Hello from Alberta
 

Hi, I’ve been reading the OB for about 5 years and finally decided to join the gang.
I bought a discounted white phal from Big•W when I lived in Brisbane Australia. I cut off all of the blooms from her and made a wrist corsage and a boutonnière for my son’s formal (high school grad party). Then I learned that that I might be able to make the plant bloom again if I’m lucky. That’s how I started my orchid life. I had about 20 orchids (mostly Phals) all in FWC, all bloomed periodically and no a single plant died on me there. I know it’s not a very common way to grow orchids but that’s the only way I know how.

Now I’m in Canada trying to grow my new orchids in the same way as I used to down there but some plants are not thriving in FWC. Little by little I’m learning how to grow orchids in regular way in media. Looking forward to learn much from all of you:bowing

:welcome:

Welcome to the Board Bribie! Glad you decided to join in. Yes, a transition from growing in Australia to growing in Canada will require a whole new learning curve.

If you grow mostly Phals, I would imagine the first think you'd want to do is assure they're staying warm enough. I don't grow anything in water culture, so can't be of help on that part, but warmth is key in semi-hydro for them, so you might start there.

Welcome!

Welcome to the board, Bribie. That's quite a move to make, from Australia to Canada!