New member from Chicago

[josterha]

Hello Everyone,

I am brand new to the orchidboard site . My name is John and I have just started collecting orchids, in earnest. Previously I would buy a plant (in spike or bloom), but because I have only north-facing windows in cloudy Chicago, I have never been able to get the plants to re-bloom. Eventually, the plants would die, or go for years without reblooming. But, I have just constructed a light table and got some humidity trays, and am now serious about maintaining a collection.

In my previous attempts at keeping phals, I sometimes get a problem that I call "leather leaf". The leaves that, in healthy plants, are firm and erect begin to droop and become less firm and also get leathery or slightly wrinkly. I have looked in several booked for this problem, but have not been able to find it addressed. I don't know if I am over-watering or under, or if the light is too low. If anyone could offer advice I would really appreciate it.

Thanks a lot,

John (in snowy Chicago)