Converting family members to orchids

[camille1585]

As some of you already know, some of my orchids stayed behind in France with the family when I moved to the Netherlands for my studies. My mom and sister were less than overjoyed to have to tend to orchids. Despite much neglect, the phals are thriving under their care, and they were overjoyed to see many spikes!

My big yellow Noid is in bloom again, I can't wait to go home in April to see it! The spike is so heavy that that the only way to keep the plant upright is by putting it in another pot.
My harequin phal started a spike, as did a mystery Noid I have. They broke the first spike on it when it was almost fully grown , but the phal decided to wake a dormant bud to respike, and started a brand new spike as well! I can't wait to see this one!

As a result, my mom is more tolerant of my orchid addiction. And wants me to promise to leave them in France for her. She'll be an orchid addict by the time I'm done with her!

[Jkelee]

Beautiful Camille!!
You're mommy will want more and more chids!!!

[Blueszz]

They really like your Mom and sister :-) despite the neglect before Christmas!
Beautiful yello chid in the first picture, I love yellows!

[quiltingwacko]

Great job addicting your family Camille! I have been giving noids to friends to make more room for phrags I ordered. I hope to be a successful enabler just like you! Carol

[Beverly]

That yellow one is beautiful! They all look so much healthier then my phals.

[Becky15349]

Yay Camille!!

That yellow one is spectacular!! And what an enormous plant, holy cow!!! I am so happy for you - I know its not easy leaving orchids in the care of someone else...but at least your mom and sis now see how easy orchids can be!!! And this is a true testament to the phrase "orchids thrive on neglect"...I hope eric reads this thead!! LOL :

[kiki-do]

Camille, you got them hooked! I did the same thing, sort of. My brother-in-law would come here and notice my blooms, but say they were too much work. Last week he bought 2 Phals and said he is going to buy a couple more. I even offered to go shopping with him....you know, to help him choose only one or two.

[quiltingwacko]

Good job Kiki!

[greenbean]

Excellent work Camille! I'm trying to do the same thing with my parents while I'm at college. I'm having limited success for now, but I think Mom is starting to catch the bug! Dad has grown a few orchids before but is one of those people that sees orchids as finicky things for rich people. I think he was put off by his failure with his last orchid, long before I ever got my first one. He's in charge of most of the plants while I'm gone, but I gave one to Mom that she really liked (wouldn't even let me take it to college ) so she can get the hang of it. Meanwhile I'm plotting a group of purchases for the summer and I'm hoping to pass them off as "early birthday presents", and there's at least one on my list I know Mom won't be able to resist.......

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

That's awesome! I'm working on my sister. She loves bromeliads, but went gaga over my orchids when she visited. I'll get my Mom too. She thought orchids were all "floof" and fussy. Even though she's an avid gardener and has tons of houseplants, she was completely unaware of all the "non-floofy" orchids out there.