New member from Maryland says hi!
 

OK, the board keeps prompting me to introduce myself, so here I am! My name is Sheila, I'm a plant addict but not yet an orchid addict, just a dabbler.

I work as a technician for an interior plant company, taking care of plants in offices and lobbies and such. It's a fun but sometimes tiring job.

I've usually had a few phals in my houseplant collection on and off over the years. Sometimes I can bring them home from work when they are finished blooming. At the moment, I have a few 'Kaleidoscope', and an unidentified white and pinky-purple.

I have some struggling minicatts that did not enjoy my repotting technique or inability to water as often as they would like.

I also have some terrestrials - a Phaius tankervillae, a "dwarf phaius" that I can't find ANY information about but it was given to me by a very smart plantswoman so I'm sure the ID is correct, and a Phaiocalanthe 'Kryptonite'.

I've grown plants under just about every kind of growlight imaginable over the years - grolux, cheap shoplights, wonderlight, metal halide, compact fluorescent, and T5 fluorescent. I also use windows when I can find room! I have a spare bedroom that is my growroom/junk room. My project this year is to get the junk out and organize better to make room for MORE PLANTS!

My conditions seem best for phals, so I'm planning to concentrate on them for now (and maybe terrestrials if I can find any more). I like the phals for ease of culture, length of bloom, and the fact that they generally bloom in the winter when I need a flower fix the most!

SheilaJ

Hi Sheila! Welcome :waving
My favorite type orchids are Phals also because they seem to last the longest. Us winter folk need that extra "help" to make it through the drab dreary months.
You're not an orchid addict yet, but it's only a matter of time.:coverlaugh:
Seems to me I just read someone's post on one of the orchids you can't get information about. Trying to think who it was. I think it was Sue. She will be popping in anytime, so between her and all the other growers here, I am sure you will get the help you need.
This site is amazing. Friendly people here who are always willing to help.
Oh, and we love :photo: so please post anytime.
Again, welcome! :D kiki-do

Hi Sheila :)
:welcome:

You may be just a "dabbler" right now...but stick around...that'll change ;)

You happen to have one of the plants I truly love...Phaiocalanthe Kryptonite. I have Ursula and Chariot of Fire...hoping to pick up Blood Bath in two weeks :) Do you know which one you have?

I look forward to having you join our conversations. If you need help with anything, feel free to ask :)

Hi..Sheila and welcome. As for Phaius & Phaiocalanthe, I would contact EFG Orchids
in Fl. they grow & hybridize them. Jim.