Hello Everyone, Before I begin, I must confess that I have no orchid knowledge and hence have not much to contribute to the group, other than my love for orchids.
Several years ago I attended a Spring Plant sale that was held outside in the rain. The temperature hovered near 40 degrees. On a table sat what I suspected was a very ill orchid. It was potted in something akin to a jelly jar with no holes to allow for water drainage. A woman, noticing my attention to the plant, confirmed that it was indeed an orchid. She said she wanted $20 for it. The poor thing had two leaves, no spikes or blooms and all of it's roots appeared black and mushy through the clear glass container. Figuring that I could kill the plant with kindness as opposed to neglect, I offered her $10 and brought home my first orchid.
After reading about orchids, I determined that this plant was a Phal. This gave me hope after reading that Phals were the "easiest" to grow. I cut away the rotted roots and planted it in a clay pot with commerical orchid potting medium. For the last 4 years it has grown stronger and sits in an east window.
A year ago, last Janurary, I feel in love with another NOID Phal. I'd spotted in Home Depot. It's cheery yellow flowers provided the much-needed promise of the coming Spring. It had 7 blooms and unlike my first plant, appeared very healthy. Later that summer, it produced two more blossoms on the same spike. I was sold on orchids!
A month ago, I noticed that my second plant was sending up another spike! There are 6 buds, so far. But, even more exciting is the fact that the first plant is producing a spike, as well. I am so excited to finally be able to see what the flowers on that plant will look like.
In celebration of my good fortune with the two I have, so far, I bought another NOID Phal yesterday.
Did I hear somebody mention potato chips????
This is an incredible site! I love the little glossary help that appears in the posts. I just know that I'm bound to become a better orchid mommy! Thank you all in advance.
Rita
Another newcomer saying, "Howdy!"
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