Hello! I'm new to this (and any) forum.

[CJ Green]

Hi everyone,

I've been growing orchids for a few years but have just recently gotten a little more serious (obsessed?) about it. I have a very small collection that I keep on a few windowsills in my kitchen and office (south-facing and west-facing). My collection started with the gift of a very hardy Phalaenopsis from a nice local florist--after the plant bloomed continuously for several months I got the idea that I must be good with orchids. I bought a few of my favorites--Paphiopedilums--but after they withered and died, I knew that I needed to figure out which orchids do best in the conditions I can provide, which is basically a LOT of sun, wide temperature swings, and decent humidity for a non-greenhouse environment. I also went to a local orchid society show, and after seeing the gorgeous blooms on everyone's plants, I realized that my entire collection had just sort of been limping along but not thriving. I bought some books, a thermometer/humidity monitor, and a cheap light meter, and started paying more attention to conditions on my windowsills, and researching orchids.

I now have 14 plants (and a very long wish list--but I am out of windowsill room!). In addition to five Phals, I have a few Oncidiums, a couple of Zygopetalums, a Dendrobium "Mini Snowflake," a Rhyncovola "David Sander," an Encyclia cordigera, a Laeliocattleya "Amethyst Star," and a Dendrobium "Christina Princess," which I am going to post about in a separate thread. Only the Dendrobiums are in bloom right now, so I won't post any pictures.

Thanks for reading my long-winded introduction! I'm hoping to participate and learn a lot here.

[murph7]

Have fun with the obsession! I know I have so far.

[bellini girl]

You've started with a good variety of orchids. Out of window sill room you say....No worries...you'll need to buy a shelving unit...check Lowes, Home depot or Costco. Then invest in some lights and that will take care of the window sill issue

[jkofferdahl]

Welcome to the obsession. Fifteen orchids will quickly turn into 150, so you might as well go buy your growing lights now.

[Mountaineer370]

Welcome to the board from another windowsill grower. Fifteen orchids? Lucky you, that's about twice as many as I have room for.

[CJ Green]

Thanks! We have a very tiny house, but if we ever build an addition, it will have an orchid nook!

[SaraJean]

Welcome! orchid growing is a wonderful obsession to have and you will be suprised what kind of room you can find for your orchids. One of my friends had just a small collection of just 5 on the shelf of one big window. The she added another shelf, and then a rod to hang some on, and then started tucking minis in... lol

[Leafmite]

Hello and welcome! It seems you have a great variety! I am glad you found orchids that do well in your conditions. It is great to have you here!

I hope you find a way to grow your favorites in your conditions. Sometimes, it is possible to tweak one's growing conditions with seedling mats and table-top greenhouses (or old fish tanks). I have done this for a part of my collection. Most of the time, though, I try to select orchids that will fare well in my conditions.

Good luck with your collecting!

[CJ Green]

Thanks! I may need to start adding shelves soon...

---------- Post added at 05:27 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:23 PM ----------

Thanks! Yes, there are so many orchid varieties to choose from that in a way it's kind of nice to be limited by conditions. I never would have considered Brassavolas had someone not told me they would likely work well for me.

[estación seca]

Welcome! Great assortment of neat orchids. That cake looks delicious, too.