What got you hooked growing orchids?

[sapphireeyes27]

I was in Produce Juntion getting fruit and I just happened to pass by some lovely NOID phals. I didn't get one, thinking that I would probably just kill it anyway, but I couldn't stop thinking about the pretty purple and white spotted flowers. So, a day later I went back and picked it up. Although it has since died (the reason for which is still a mystery to me!), I developed a love for orchids, especially phals. I have considered branching off and trying other types of orchids since then, but I love my phals and have stayed loyal to them!

[FL_GROWER82]

I have always loved plants…especially ones that flower…I suppose that this happened all by accident. I received my first orchid for free and I remember seeing it in flower and thought how pretty it was, before i received it…and I eventually rescued it and brought it home with me, it took the better part of a year to get it to flower again. I also was looking for a hobby and something that could occupy my time and something that I could make an investment...this has turned and is turning into an obsession…because I can sometimes see the growth or a spike that has come up...there is just something that is very exotic that some people look at and respect or think that it is some huge undertaking to grow orchids…I mean there is a little bit to learn along the way…and there are forums to help you (case and point)…but I am glad to have found a hobby that I enjoy and share with my family. Even now the folks I work with know that I love orchids and if they receive one I am generally on the top list to get a new ‘chid and you can’t beat free, but that is just my personal opinion.I also have bought a few others but plan on adding to my collection.

[Oldguypops]

Wow, this is one old thread!! (But still relavent)

I have been a gardner since High School, and won ribbons at the State Fair as an adult.
I got into bonsai because of my sons interest in it, and enjoyed raising them. I got a Phal frome Home Depot on clearance about 7 years ago, and loved the blooms. I was given several more as gifts and found that I have the "disease"

[Sylvia]

This is Sylvia's husband, Don writing. I read the great stories above and we have already posted our good fortune in another thread about winning the grand prize at the 19th WOC in Miami so I won't be redundent.
However, prior to winning we already had two beautiful orchids, one a big Vanda and another smaller yellow bloom called dancing __?__. Anyway, we are delighted to be part of this community and thanks for all the encouragement and kind words.

[orchidexpress]

I know you had a blast at the 19th WOC in Miami. Several people from our orchid group, The Houston Orchid Society, attended the conference. They came home with many pictures. They also went to a few nurseries, Soroa Orchids, Homestead Florida. Apparantly there are several nurseries in Homestead. RF Orchids, Reuben In Orchids. You saw RF and Reubens at the show with big exhibits.

The plant you referenced above, (Don) is probally called a dancing lady which is a nickname for a Oncidium Gower Ramsey.

Happy Growing!

Lee
Orchid Express and Leasing

[isurus79]

Chris is right, this is an old thread!! Its pretty cool though, seeing how ppl got addicted to orchids!! I always grew veggies as a kid (ie. when I was about 8 until early teens) so I had a bit of a green thumb. I was also very into reptiles at the time and had several geckos and wanted tree frogs as well. This led me into bromeliads which somehow morphed into orchids. Anyway, I bought my first orchid when I was about 13 or 14 and have been growing them ever since. Now that Ive been living in Hawaii for 5.5 years, my collection has grown to almost 90 plants!! The more you collect, the more you need!! Thats my story.

[orchidexpress]

isurus79,

would love to see your place in Hawaii. I can't wait to get over there. I order orchids from Hawaii all the time for my orchid shop.

Happy Growing!

Lee
Orchid Express and Leasing

[shams]

My aunt had given me 3 plants one thanksgiving, because her bathroom was overrun with them... 2 phals and one unidentified little guy that never bloomed. When the phals rebloomed in the summer, I thought this was the greatest thing in the world, and thus began my gardening in general!

I lived in an apartment, and that summer, loaded up my balcony with all kinds of flowers, and bought 2 more orchids for inside, another phal and my psychopsis. I've move into a house since then, and so far have lost most of those phals, but I have more orchids now than ever!

Not nearly as many as most people on this forum.... but 10's a lot for a student

[kimstwin]

I first became addicted when I bought a NOID typical white phal from Wal-Mart. I tried in vain to keep it alive, and cried after it got crown rot and died. I have murdered many orchids since that day. I have read many books on orchids, and I can't wait until the day that I have the right space to go totally crazy with. Until then, I'm limited to 10 right now. But, I bet I could squeeze in a couple little ones....

Renee

[Dorothy]

Renee .. check out our Miniature Show and Tell forum