Hello from Colorado Springs CO
 

I become interested in orchids when my dad gave me an orchid his friend gave him. It was out of bloom and looked very sad. Since it was a gift from my dad I cherished it and took care of it, watching endless YouTube orchid care videos. After 2 years it finally bloomed for me and that was it, my obsession took off! I quickly acquired a small collection of orchids and with the help of my little 3 year old, we love looking after them. I am interested to find other orchid growers in Colorado Springs so I can figure out what medium/orchids works best in our environment since I don't have a GH or a grow light setup.

:welcomeflowers:

:waving Welcome from New York!

I live in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, and we are cloudy basically all winter long. I don't need a grow light at all and I am currently growing phals and oncidium-type plants.

My orchids all do fine as long as I have them near a light window- even with the clouds. You growing zone is also 5a, and your humidity looks like it is about 35-60%.

I think many commonly available orchid species like 40%-80% humidity.

Try to find orchids suited to this!
I think many common ones will work for you like phals, oncidiums, brassias, and most oncidium-type orchids.

For temperatures, orchids seem to like what people like. You can get a lot of cool-growing species (like my favorite, the Nelly Isler) that may not work as well for people in places like Florida or California where it's hotter all the time.

Check if there's an orchid society in your area! If you get hooked up with them, they can point you to shows, give amazing advice, and probably get you hooked up with some pretty interesting plants. :)

I just found out about the Colorado Springs Orchid Society and I want to join sooo bad. I have terrible nerves and am hoping someone else in Colorado Springs can join with me?

Welcome to Orchid Board :waving

Hi there!
I live in Denver but I have the same problem with joining the orchid society up here. I'm too timid. I go down to the springs from time maybe we could meet up? Or If you ever come to Denver, I'd be happy to meet up!
Court