not sure how much more care they would need compaired to the regular noids. I am no longer able to work and just fiddle around the house when I can. I lost my husband 2 years ago so my kids moved in to help out after their dad passed due to cancer. My daughter will be moving out next month into her own apartment with my granddaughter. So I need something to keep my mind occupied that I love. So I love flowers and orchids. Orchids I can grow inside so I am trying it. Bringing the love I have for the outdoors inside for me. I will let you know what I find. I am hoping my son will take me to one of the nurseries here that is not to far away. I will have list in hand when I go.

[RandomGemini]

Whatever you get, just research the plant first before you purchase. Also, they have these humidity and temperature meters you can get at the hardware store. Stick it in the spot where you plan to grow your plants and watch it for a week or two, so you can see what the temperature and humidity are like in that location. That will help you rule out plants that won't do well in your space.

[Cntry]

I never thought about doing that... Thanks for the great tip I will surely use it very soon.

[haika]

I know that I've often tried orchid genera that are supposedly easy or ones that look suitable on paper....and they die or fail to thrive. I admit that over the 40+ years of growing orchids, I've lost more than I like to admit but that's how I learned which ones LIKE my situation. I know to stick with the cooler growing genera for the most part....due to my growing conditions. Best wishes on finding orchids to enjoy!

[Cntry]

Haika with 40 years of experience growing I bet you can grow almost anything by now. I sure know who to come to if I have questions about something and get a straight answer that's tried it their self. Some places like the stores and garden centers never raised a single one and tried giving me advice that was wrong. That's why I am here to get the facts straight and learn from the mistakes I have made. I am glad I have found this grate board here and my new friends to.

[haika]

Kind words, but the truth is that I've learned that I CAN'T grow lots of orchid genera (grin).