Hello from North Dakota
 

I've always wanted to grow orchids but always thought they were too expensive, too difficult, too.......
My husband gave me a beautiful phalaenopsis about four years ago that bloomed for months at a time. Eventually the leaves started getting smaller and more reddish. I took it to a local orchid "expert," who told me to cut off all the leaves because they were "senescent."
Not knowing much about orchids, I did so and killed the plant. I looked for years to find the same hybrid and finally did so last winter. Meanwhile, I got a few other orchids and started researching how to care for them. Now I'm hooked.

Welcome! Orchids are a gentle addiction... And there is always room for one more.

Hi and welcome to the OB! I'm sorry that you lost an orchid you really loved, but I'm glad you were able to find another one like it. I, too, used to think that orchids were far too "fussy" and that average people could not grow them, but I was given one as a gift several years ago, and I got addicted, too. ;)

:waving Welcome to OB Beallara!

It's a fun hobby. We're happy to help in any way we can. Enjoy!