Hello from Canada - Orchid Board

calvin_orchidL · #1 11-08-2007, 11:21 PM

Hi everyone - awesome forum. This is exactly what I need - another orchid related distraction to help me through the day.

I suppose I should break the ice a little - I'm a student at the University of Toronto and I really really like orchids! It started with two beautiful phals 4 years ago. I still have them, but my collection has grown to around 30 odd plants in all sorts of different genera. Needless to say, while many of my plants are thriving, one or two are definitely writhing in the throes of death and just refusing to let go. Most are in sphag, one or two in S/H, bark and CHC. I've recently installed some nice 125W compact fluorescent lamps and am now basking in the illusion that I can successfully grow anything I want in my mini light heaven.

I've recently joined our local orchid society - it's a little intimidating because everyone seems so experienced, but it's a great time nonetheless. Hope to gather more experience here to help me along with my orchid adventures

ladyslipper · #2 11-09-2007, 02:29 AM

Welcome from Calgary to the Orchid Board, which I think is one of the best boards I have ever seen. People are always willing to give advice and lend support in times of trouble with ailing plants. You might want to become really familiar with threads like the Pest forum for information on ways to combat different bugs and/or virus' and fungus etc. There is tonnes of information here.

Regards, Mary

Jerry Delaney · #3 11-09-2007, 02:53 AM

Welcome Calvin
Don't let all that "experience" intimidate you. It simply means that they have been around long enough to kill more orchids than you. Most of us will be "beginners" for all time. I have often thought it would be interesting for me to compose a orchid talk entitled "Orchids I Have Known Briefly (some much more briefly than others). It's a hobby for most of us and hobbies are meant to be enjoyed!

Lagoon · #4 11-09-2007, 08:10 AM

It's so nice to have you here with all of us, Calvin.
Welcome to the OB

Make yourself at home ... You'll see within time just how friendly everyone is here !

Now where in the crikey did you get a 125w CFL

Tindomul · #5 11-09-2007, 03:11 PM

Welcome to the Orchid Board. I know how it feels to be intimidated by the more knowledgable. When I first joined the orchid board, I couldn't tell the difference between Phals and Paphs. But take it from me, they don't mind if you don't know something, its only annoying when you refuse to learn.

ladyslipper · #6 11-09-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tindomul1of9

Welcome to the Orchid Board. I know how it feels to be intimidated by the more knowledgable. When I first joined the orchid board, I couldn't tell the difference between Phals and Paphs. But take it from me, they don't mind if you don't know something, its only annoying when you refuse to learn.

I agree with what Tindo said about getting annoyed when you keep telling someone something and they refuse to learn. In my own defence, I have been told I have a thick head at times though....good thing I have big brown eyes to offset that

From what I have picked up along the way, the main difference between Phals and Paphs is that Phals have cute faces

regards, mary

cb977 · #7 11-09-2007, 08:01 PM

Hi Calvin...welcome to Orchidboard

Orchid societies are a great way to learn. Most people are very willing to share their experience so don't be intimidated by it. Every orchid lover I've ever met loves to talk about their 'chids so don't be shy. You may have to initiate the conversation but it'll be well worth it...you'll learn about orchids and have the opportunity to make friends who share a very special hobby

Of course, you've just made about 2000 friends right here on Orchidboard

We'd love to see some pictures of your 'chids

if you have any questions, feel free to ask.

calvin_orchidL · #8 11-10-2007, 12:13 PM

Thanks for the warm welcome everyone! I'm not sure how to post images - I'm just going to upload some into the gallery and then use that image button up there and we'll see if it works! Lagoon - I ordered the monster CFL from online at Ebay, but I think some websites like 1000bulbs.com has them...it's too early to tell whether they're doing any good yet, but I have noticed some pinkish tinge on some of my high light plants so as long as they don't burn I'm sure it's healthy for them in the dark winter months!

edit - hmm so I got these little pictures but I'm not sure how to make them into a neat little film strip like those other posts. Oh well - it works