Newbie intro

[AmandaTom]

Hey all
I'm new to this site but have been growing orchids for several years with varying degrees of success. I was given a Dendrobium as a gift and when it actually reflowered I was floored--and the collecting began. I have about 30 plants and just ordered 5 more, though where I am going to put them I don't know....or how I am going to explain just why I need yet more of them.
I have a Stanhopea in spike for the first time and I'm very excited. One Catt is blooming and so are two Oncidiums. I have several mystery plants--can't recall what they are and they haven't bloomed to let me know, which is rather a Catch 22.
I use an overhead light in a greenhouse window for most of my plants. The glass shelf means plants above provide shade for those below. I have either humidity trays or saucers for all the orchids.
My least successful plants are the bulbophyllums which do virtually nothing. One had a growth spurt when I repotted it and the other has now decided it doesn't need any leaves at all, thank you.
I am still using tap water for the plants but as it is very hard I am thinking I should use something better. Should I use distilled water?
Looking forward to gaining wisdom, insight, and more blooms!
Amanda

[GreggC]

more wisdom and insight since the second grade and it hasn't happened. LOL!! Just kidding. Obviously, not all bulbos are the same. Which one are we talking about? I have probably killed more orchids than almost anyone. I research the ones I buy on OrchidWiz now to make sure that I am approximating what it needs because I got tired of throwing my money away. By the way, welcome to the site. It is a nice place to talk with some great growers (I am just mediocre at this point)

[Lagoon]

Just wanted to say hi Amanda and welcome you to the forum
You may want to post your questions in the discussion areas, you might get more replies there
Hope you enjoy your time here - Happy growing

[AmandaTom]

"Obviously, not all bulbos are the same. Which one are we talking about?"

Well, one is bulb. longissima species and the other is a longissima cross but don't know which (no handy clues in my records or on the pot, alas). The former looks happy but isn't growing and the latter has a tiny bit of growth that hasn't budged in months and the final leaf yellowed and fell off a couple of days ago. I suspect I am not watering or feeding enough.

[GreggC]

the bulbos in question like high temps. Neither listed water requirements. You might see what you can find out by getting on the bulbo discussion area as Lagoon suggested. I am not really familiar with that particular bulbo, but I would bet that someone who regularly gets on that part of the site could answer your question.