Cataloging your orchids?

[Bayard]

I use the table function in my word processor to create columns and rows. The categories are: plant (with parents), date of last flowering(s), date last repotted, date of virus testing. One category I've thought to add is when the plant puts out a major flush of roots (for repotting).

[RosieC]

I used Excel for a long while and it worked well.

(These days I've designed some tables in MSSQL with various 'queries' and 'views' to handle everything but that's probably not suitable for most people as it requires some MSSQL programming knowledge to use.)

For the number you have something like Excel should work well. If your numbers increase much though something like OrchidWiz software is meant to be very good. I've not used it but I know others here have and there is even a discount code that Orchid Board members can get.

[peeper]

I have been thinking about doing this myself, I probably should have started a LOOOONG time ago! Thank you for all of this info! Going to plan this out!

[fotofashion]

Yes, there is a lot of info one can gather about each plant. However, don't get yourself so bogged down that you neglect your plants or the record keeping becomes a burden to you. Record what YOU think you need for now. You can always add to it if you get deeper into caring and investigating your plants. Have fun above all.
Beverly A.

[chiquib313]

I was wandering if any of you use the "Managing Orchids" option on this forum to catalog your orchids? Most of the important information mentioned is already available with that option and it even allows 3 photos for each entry.
I also keep an Excel spreadsheet and take photos of the plants for my records as an additional insurance so I do not lose the info.

[Paul Mc]

Yup, I do exactly that. Use both methods.

[Gage]

I do use the "manage orchids" option. Works great for me! I wish it let you add more than 3 pictures, but then I think I would go overboard, so it keeps things simple.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

Yes, there is a lot of info one can gather about each plant. However, don't get yourself so bogged down that you neglect your plants or the record keeping becomes a burden to you. Record what YOU think you need for now. You can always add to it if you get deeper into caring and investigating your plants. Have fun above all.
Beverly A.

I agree, I almost got bogged down with record keeping and just had to take a step back and decide that actually enjoying the orchids was more important

[HollyMStewart]

The biggest thing I want to remember is things like when i repotted, when it bloomed, etc. I have a 2 year old, a baby on the way and 18 orchids.. i cant store everything in my brain, lol