orchid journey finally begun
 

My first purchase was a cattleya in a cellophane bag on a rack in a grocery store in Florida about 50 years ago. It never revived but my desire for them didn't die with it. It just had to wait until 2018 when I bought 2 cattleyas in pots at the Philly Flower Show. This year I bought more difficult orchids from multiple venders, even braving online buying. At first restrained by how easy they would be and then on to which ones fascinated me. Now I am out of my depth but learning fast. Everything is surviving and thriving. I admit I had to do a few rehabs first. My reward will be seeing what I can bring to flower in the coming year. Some will need a few more than that. But hey, it's the journey right? This Board has been an invaluable resource. Thanks so much from dial15

Welcome! As a "What can I get away with?" orchid grower, I totally relate to your direction!

Welcome to the Orchid Board!

Sounds a lot like me. I started orchids in high school, mostly lost the phals that I started with after college (time/conditions). Then in my forties, I tried and succeeded well with just a couple of oncs and dendrobiums.
Now, fiveteen years later, the orchids threaten to take over the house and make me sleep outside.

My goodness, I have been out of my depth for several years and still keep buying new orchids, or (luckily!) winning them as raffle plants from my state orchid society, or (again, luckily!) being given them!

I have some I've had to (or chosen to) rehab. It's rewarding to see a new shoot on one that looked nearly dead, and it's even more rewarding when they send up an inflorescence!

Enjoy the journey!