diseased Cattleya

[Eyebabe]

Originally Posted by VickiC

Hi again!
I am impressed and admire your dedication and desire to become more serious about your orchid selections. As I could see from viewing your gallery, you have very pretty ones.

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such helpful info...and very indepth, as well. You have inspired me to try to be more selective about my purchases, also. Unfortunately, there are absolutely no orchid nurserys in our area (for many miles, in fact), so although I know that big-box stores do not sell quality orchids, it's not been easy for me to pass them up since we have nowhere else to choose from. I should say, though, I have gotten some pretty and healthy- seeming noids...but I'm learning more and more that they may be carrying hidden problems with them (creatures, diseased, and poss. virused), so your point is well taken. I try to buy from reputable online vendors, but I'm one of those "I want it and I want it NOW" kind of people. I know that's not a good trait, but orchids are certainly helping me overcome my character flaw (I have no choice) Patience, patience, patience. I need more of that.

After reading your replies, I am giving viruses and testing more thought than I have in the past. I also see the importance of keeping a 'clean' collection more than I did.

Thank you again for your help....good food for thought.
Vicki

Vicki,

Anytime <3
I will tell you that most of the plants I am interested in now are not the typical "in nursery" plants that you walk in and see around.
I get them by calling around or emailing orchid nurseries. Checking out websites is a great resource for me as well. Finally, I try to go to about 2-3 shows a year for which I have to travel about 2-4hrs.
I have encountered wonderful friendly people who are willing to help you find the plants you are interested in.
It also helps to read up about the plants and I am having great fun with all of it!
I found a new species of orchid just yesterday call an "Orchid Widower"; I briefly had dinner with him before I went to tend to my plants

[VickiC]

You are hilarious! Thanks for a good laugh!!

I'm happy to see that you are having a blast with your orchid hobby! I am, too...but on a much smaller scale than you, mainly because of my lack of orchid knowledge. If I called or e-mailed an orchid nursery at this point, they would get a bigtime laugh, also....but in a different way than I did when I read your comment about the species, "Orchid Widower". I don't know enough about the name of any orchid to even inquire about it...if it's available for purchase...much less carry on a conversation about orchids with a nursery or anyone who is more orchid savvy than me (which includes the vast majority of the population) without embarressing myself. I would have to go to a site that shows the picture and name of the orchid that I would like to have, write the name down...and go from there. Hopefully, no one from a nursery (or anyone, for that matter) would ask me questions...this is where the embarressment comes in. confused: ) I'm trying to read my books when I can, but get interrupted often by 'real life', so now my main concern is keeping my orchids alive, healthy...blooming is a fringe benefit now. 2 1/2 yrs. experience is very little, but I'm hoping to learn more as I move along with my new hobby. I also have another hobby...music...my first love, orchids running a very close 2nd. I have learned the majority of what I know from all of you on OrchidBoard, and I very much appreciate everyone's replies and advice!! I'm simply a sponge trying to soak up all that I can.

As for orchid shows, the nearest one to me meets about 50 mi. from here. It would be nice to have a travel companion who knows the ins and outs of a show (my 'Orchid Widower' certainly wouldn't quality). I have no doubt that I would learn a lot by being around orchid knowledgable people (I'm a ppl person, anyway). I should look into shows more, and I believe I will.

Once again, as you say you are, I am having great fun with my orchid hobby! When I get excited and tell my husband about something new that I've learned or want him to check out a spike, bud or orchid that has bloomed, he says something like..."telling me things like this is like me getting excited and trying to carry on a conversation with you about ham radios".

Thank you once more,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

Vicki,

Anytime <3
I will tell you that most of the plants I am interested in now are not the typical "in nursery" plants that you walk in and see around.
I get them by calling around or emailing orchid nurseries. Checking out websites is a great resource for me as well. Finally, I try to go to about 2-3 shows a year for which I have to travel about 2-4hrs.
I have encountered wonderful friendly people who are willing to help you find the plants you are interested in.
It also helps to read up about the plants and I am having great fun with all of it!
I found a new species of orchid just yesterday call an "Orchid Widower"; I briefly had dinner with him before I went to tend to my plants