Hello from California

[ShirinS]

Last spring my husband brought me a purple and white Phal home from the supermarket. I was feeling a bit down, and he thought it would cheer me up.

After it was done blooming, I cut back the spike, moved it to a brighter location, and started reading up on orchids. This spring, it sent out a new flower spike (whithout my doing anything about changing temps or light or fertilizer) and I was rewarded with lovely purple and white blooms.

Well, (she said, scuffing her toe in the dirt) I may have gone down to the supermarket during May and June and bought a few more Phals. One. And then a Miltonia/Miltoniopsis. And then another Phal. Because, um, yeah. I had too. And I may have spent a few hours on Youtube looking up orchid care. And I may have spent a few hours on online catalogs deciding what my next non-supermarket purchase would be. And I may have set up a light and a small fan for one of my orchids at work. Just, um, because I had to.

My guys have all finished blooming, and they've all been repotted, are on a regular fertilising schedule, and are putting out more roots. I think I'm doomed to join a local orchid club. And maybe to set up an indoor greenhouse or orchid display at work. There's no hope...

Shirin

[DeaC]

Taking on this amazing hobby requires you provide the best conditions possible and sounds like you can do it! With so much info out there and this great bunch of people to pick their brains,it will be a very positive and challenging experience.Expect some disasters along the way tho.Live and learn as they say,and welcome!

[ShirinS]

Thanks for the welcome DeaC

[estación seca]

Welcome to the Orchid Board! There are various orchids that bloom in different seasons, so if you choose wisely, you can have something in flower all the time....

[Tschimm]

Welcome!

[ShirinS]

Thank you for the welcomes!

I'm looking now at some pale green or brown phals -- or maybe a green slipper orchid.

I hadn't thought to look at when they bloom, but on the other hand, I'm not entirely sure when these supermarket phals are "supposed" to be blooming either.

[WhiteRabbit]

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard It sounds like you are getting a collection

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board, sounds like the addiction has already kicked in. Don't worry you're in good company

[Nana Trish]

Collecting orchids and learning how to give them the very best care is so much fun! And....there are worse things you can be addicted to! (: