New to Orchids.

[ForestMom]

I know what you mean Steve, I sacrifice many luxuries for my hobbies, I have 5 cats and make sure they have what they need before me... But we actually been looking for a house for 2 years now, and yes mainly to accommodate our happiness...Seclusion,Art, Peace and quiet, our baby that is joining us in April, Gardening....
Im very exited about my orchids, I used to grow other various tropical plants in a climate controlled terrarium. VERY FUN! Ive already gotten some good advice Here, will be a big help.

[ALToronto]

All the best for April, and keep an eye on your cats - they LOVE the taste of orchids!

[ron-in-norcal]

One thing I like about the orchid board compared to forums for other plants I've been on, like roses, is that everyone is so polite and helpful. So, welcome to the board (I'm pretty new too, actually)!

[Stray59]

Forestmom;4
Congrats on your soon-to-be larger family - talk about exciting!
If you have had with a controlled terrarium, be sure and look into the Terrarium section - take your time and peruse the older posts as there are some really phenomenal displays and ideas there.
I love this board - it allows for a store-place of so many good ideas and tips - also some pitfalls to look out for.
I don't know if you have issues with pests on your plants, but look up posts on the use of Dry Ice to get rid of them - the initial post started in the terrarium section (I think) and I have re-posted the idea several times - better then any pesticide as there is no harmful residue, it is complete in it's eradication and it gives the plant a healthy boost. I don't use anything other than.
Just a couple of things I thought I would bring to your attention - again BEST OF LUCK in you new home and in the next few months to come. Keep us updated please!
Steve

[ForestMom]

Neat Idea, I made a note in my journal about the dry ice.
Im actually already thinking about setting up another(even larger) terrarium for some certain orchids and im sure ill mix in some tropical ferns and Ivy but I would love to try some miniature orchids in there. But im going to do research on them before setting it up, im going to focus on the orchids I have going now. Im still learning their habits.

Sadly.... I have a Dendrochilum Cobbianum that had two 3" strands of buds that were ready to bloom. I went to peek at them a little while ago.... and "omg there gone!!" one of my cats ate the buds! I didnt know what to do so I clipped them back in hopes the plant will think they bloomed and passed.....

[Ferns Daddy]

Welcome to OB for another New Englander

[Stray59]

ForestMom:
Cats and orchids are magnetic - they seem attract each other! There have been posts on this - some spray the plants with cayenne pepper spray, others have found their cats will not tolerate citrus and squeezing orange rinds towards the bloom spikes, spraying citrus oil on them, can be effective on shooing them away. I have found that if I grow cat grass for my cat he leaves my orc's alone. Cats love chlorophyll and the flower stalks seem to emit something that really appeals to the felines!!
Best of luck and share what you find out works!
Steve

[ForestMom]

The Plants dont mind citrus or kayan? ill try it if i need to but would rather not... so far one just ate the flower spikes and left it alone.... I have a mystery orchid sprouting a flower spike. we are intently wainting for it to grow so we can see what it is, I may cry if they eat the spike... whoever did it did NOT TOUCH the rest of the plant at all.

[Stray59]

I have used the citrus squirt and it doesn't really put out that much oil to harm the plant, but cats can pick up the smallest odor. I have not used the cayenne but I have read of others that did - can you put something around your plant to keep the cats from getting it? Or raise it up high enough they can't reach the spike perhaps.....
There are posts here about others that hoped that their cat would not try to eat another spike, but their hope was not enough to protect them. And you know cats - they seem to know what we love and they claim it as their own! If you want, post a pic of your 'mystery orchid' as an attachment and let the Board give suggestions or ID it for you!
Best of luck and let us know what you decide and how it works-
Steve

[ForestMom]

I will deffinately Post a picture when my Mystery orchid Blooms. I have my orchids hanging right now...I think its going to have a long flower spike, So it will be a while but I am very exited to see what it is. I see some new growth starting on my others but dont know my plants well enough to know exactly what they are planning for me... Mystery Orchid is large, and am hoping for large lovely blooms! Cant wait.