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Introduction, newbie here.

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by NexVobis, Feb 6, 2014.

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  1. Feb 6, 2014 #1
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Hello, here from California looking to start this new hobby of growing and maintaining orchids. I was introduced to this plant by my mother, she loves the beautiful blooms of these plants but for some reason cannot grow them herself. I'll be here looking and reading before I buy my first orchid, hope you guys can help me as I journey into this new hobby. What genus would you recommend to a beginner?
     
  2. Feb 6, 2014 #2
    Brent W

    Brent W Owner Staff Member

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    Welcome
     
  3. Feb 6, 2014 #3
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Welcome to the forum. There are a bunch of plants in different genera that are suitable to begginers. It all depends on what you like and what conditions you can provide. Some of the more common orchids that are very easy to find are phalaenopsis or dendrobium but there are tons of plants readily available that are just as easy to care for.
     
  4. Feb 6, 2014 #4
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Welcome to Orchids Forum.
    As Zach said, many orchids that you can purchase locally can be successfully grown in the home. Check out Lowes, Home Depot, local grocery store, Trader Joes, etc. That is how I got started and within 2 years I was building a greenhouse.

    What end of the state are you in?
     
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  5. Feb 6, 2014 #5
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I agree with Zach in part. There are so many varieties of Dendrobium and many are really not easy at all. I think Phalaenopsis (moth orchid) and Paphiopedilum (slipper orchid) are most likely to fit in with the temperature ranges in the average home. But you can also approach it by buying what attracts you and then seeing if you can grow it. With the sources that Kelly mentioned, you can afford to buy an orchid like a potted chrysanthemum or a bouquet and toss it when it finishes blooming. Just make sure that there is a tag with the name of the orchid (preferably the scientific name) so you can ask about culture or search for it on the internet.
     
  6. Feb 7, 2014 #6
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Ah ok got it, gotta go my research then. I'm in Southern California.
     
  7. Feb 7, 2014 #7
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    There are lots of orchid societies in Southern California and they are a good place to learn. Depending on where you are, there may be a number of orchids that you could grow outside. Your local orchid society is the place to get that kind of knowledge.
     
  8. Feb 7, 2014 #8
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Thank you guys. I just saw on the tv that there's an orchid expo going on this weekend so my partner and I will look into it this Sunday. On another note I bought my first orchid. None of these little ones had any tags so I have no idea what genus it is, all the label says is "3 in orchid". It was $8.99. ImageUploadedByOrchidsForum.com1391834680.309582.jpg
     
  9. Feb 8, 2014 #9
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    It is a Phalaenopsis hybrid. A good one to start with.
     
  10. Feb 8, 2014 #10
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Thank you, let me write that down. There was a white with pink spots but that one had root in the root so I took this one which is healthy looking and has healthy roots shooting all over the place.
     
  11. Feb 8, 2014 #11
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    Good choice for your first plant. If you plan on attending the show this weekend you'll really be able to learn a lot from the vendors. Most people are friendly and willing to help. It's going to be an incredible experience. I think going to a show for your first time really expedites the obsession phase of the hobby, well at least for me it did!
     
  12. Feb 9, 2014 #12
    nighthawk

    nighthawk Member

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    Welcome, welcome, welcome.

    I think you'll find that this forum is full of friendly, knowledgeable orchid-a-holics who are very happy to share their experience. I'll bet you'll looooove seeing the Orchid Expo. You'll really get a sense of the the wide range of sizes, shapes, colors and growing conditions of orchids.

    Have a wonderful time and big congratulations on buying your first orchid. It's a beauty and looks like it still has many buds that will open over the next few months. It will bloom for you for a very long time. I hope you enjoy getting involved with orchids. They are endlessly fascinating.
    ;)
    Jess
     
  13. Feb 9, 2014 #13
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Based on the charge plug I'd say that it is an iOrchid ;)

    Make sure there is a drain hole in the bottom of the pot. You don't want the roots staying wet. That is the quickest way to kill a Phalaenopsis.
    Good luck and ask more questions when you need to.
     
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  14. Feb 10, 2014 #14
    edub9

    edub9 Member

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    I agree, once you go to a show you will be insanely obsessed. :clap: Oh and don't believe the "ice cube" trick.
     
  15. Feb 10, 2014 #15
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Ahahaha iOrchid.
    As for the ice trick I won't, I water my plants with room temp water, cold kills plants so I wouldn't water them with ice. As for the expo omg so many beautiful plants/flowers/blooms. I would definitely like to grow and maintain one of those more exotic looking ones.
     
  16. Feb 11, 2014 #16
    Stanhopeus

    Stanhopeus Member

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    Hi NexVobis.

    Before purchasing many more plants (buying frenzy),
    you might wish to buy a good book on orchid cultivation basics.

    What remains unclear to you could be enquired from orchid society members
    or discussed on this forum.

    Good luck.
     
  17. Feb 11, 2014 #17
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    I am looking into books actually, but not buying frenzy for me. I know they can be pricey at times (depending on genus) but I'm only starting with two. The first one I got, which I posted a pic of and the other one is actually one that I'm reviving for my mom. Remember i posted that she could never maintain them? Well this one already has new leaves growing. lol post a pic of it later today when I get home.
     
  18. Feb 13, 2014 #18
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Question, I have been reading in here about people having problems with the roots mainly rot due to water retention in the potting mix and no ventilation. My question is should I remove the moss that came with my orchid? The roots grew all over the moss and I'm afraid the moss will hold too much water and cause rot to my orchid. Thank you.
     
  19. Feb 28, 2014 #19
    Julie Kennon

    Julie Kennon Member

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    Not necessarily, some of the rot happens when water gets down in the base of the leaves on Phal. I found that some of the ones we get as saves may already have rot because not all nursery staff knows how to water them. It's very easy to get water there. I'm a newbie also, you sound like your already a plant lover and that great. I was in S. Cali 2 weeks ago and went to a show and Andy's near Carlsbad. I had to ask my guide to help me to get plants for the beginner. Depending on where you live you can grow them outdoors. A friend of mine in Oceanside had some growing in his yard and didn't know what they were. I snipped some of the babies (never can remember how to spell the word for them) that was Aug. of last year and they are all doing well. And a belated welcome to the site!
     
  20. Feb 28, 2014 #20
    NexVobis

    NexVobis New Member

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    Thank you, but still just a beginner. I grow mine indoors but only for winter once it gets warm I will bring them outside with their humidity trays. Thank you once again for your time.
     
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