Gearing towards Paphs more and more...
 

That's what's happening with my collection at the moment. The reason is that I find the Paphs less time- and energy consuming than the Phals.

So far, I've sold about 20 of the Phals and given away some, and more are going to go. It's very hard to decide which ones to keep and which ones to sell. I have decided that all with mottled leaves are staying, as are all that bloom frequently, and those that I just can't separate myself from.

The most difficult ones are the equestris. I love equestris and equestris primary hybrids, but even among these, I've had to make some though decisions and only kept those that are reeeaaally special, such as 'Blue Lip', 'Fairy Tales' and aurea. The rest are more or less, gone.

I also want more Paphs, so I have to make some room, but I don't replace all the Phals I sell with Paphs, more like a two to ten ratio, so my entire collection is shrinking to a more doable size for me.

I hope that this will mean that I can care better for the ones I have left, instead of treating everyone halfheartedly. Just by reducing the Phals by a few have brought great mental relief to me, so I feel that this is necessary for both mine and the orchids well being.

And who knows? Sometime in the future, maybe my cats might be able to look out the windows again, since the windowsills won't be crowded anymore. :biggrin:

It can be hard to give up plants. I'm trying to purge some. So far, I've only trashed a few that have been limping a long in poor shape fore quite some time. Have a few I'm thinking of re-homing ...

It's VERY hard. Especially when they all started to grow and throw out spikes, after I had decided to sell them. They're sneaky, the little buggers. ;)

I haven't had to throw any away since they've all grown more or less well, for which I'm glad. :biggrin:

I'm more or less in the same boat as you. I've cut my collection in half, but I still find I dread watering days. It has become such a chore. I really don't find my Phals any more trouble than my Paphs. I am currently considering getting rid of some of my Phrags.

My other problem aside from a lack of enthusiasm is I have no one to care for them when we are traveling.

Oh my gosh... Do we really have to go down this road? Is this not the plight of every orchid lover? There is always room for one more..right? I think that one is fixing to spike.. but it was gonna die if I didn't rescue it and bring it home.. oops..this one needs dividing.. awwwe..this one smells so good I just gotta keep it... its an endless circle.. embrace it..accept it!! hahaha.. Maybe we should start OAA..Orchids Addicts Anonymous... Hi ..My name is Mandane and I have way too many orchids, and not enough space or time..

I've changed the focus of my orchid collection a couple of times. Both times I gave away or sold all but a few favorites. I think that's a healthy way to proceed with the hobby because you make room for the types of orchids that you're most interested in. There are certain qualities I look for in each genre and if an orchid doesn't measure up, I eventually get rid of it. I have limited space so I don't see any reason to keep orchids that I don't like very much.

@quiltergal
If you are getting rid of phrags send them my way
I will pay for postage

I haven't completely decided yet. Still thinking about it. I'll keep you in mind though.

People tend to cling on to things and that makes changes difficult.

Changes can even be scary to many.

I have hard time with that, but once I take the plunge, it can be liberating sometimes.
Even when it is not liberating, the pain usually goes away with time and I find new balance and comfort in the new "norm".

I am leaning toward keeping phals only for flowers and then toss! They last very long in bloom and there are always exciting beautiful hybrids out there. and I love shopping. lol

It is like dating people. The best way to get over the ex is getting a new one. hahaha

I am wanting to focus on three things.
One, finding cattleyas that are beautiful, fragrant and rebloom for me, and growing them into large specimen.

Two, buying paphs only in bloom so I know exactly what I am buying unless I buy expensive divisions, which I am willing to do up to certain price range.

Three, finding oncidium intergenerics without terrible spotting issues, and growing them into large specimen. I just love the large spray of colorful blooms many of them have. I just hate the leaves of many.

Luckily, my collection is not big enough for me to have specific watering days. I check which ones want water every day instead (and now, during summer, I have to water every day).

I only have two Phrags and they are very easy to care for, but I wouldn't want anymore. Two heavy drinkers are quite enough for me.

Some of us do, unfortunately. I've suffered from burn out, and am not well yet, so something has to go for me to get back on my feet.

That's how I feel too, and I also have limited space. I wish I could keep more and have more energy to care for more, but my body won't have it.

I'm more of an anti-hoarder. If I get too much stuff accumulated around me, I go crazy and throw everything away (only to realize later that I needed it).

So having so many plants, is a bit against my nature, and when I'm down in the dumps, I have to control myself so I don't just dump everything in the bin. :roll:

For me, throwing things away is very liberating and I should do it more often. It's like everything I own, take up mental space and cause me stress, so the less things I have visible, the better I feel. No cluttering nick-nacks for me in other words.