Do you choose orchids wisely? - Orchid Board

Paul · #1 03-10-2009, 05:45 PM

We all know that when choosing an orchid, the conventional wisdom says to pick one that will like the growing conditions we can provide -- afterall, an unhappy plant is unlikely to bloom.

Over the years, however, I have found that from time to time temptation or ignorance has led me to try plants I have little chance of blooming and sometimes not even good odds of keeping alive. For example, this lil fella that I aquired via a trade -- will I be able to bloom it? I'm not even sure I'll be able to keep it alive. But the lil devil was just so cute!....

Do you choose orchids wisely?-imgp6717-jpg

So here's the question ... how much do you like to "push the envelope"?

Hedge · #2 03-10-2009, 05:53 PM

Me, I have to admit to not pushing the envelope very much at all so far - I'm not in a position to be able to afford modified conditions or expensive plants, and although I love the ones I have, if I were to give in to the "Gotta have one of those!" every time I felt it, the house would look like the Botanical gardens and there'd be no tea on the table or money in the bank

I need to learn discrimination or rob a bank

Good question

Heather

kinknstein · #3 03-10-2009, 05:57 PM

For me, if I want it, it is very hard to avoid getting it. Has led to some deaths of chids in the past though. But you can never learn if you do not give it a shot right?

dravenxavier · #4 03-10-2009, 06:00 PM

kinknstein, I'm the same way...if I like it, I want it, and if I want it, I'll buy it (funds allowing, of course!). I've lost a couple, but for the most part, I can figure something out :P

Ethan · #5 03-10-2009, 06:02 PM

Personally, half the fun is in the challenge and the reward and satisfaction you get from the success!

MuscleGirl'sHobby · #6 03-10-2009, 06:04 PM

"I LOVE to take risks! You never know -- I might succeed!"

I am working very hard at keeping a list of orchids I want that I know I can reasonably care for.... but I can be so darn impulsive looking at a pretty one, and before I know it, it's mine.

Several times I've gotten home and done a "alrighty, time to check out the culural needs on this baby!" then a "Hmmm, how am I gonna work this one out?"

I have a hodge podge little collection with different requirements somehow all managing to grow together. Sure, some are happier than others, but no major casualties as of yet.

But... as you can see... no masdies or draculas in my collection either! I know straight out that I don't have the humidity for them, so I resist like crazy buying them. The risk I take also has to do with the price too. I try very hard to resist taking a chance on something more pricey.

kavanaru · #7 03-10-2009, 06:05 PM

Normally, I try to stay with plants with same requirements... but sometimes I try some which are a little bit deviant to my growing conditions... if I manage to get them happy, then I try another one... which does not mean, I do not get weak from time to time and end up with something I not even know how to water LOL

e.g.- Once ago, in one of my weak momemnts, I bought a very nice Masdevallia hybrids... itdied within one month and then Masdevallias were history for me... some months later, I met someone who has a great collection of Masdevallias, and suggested me to try Masdevallia strobellii... nice success, the plant is alive, and happy and has bloomed... now I am trying two more with similar requirementes: Masd. lilacina and Masd. lamprotyria, as well as Masd. mejiana which likes it warmer than the others..

whygreenberg · #8 03-10-2009, 06:23 PM

I love to take risks too. Part of what makes this here orchid hobby so fun and rewarding is the challenge of it. However...

I think of the risks I take as being calculated risks.

I know given my current conditions, I could never bloom or make happy a true cool grower. So I haven't gotten any. (Same thing with the size of a plant. I just don't have the room currently to grow anything larger than miniature or very compact growers.)

That said, if I feel like the temp requirements are "close enough for jazz",

I'll give it a whirl. After all, there are many many more variables to create risk and challenge besides temperature.

Great poll, Paul!