Not exactly a nubi ...

[voyager]

I have found a need to ask an orchid question for the first time in quite a few years now.
That's why I've joined this forum.

I began growing orchids in my living room about 1998 while living in Alaska.
I kept upwards of 75 of the little beggars growing in the windows of my condo, a very full time job. I finally began to specialize in cool-dry- rest Dendrobiums, especially, the large pendent species.
I sold the condo, moved into a less sunny place and then caught a spider mite infestation. I fought it for almost a year and lost the war. In mid winter I gathered them all up and threw them into the dumpster. At 20 below they were frozen in minutes. I have not kept an orchid for over 5 years.
After almost 35 years in Alaska I have moved to Hawai'i. I am beginning to get back into orchids again.
I am really hooked on the prospect of growing them in my yard.