smitten then bitten - hellooooo from Seattle
 

:hello

Well... It has begun. I've lurked here for a little while and figured it's time to say "HOLA!"

Been an on again/off again rabid houseplant grower for close to two decades, interrupted by traveling and occasional housing arrangement that have made it difficult - most recently a lovely apartment with all North facing windows and not enough space. At any rate we just moved to an awesome and bright new duplex home with an amazing and a garage and yard and windows on every side! So my old habits quickly took root (see what I did there?) again.
Over the years I've had a grand total of three orchids (all given to me or otherwise just obtained accidentally) and never bothered to really look into specific care, treating them with fear and wondering why they didn't respond to my otherwise greenish thumb... Our new landlord, bless her, actually gave us a little housewarming gift - a tiny (bought cheap from Lowe's I now think) little phalaenopsis that I just loved. After giving a lot of needed care to my existing plants and grabbing a few others for our new space, I came home with another orchid from local plant shop, an awesome galeopetalum I loved... Then another... then another... then another... We're up to 7 total in about 2 weeks time. Must stop for now.
So.... this is how it begins? I still love my other plants, but now that I'm beginning to *much* deepen my understanding of these little blooming, it's become a slight obsession. They're like pets.
Anyhow... hi!

https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8844/1...073dbf3b_z.jpgsuneater by Kevin Rosinbum (Eyewanders Foto), on Flickr

Welcome to OB! Your story is very similar to mine, I think a bunch of us started out the same way as you. I've also been growing various house plants for years and have always considered myself to be blessed with the old green thumb. But orchids are a great humbler when you think you've got it all figured out. Good luck and enjoy your new addiction. :)

:welcomeflowers:

I suspect that it won't be too long before orchids start to take over all your available space (that's what happened to me) ;)

Welcome to Orchidboard!

I just bought three orchids yesterday. Yes this is how it happens!!! Welcome!

Hahah... I somehow walked away from a few today.
Hey! Thanks for the youtube advice. I'm the one been yammering at you over there today. :)

Welcome to Orchid Board :welcome:

Welcome the OB! Honestly, it does not stop - it actually spreads! Everybody eventually succumbs, like my husband, who after being my driver to all the shows discovered the charm of miniature orchids and now has his own vivarium :)

---------- Post added at 02:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:40 PM ----------

Haha, it's always like that! I go shopping for a specific reason (e.g. clothes) and I end up with no clothes, but a lot of pretty orchid babies. Definitely worth it!

:hello and :welcomeflowers: to OB. Glad you joined us. 7 orchids? Gee I can't remember when I had that few :rofl: Won't be long now, they wil multiply right before your eyes

Welcome! I lived in Seattle many moons ago. You can (AND WILL!) grow a lot of cool to intermediate orchids difficult in other parts of the country.