I am New here, my intro

[Dame]

Hello
I am new to this board.

I have about a dozen orchid plants on my kitchen and bathroom window sills which I have gathered from supermarkets, mostly in the half dead reduced section , and some from the full bloom lots of money sections . (gathered over the last year and all except 2 have survived... so far)

I want to know more about them, even what sorts I have would be a good start.

I can tell you I have about half a dozen with small spoon shaped leaves, a couple with lots of long leaves, and 2 with almost bamboo shaped leaves as well as a couple with fat bottom bits and skinny long leaves... as that description might tell you... I am a bit of a begginer at this lark

I am a keen gardener and can tell you all about whats in the garden, but Orchids are a real blank for me, well until now that is.

I am hoping somebody can point me in the right direction to find a book for begginers, to first identify what I actualy have, and second, to tell me how to look after them all properly, and eventually, how to keep them flowering and maybe even propogate them... Ok so I may be looking at way into the future here, but I am keen to learn.

I live in the UK, no greenhouse or conservatory, just an unheated kitchen and a small bathroom with a radiator but the Orchids do seem to be ok in there so far.

I am not even sure how to water or feed these pretty creatures, I just give them a sip when they look thirsty, maybe once or twice a week and thats it so far.

Any help would be gratfully accepted

best wishes
Dame

[Ross]

Welcome Dame. I really recommend pictures when you are asking specific questions. There are lots of Brits on the board and I think you'll get quality answers especially if you can include pictures. Again, welcome aboard.

[Djarum Black]

Hi Dame!

Welcome to the orchid board. It sounds like you are off to a great start with the variety of plants you have. Just from your written description, I am going to guess you have some Phalaenopsis, and some Dendrobiums. If you post some photos, someone might be able to help identify your plants a little better for you.

But in the meantime, here is some web links for you to check about what I think you might have.

http://www.orchidco.com/downloads/phalaenopsis.pdf

http://www.orchidco.com/downloads/dendrobe.pdf

I hope this points you a little closer in the direction you need.
Remember to post some pictures soon so we can help you more!

Welcome again!

[cb977]

Hi Dame...welcome to Orchidboard

I'm sure we'll be able to help you at least figure out what types of 'chids you have if we have some to look at. Do you have access to a digital camera?
If you do, I can give you some information to help in getting your pics posted on the board.

If you have any other questions, let us know

[Dame]

Hi everybody and thank you for the replies.
I want a digital camera for my birthday, so piccies may have to wait a month or two, unless I can borrow one from a family member.

I have searched for labels that came with my orchids and I have found the following...
Oncidium
Cambria
Phalaenopsis
Dendrobium
Paphiodopedrilum

(some have no labels so I have no idea what they are, apart from if the leaf type matches ones with labels)

I have them all on kitchen or bathroom windowsills.

I would like to know if I have them in the right places,
how can I get them to flower again, and what are there requirements.
I gather not all orchids like the same things

Any advice would be appreciated
Best wishes
Dame

[Dame]

P.S
DJ
looks like I have both of those types and more.
Thanks for those links :-)

[Dorothy]

WELCOME DAME!
Glad you can join us at the OB

Check out this link to the OB Care Sheets on different Orchid Genus - http://www.orchidboard.com/taxonomy/term/12

[Dame]

Hi Dorothy

Thank you for the link.
I have now managed to read a little bit about all of the orchids I have except for the Cambria ones.
I have three Cambrias so I will have a look round to see how to deal with them.

Thank you for the info on the others.

I have 14 orchids. (hubby says there is no room for more, but if I find something a little special, maybe a species I have not got, well who knows what might happen

With the help of you all (and my few labels) I think I have managed to identify my collection as
3 x Cambrias
1 x Oncidium
1 x Paphiodopedrium
2 x Dendrobium
7 x Phalaenopsis

The 2 x Dendrobium have started to go light in the leaf, almost yellowy and I am thinking the unheated kitchen is too cold for them, so I will move them to the warmer bedrooms.

The Paphiodopedrium seems to be resting and the Oncidium has a new shoot.

The Cambrias do not seem to be doing a lot, but there is lot of greenery there and the Phalaenopsis still have a few buds from last year, but are not at there showy best.

I would like to know when they have there flowering seasons, also how to spilt at least one of the Cambrias which seems to have loads of leaves and nice fresh roots at the moment.

best wishes
Dame

[cb977]

Here's some more info on your Cambria...aka Beallara:

Beallara - Cambria

[Shirley]

Hi Dame and welcome. You've certainly come to the right place for answers to your questions. Will look forward to seeing some of your blooms.