What did you learn in 08?

[kiki-do]

Great thread!
I'm only a three year grower, and I've learned some interesting things.
1) Like Jerry said, and this fits me too, The more I learn, I realize how little I actually know.
2) Orchids are a passion, but as Ross said, it's a balancing act of trial and error. So so true!
3) Orchids are very very time consuming! But I can't think of anything that gives me so much pleasure as tending these beauties! (Well, I know what you all must be thinking, but we won't go there, right? )
4) Orchid growing is a true sickness! I've learned that I have way too many, yet I "need" to have more!
5) People who come visit me don't always want "the tour" and aren't as appreciative of looking at a new spike as I am. Go figure!
6) No one else understands when I stop to tend an orchid who is showing signs of some kind of stress. They don't want to wait until I get things checked out.

I'm sure I could think of a dozen more things I've learned this past year, but it's time to get my "ladies" out of water and back on the shelf!

[Sandy4453]

I've learned to have patience...all in due time EXCEPT when it comes to those yellowing, bottom leaves on Phals. The scissors always wins!

....and that this hobby is really contagious...really! And I have every one of You to thank. Thank You. It has been an extremely satisfying and fun hobby, especially because of sharing it with everyone here. It wouldn't be as pleasurable as it has been if You all lived so far away. You're just a click away!!!

[camille1585]

This is a great thread!! I learned lots of things too in the last year, when it comes to orchids.

1) Burr Nelly Isler does not like me me, 3 successive ones commited suicide!
2) Neos are the best orchids on the planet
2a) You can never have enough Neos
3) Grow lights really help
4)Orchid shows are really fun (went to my first one in October)
5) I discovered that mounted orchids are not really as difficult as I thought, and now have 4 of them. In fact they are the easiest orchids to care for, although they need daily attention. In 2009, I will get more!
6) Orchidwiz is the best thing ever
7) Don't talk about orchids to family members (or leave any in their care), they really don't care about what I say, and never get excited about spikes.
8) Orchids don't mind travelling back and forth several times in a year from Lyon to the Netherlands, be it by plane, train or car, summer or winter. They just don't care.

So what about 2009?
*I decided that it's time for me to try a Paph, even though I'm worried about killing it.
*I will try one last time to not kill a Burr Nelly Isler, I'm too addicted to its fragrance to give up trying to grow it.
*I need more grow lights, the orchids love them.
*I need more Neos and can't wait for spring shopping.
* I will try again to get my stubborn, space hogging Cym to finally rebloom.