Hi,
I found that I had last logged onto the OB on 07-08-2007. Was not much of a participator but was here briefly. Within a short time of that I had a major insect infestation and disease problem which wiped out all but one orchid. A lot of it was from not taking precautions (quarantine) with new plants and bringing home infected plants from an orchid mill. Did some over watering and used super strong bug and fungal controls like I was treating pine trees.
I gave up on orchids. Was too old to go through that pain again.
Over the years since, people gave me Phals that they got tired of after the spike was bare and soon I had a small but healthy and annually blooming collection going. My wife is even beginning to like orchids with her buying silk ones for the darker areas of the house.
So now I decided to branch out from my little collection of Phals and try other varieties...again. This time use more study, patience, common sense and discipline in raising/growing them.
P.S. I am going to try Ray's SH for some of the new orchids I get. Sounds and looks like a great way to grow orchids and some other plants. Thanks Ray!