Introduction - New Member
 

Hello, everyone! I've been an orchid lover for three years, now, but frankly have not had as much luck as I would like to have raising and tending these precious beauties.

I received my first orchid (Phal) when my fiance died as a living bereavement flower. The poor thing died from neglect as I had no idea how to care for it. I soon bought another when I was emotionally able to care for it, and learned my first lesson of repotting imediately! When I repotted, the root system was already rotted - and so it died as well. I had reasonable success with another Phal and a beautiful Cane Orchid I found - but eventually rehomed them in order to keep them alive until I could find a way to raise orchids in the home I moved into (an antebellum home which is COLD in the winter time and has very little light). My daughter sent me another orchid this Mother's Day - and so far, so good. I repotted immediately, and it's doing well so far, but I'm worried about this winter and how I will help it to continue to thrive.

I'm glad I found you! Maybe this time I can move toward that atrium garden full of orchids I'd love to have.

Nice to meet you all!
QuietMorning

Don't worry, orchids need a winter rest. I kind of envy you, because in my appartment, it's always the same temperature. Your 'chids will get even better if they get their winter rest :)

Welcome to Orchid Board!

Wintering Orchids in a cold dark house
 

Thank you, metalop1g! It's GREAT to be here - I think I'm going to join my local Orchid Society, this time. :)

My house can get as cold as 40F degrees in the winter time - the average is about 50 - 55 degrees - every where I read, orchids don't do well in lower than 55F degree temperatures. Because the house is sooooo old and so leaky, my husband covers the windows in the house with foam and plastic so light doesn't get in.

The last two orchids I had never bloomed - and grew very very little. . . so I'm looking at perhaps getting some sort of a terarium set up to try to control the temp, humidity and lighting for the winter time. Summers are almost perfect in the house - medium to low light, warm and humid. :) (The blessings of having a Southern house without central heat and air conditioning!)

It's nice to meet you! How long have you been an orchid enthusiast?

Welcome to the OB!!
Joann

Hello and Welcome. I keep several of my paphs and phals in the basement under lights in the winter and the temps can get down to 45 and they don't seem to mind. You came to the right place to gather information on how to grow these wonderful plants.

Bill

Thank you, Joann! This is the first time I feel reasonably sure I'll get to success! :) It's nice to know this board is here!

Hi, Bill!

My husband and I have been talking allllll weekend about things we can do to home my 'future' orchids (and there so will be future orchids!) and what to do with the phal I have for this winter. It looks like we are going to fill the house as we restore each room with terriums that will be actual 'furniture' pieces. I'm so excited about it, I can hardly stand it! :)

It's great to be here, thank you for the warm welcome!