Hello from the north - Orchid Board

markr · #1 02-20-2007, 12:55 AM

Hi,
I'm new here and thought I'd briefly introduce myself.

I live in Yellowknife, Canada, originally from Vancouver and lived several years in Victoria and Montreal. I've been growing orchids for several years and though I don't have hundreds like some of you, I've been fairly successful with the plants I have. Living where I do, I obviously only grow indoors, much of the year under lights. There is small but dedicated orchid scene up here actually - might have something to do with the appeal of having a little bit of the rainforest while surrounded by tundra.

I have a few Angraecum and Phalanopsis species, some hybrids from Phalanopsis, Paphiopedilum, and Phragmipedium, and one Miltoniopsis/Odontoglosum intergenetic.

I'm not really posting much yet but I'm reading a lot of the posts and really enjoying some of the pictures from the 'set-ups' forum.
Anyway, nice to "meet" you all.

Mark

Ross · #2 02-20-2007, 08:57 AM

Welcome, Mark. Nice to hear there's another one interested in gowing under lights. Do you have a terrarium yet?

Toddybear · #3 02-20-2007, 09:33 AM

Hi Mark! A 'warm' welcome from a fellow Canadian. I might not be living as far north as you, but Newfoundland seems to be as far north an anywhere!

justatypn · #4 02-20-2007, 10:48 AM

Aboard Mark, it's great that you have found the OB and as you obviously have found a wealth of information. Many of the members grow indoors alike where our enviroment is making it as close as possible to nature, challenging for sure. Can't wait to see some

s of your orchids and it's great to see you have ventured into the gallery, some awesome

s ... kick back and enjoy the OB....and a warm

welcome...

markr · #5 02-20-2007, 11:27 AM

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone.

I'll post some pics when I get a chance. My setup is pretty typical but not terribly fancy - an open growing rack in front of a window, two small terrariums next to it, and a few Compact Fluorescent strip- and spotlight fixtures (originally for aquatic plants, another hobby of mine). Nothing like some of the amazing grow rooms and terrariums I've seen posted here.

Anyway, thanks again!

Tindomul · #6 02-20-2007, 11:42 AM

If you can grow aquatic plants you can grow anything! Welcome to the Orchid Forum. I've tried and failed many times to grow aquatic plants finding success only with Cryptocorynes, Anubias(I love Aroids), and Amazon swords, all partially or completely emersed

. Hope to get to know more about both of your collections. What Ang. have you got? I've got A. scottianum and A. didieri, I haven't flowered either one yet.

Oscarman · #7 02-20-2007, 05:04 PM

Hi Mark, welcome to the OB! Glad you found us, hope you enjoy all that we have to offer. Be sure to utilize the OB Gallery for all your pics!

What is the weather like in Yellowknife this week. Your days must be rapidly getting longer now. What effect do the season of long daylight and season of long dark effect you plants? You get something like 19 hours of daylight in the summer?

terrestrial_man · #8 02-20-2007, 09:16 PM

Welcome Mark to the Board!
Wow I bet you are the farthest north orchid grower here!
Your interests sound great and will be hoping to read more about what you are doing with your tanks and plants!!

markr · #9 02-20-2007, 09:31 PM

Today was a chilly one, in the -25C neighbourhood. There were a few days in January that hovered around -40.

Day length today was about 11 hours I think. On June 21st, there are about 20 hours of daylight. Plants love the summer here! I actually close the blinds tightly on June/July evenings so my orchids get enough of a dark period. In winter though, I think orchids might suffer without artificial light, I've never tried it. Other people seem to grow Phals well enough through the winter without lights but they don't flower as often or as nicely. Most other houseplants just sort of go dormant in the winter and then have rapid growth in the summer. Garden vegetables respond incredibly to the long days and summer community garden plots are very popular places.

It might not appeal to everyone, and it has it's own challenges, but I think it is a very beautiful part of the world.

justatypn · #10 02-21-2007, 12:32 AM

Oh my gosh did I see a dash before those numbers...burrrrrr. Would love those longer days. Had to chuckle when you stated about shutting your blinds to imitate night...an old trick I used on my kids when our time changed to longer days...opps bedtime. I can imagine the challenges you face but a worthy one I am sure. Always love a challenge, helps us grow...

again Mark