Hi Everyone! New member from Ohio

[sapphirerose]

I've been stalking the board a bit and finally joined. Several years ago, I murdered one of those dyed blue phals through pure ignorance and a lack of interest and time.

In July, I received a white NOID phal in a funeral basket from my grandmother's funeral, and I decided this time I would do it right. I ordered a how to book from Amazon and started watching Miss Orchid Girl's YouTube Channel. She kind of hates Phals, but she has good advice it seems.

I had a terrible summer with the death of a friend and the death of my grandmother and my husband's uncle, in addition to hospitalizations of my both of my parents. My husband gave me my second NOID phal on a particularly bad day, and I have been hooked. I love watching them and caring for them even though they aren't as snuggly as my mastiff or daschund mix.

I currently own 5 NOID phals, nicknamed Milly, Dave, Just Because, Lemon Chiffon, and Kaleidoscope (might soon be Kally because that is too long), and I have added 3 plants of known parentage to my collection, Phal. Liu's Beautiful Ruby 'Brilliant' (Jiaho Cherry x Ron Guan Mary), which I just call Ruby for short, Phal. Nuuanu Tono 'KF #1' (Purple Gem x schilleriana), no nickname as of yet, and one with no registered hybrid name that is a cross of Dtps. Anna-Larati Soekardi x Phal. deliciosa, which I am calling George because my brother suggested it. I also have a species orchid, Phal. japonica.

Phal. Liu's Beautiful Ruby 'Brilliant' and Phal. Nuuanu Tono 'KF #1' are perfect examples of why you can't ever identify NOID hybrids with accuracy. They are identical. They look like the grower stuck two different labels on the same plant honestly. 'KF#1' is supposed to be fragrant, but isn't fragrant yet. However, I just got it in the mail yesterday. I've had Ruby 'Brilliant' since longer. That one was a gift from my husband for my birthday.

[Leafmite]

Welcome from the Akron area!
Didn't someone warn you that orchids are a bit addictive?

Sorry about everything that has happened to you.

[sapphirerose]

Thanks! I promised my husband I would stick Phals for a year to make sure I can keep them alive. I'm not sure I can keep my promise. They are so fascinating.

[Dollythehun]

So sorry for your losses, words are inadequate. Life is bittersweet but often the bittersweet chips make the best cookies. So too with losses...

If you start collecting species phals you have a lot to chose from, many miniature, and still keep your promise!

[wintergirl]

Welcome to OrchidBoard Sorry about your losses

[Leafmite]

In the spring, the orchid society in Columbus has a show. I don't attend that one but I thought I would let you know so you could look for it. They have vendors that sell orchids. In the spring, Lowes often carries 'bag babies' Better Gro orchids.

I am not really helping, am I?

[charlesf6]

Glad to meet you.
And I also want to tell you
I'm sorry

[AJW]

Stalk no more enjoy the info and support and have fun on the way. We all learn by doing and loss is part of the experience. To provide a 'cultivar' name is a great way to remember

[rbarata]

Welcome sapphirerose.

I always love to take care of my orchids, I get such a piece of mind when I do it.

[PaphMadMan]

At first I misread that as mastiff-dachshund mix, and the mental imagery was the highlight of my evening. Welcome.