sorry - post in error

So sorry to hear what had happened. I know how you feel I have been that predicament back in the Philippines. Not only they took most of it they came back the next day to collect what left. To add insult to injury, I saw some of my plant that I have paid a couple of hundred of Pesos being sold for 10 to 20 pesos. The perpetrators have no idea how hard if feel to loose a collection that you have built for years. The police think they are just plants but they don't understand they are irreplaceable.:((

I feel for you.

Ramon:D

Oh my, I would have to agree that Hollywood isn't too great of a place either. Luckily, I live in a surprisingly quiet community-like neighborhood that is hidden away from all the craziness.

Despite that, I am glad my Grandmother does not live anywhere near Hollywood! She lives in a very small safe suburb on the border of LA and Orange County where she and most everyone else on her street have lived for over 50 years now. The city posts all crimes that happen there and I'm not joking, the last one I remember reading was the 'theft' of a 1/2 pint of strawberry ice cream :roll: That and 'vandalism' in reference to Halloween pumpkins being rolled down the steepest hill in town and laundry detergent being put in the fountains.

So it is all that much more confusing of a scenario, I doubt I'll ever understand. I guess crimes can happen anywhere though when you least expect it.

I don't think it was kids though, not just because there aren't really any kids in the neighborhood but because whoever did it purposely picked out all of the big, healthy, already blooming orchids, like they knew which ones to take. The only 2 pots they left behind were the smallest youngling orchids that were still in pretty bad shape and missing most of their leaves.

I went back today to visit and bring the last 2 pots inside the gated part of the yard. Since the pots had been knocked over they had spilled out and I don't know how long they were like that before I found them. Upon closer inspection, one of the pots they left behind did have a small flower spike which looks damaged and has already begun turning brown so I think that one is definitely a goner.
I did discover a flower spike on the last pot though that does not appear to be damaged- do you think there's any hope for this one??

I know how sensitive the spikes can be, can the plant become too stressed or traumatized to bud? Any suggestions on making these last 2 survive are greatly appreciated!

Thank you all for the kind words and condolences <3

My first plant thieft experience was similar to yours. I had a huge plant outside the front of my store. One night the plant was yanked out of the pot with debris leaving a trail to the street. The next night the tub was stolen. I mourn the loss of that plant to this day 15 years later. I doubt sincerely it survived. I am so sorry to hear so many others have experienced the same losses. So much of ourselves go into caring for them.

I had a friend, who is a plumber, come replace the main line between the city connection and my house. He brought along some fellers to dig out the old line. It was under my pergola so most of the orchids were moved into my garage, but I had some potted plants out there.

One of the potted plants was a zebra aloe that I got with my parents when I brought my then finace' up to meet my parents, and my folks bought us a tiny zebra aloe plant in a cute mexican pot.

Well, one of the workers decided they had to have that plant, which by now had become a specimen of about 50 plantlets. Well duh, IT WAS 25 YEARS OLD!!!

I never got the plant back, even though I know who took it. I'll never have this guy over or refer him to anyone else. The plant may not have much value, but it sure meant alot to me and my wife of 25 yrs, especially since pops has passed, and moms not to far away herself.

I'm really sorry to here of your loss. Those that did the crime have no idea what they meant to you and your grandmother.

Very sorry for the loss of such great plants. I feel certain your Grandmother -and you for that matter - should still be safe from these theives.

Orchid stealing has taken on a whole new meaning now adays. I have heard of instances, of good sized collections in backyards with only the 'valuable' orchids taken. Yep! The theives knew exactly what was going to bring them a good price and what wasn't and took the time to go through the plants. If your Grandmothers collection still had their names to them, the value would have no doubt been high.

Its a whole new world of plant pinchers out there!

That really sucks. I know how devestated I would be to loose my orchids. So sorry to hear this has happened after all your hard work.

Thank you Sweetie! I have installed surveilance (SP?) cameras. They are so inconspicuous nobody will see them.

That sounds like a good idea. Cynbidium are so beautiful! I hope that you don't have any more problems.

Chloe, I am sending you 4 little plants to get started again. Nothing special, just a few little orphans for you to love!

Also, my best guess for who took the plants would be someone that works as a gardener or with a lawn service. Those guys are all over the yards and have access plus they know the value of plants and where to get rid of the plants if they don't plan to keep them. I know that is who I would think of first if mine went missing!