Hello All - from Northern Virginia - Orchid Board

4GetMeNot · #1 05-19-2016, 08:59 PM

Hello Everyone,

Yes I have to finally admit that I am an Orchidaholic! Since September I've gone a little crazy. I say that after just ordering 6 new babies, OMG I promised I wouldn't, but I did save 75 dollars so I'm not feeling too bad.

My orchid addition began very slowly after being given a lovely white orchid by my neighbor. Not knowing much about them I stuck it on my nightstand and there it sat until the blooms died and it finally moved into my bathroom where it was forgotten and neglected for years being watered only occasionally. Finally, after finding the time to pay attention and feeling guilty I research online how to care for it, when the poor thing was at deaths door.

This in when I fell in love, reading about orchids taught me what wonderful living things they were and how smart they were and what a will to live. It was no longer just a plant to me, it was something special and I was hooked and determined to do what-ever it took to save my poor little baby.

I bought fertilizer, bark, and a nice orchid pot watched videos about repotting and took care of her, poor thing had no roots she had just struggled to survive with a few air roots and the moisture from the shower, I was ashamed of myself.

Now before you all grab your torches and pitchforks I'm happy to report that she is doing fine, she is big and strong with lots of roots and is one of the most beautiful and the biggest phal I have. After a year and a half of care she is now fixing to reward all my love and patience with her first new flower spike since I received her. How forgiving orchid are!!!

While caring for her I added more (or my husband did) bringing home more phals he bought at the store. I'm sure I don't have to tell you that I took really good care of them now knowing what to do. They bloomed and rebloomed again for me. But the best bloom will be from my poor forgotten plant. I'm so excited for her.

Since September I've added more varieties to my collection and must have somewhere around 70 plants all doing well (Knock on wood). So I'm sure somewhere along the path of caring for my first orchid I must have caught the bug and I'm just sick with orchid delirium and happiness.

4GetMeNot

estación seca · #2 05-19-2016, 09:33 PM

Welcome! We're glad you joined. That is a really great story!

WhiteRabbit · #3 05-19-2016, 09:52 PM

Pattywack · #4 05-19-2016, 10:19 PM

Welcome to the addiction and the forum! Great story.

No-Pro-mwa · #5 05-20-2016, 10:36 AM

Hello, welcome to the board. Don't you worry most of us here have killed plenty of orchids. And yes I am speaking of myself.

DeaC · #6 05-20-2016, 12:32 PM

The "bug" was just lying dormant. Sounds as if you have a great future in this wonderful hobby! Can't wait to see fotos.

4GetMeNot · #7 05-20-2016, 04:00 PM

Thank you all so much for welcoming me. I'm sure I'll learn so much and will be needing advice on my flock of beauties. I'll try to post photos as soon as I figure it out. Especially my First Orchid so you can see how she made a remarkable recovery.

BTW I made a mistake in my first letter... I checked and somehow I actually ordered 8 new ones, oops can't imagine how that could have happen!!

4GetMeNot
AKA - (Annie)

Leafmite · #8 05-20-2016, 04:08 PM

Hello and welcome! You have certainly found the right people here. It is great to have you here!

Rothrock42 · #9 05-20-2016, 04:41 PM

If you've been doing this since September and have about 70 plants that makes me feel a lot better. I heard the call last October and have only manged to get up to 41 or so. I thought I was out of control, but clearly I'm an underachiever.

Welcome to the boards.

wintergirl · #10 05-20-2016, 05:50 PM

Welcome to OrchidBoard