During 2008 I learned a lot regarding orchids:
I learned Maxillaria variablis is happier outside the tank than inside. It seems to like a steady breeze, cool temps and tolerates lower humidity really well. This has challenged me to try different plants outside to see if they do as well in the shift.
I learned that some Angraecoides will not thrive and bloom outside the tank. Angraecum didieri has bloomed steadily since the move. Before that, notta.
I learned that "warm tolerant" Masd. are just that - "tolerant". They still do better in cool air - really cool night temps.
I learned that I really prefer miniature or small-growing orchids over the larger growing kinds. (This is not really a 2008 thing, but has been reinforced during 2008, so I include it here). It's not the size of the blossoms, because many of the minis have really big blossoms. It's just that I do better with them. As my larger Intergenerics and Brassias slowly secumb to old age, they will get replaced with Paphs and Masdies and Maxillarias and other small stature plants that I really like.
I learned that orchids don't last forever. Some seem to have a life span of a couple years. Haraella is one that just outgrows a mount and finally secumbs to algae, and old age. No wonder, when it is in constant bloom. Best thing (for me) is to simply replace the ones on the way out. I no longer worry about throwing away a non-performer. I can't wait to add new orchids that I have never grown before. They are a challenge to be met.
Best of all, I learned that raising orchids (while a passion and a lifestyle choice) is something that involves a bit of investment. I learned to be prepared to replace certain plants when they need it. I learned that if money is an issue, then take up a different hobby!
Orchid growing will be what I make of it. I have learned that there is equipment to be purchased. I have learned that there will be stuff to be replaced. Best of all, I have learned that the hobby is really a process. It's not at all like gardening or hydroponics (at least to me). Gardening is pretty much a constant. Not much changes, except to replant certain crops. Orchids (however I choose to grow them) are sometimes unpredictable - they sometimes don't follow the rules like, say, lettuce does. With lettuce, you plant, you water, you fertilize, you cut, it grows back, it gets old, you dig it up and replant. With orchids, you purchase, you hope it grows, you apply your best knowledge, you water/fertilize as you have learned to. It may bloom. It may rot. It will certainly respond to your TLC, but may not bloom. They can be tricky. But given enough experience, they will usually respond and do what you had hoped - bloom. No guarantees with most orchids.
Orchid growing isn't so much what I learned in 2008, but, have I continued to learn while growing orchids? Not just my plants, but about nature, about cultural needs in general, about growing conditions across the globe (amongst other members)? This board has facilitated my growth in ways I never would have imagined. Before (or without) Orchidboard, I would never have accumulated knowledge like I did here. I just thank you all for the challenges, the growing projects, the enabling
, the ideas, putting up with my weather gripes
, the enabling, the education and opinions expressed by other, more knowledgable growers (worldwide), and the support the board is famous for.
This is what I learned in 2008. Thanks for reading this.
Hybrid Mode
