Orchid donations?

[Cheddarbob14]

There was a thread on here maybe a year or so ago, somebody was asking for donations for a greenhouse/orchid room. Cant find it in my history, does anybody else remember or could you paste the link in here if you have it please

[Dollythehun]

That was a conservatory of some sort and it was out west. Not much help I know.

[Cheddarbob14]

Found it, just bumped it in the beginner thread

[Mountaineer370]

Cheddarbob, you don't mention the reason for your inquiry, so I'm just throwing a couple things out that may or may not apply to the situatiohn. Have you checked with Matthaei Botanical Gardens? They have an orchid section in their conservatory, and I'm not sure if they accept donations, but if they do, then you wouldn't have to ship them. Also, the Ann Arbor Orchid Society has a raffle table each month where members can donate plants they wish to rehome.

[Coloradcatt]

Rehoming plants... do people do that? Where can I find out about it? I am a new enthusiast in southern Colorado with an empty small greenhouse and a lot of time on my hands.

[Cheddarbob14]

Rehoming plants has definitely been done, although not too often. I'd offer you mine but between the different types of orchids, the different cultures they are currently in (traditional and full water culture), and the fact that they need some TLC from an ongoing mite issue I've had, I wouldn't be doing you any favors. My best advice would be to pick 1, at most 2, different types of orchids, when making your first purchases. I loaded up on way too many early on and lost quite a few in a relatively short time. I made the mistake of assuming most, if not all orchids liked the same "stuff". Find an orchid society nearest to you, join and go to the meetings! The amount of knowledge gained by other orchid growers that live in the same geographical area as you will be worth an immense amount. You will find TONS of useful information on here, but keep in mind, that a huge portion of what we all do is based specifically on where we live. Spend a lot of time in the greenhouse tab and the beginners tab. Ray has an extraordinary amount of information on his site alone (and great products)...Treat Your Plants Right! >> First Rays LLC

[fishmom]

ColoradCatt, I don't know where you are, exactly, but joining an orchid society is the absolutely best way to get access to interesting plants without a big investment. Here is a link that may have some information you can use: Rocky Mountain Orchids | Orchids in the Rocky Mountain Region

[Coloradcatt]

Thank you, Cheddarbob! I there might be some folks in my area. I will check it out.

[Dollythehun]

Coloradcatt,
My Cheddarbob gave you good advice. It is very tempting to want to rapidly acquire orchids, especially with a greenhouse. Please don't!

Watch your environment closely. Note in writing your sun hours, strength, High and low temps and any microcosms. Then select a species to grow and learn to master it. Spread out from there.

All a greenhouse will do for you at this novice stage, is enable you to kill plants quicker. I often give plants away but like animals, it's a "free to good home scenario.

It takes a humble person to listen to advise. I've killed my share and I'm hoping to prevent you from doing the same.