Hi from Maty in Needles, CA

[Maty]

What fun this is going to be. I have "0" orchids, but 4 little Cattleya orchids are coming Wednesday or Thursday. The nursery is almost ready and I'm hoping we all survive the 120 degree summers in the desert southwest. I'll keep you posted and it's nice to meet all of you.

[fred]

Hi Maty

Welcome to the forum

I hope that you enjoy your stay with us.

you are getting some orchids congrats with that.

happy chatting to you

[arleneg]

Hi & welcome to the forum, Maty!

When you get your orchids, please post a pic of them when you have a chance. We like pics here.

[prisana]

Hello Maty from Needles..welcome to the forum. I'm sure you and your orchids will do just fine even in that heat. Keep us posted

[Aniko]

Hi welcome to the forum and happy growing!

[pikevi]

Welcome to the forum , Maty.

4 may become 40 by the end of this summer

[kmarch]

Dear Maty,

Welcome! As I recall, Needles is where Snoopy's brother Spike lives, correct?

-Kevin

[fred]

Hi Maty

Did you get your plants ?

may we have an update PLEASE

[butt0n]

Hello and welcome to the boards!

[Maty]

Hello everyone,
Yes, the little orchid plants arrived safe and sound. They are in their new pots and sitting at a northeast facing window. Only choice really because it is the coolest room in the summer.

Yes, indeed, Kmarch, Snoopy's brother Spike does live in Needles. He hasn't been seen for awhile. Probably out prospecting!

I'll try for some pictures later and I'll keep you posted. My gosh, thanks to all of you for asking!

[Maty]

Hi everybody,
There are now 10 orchids in the house. And others in various places around the US in USPS trucks, I guess.

I made a blog to keep track of it all:
matysdesertorchids.blogspot.com

There is a baby picture of the first four orchids on page 2.

So far so good. I'll keep you posted!

[fred]

Hi Maty
thats good news about the orchids.
keep up the good work.

[sandra]

Hi Maty. I took a look at your blog site. Very nice. You purchased these from Bill Asia on ebay, correct? They look very familiar is why I ask. Just be patient as cattleyas take a very long time to reach maturity and blooming size. You've purchased very young plants and typically will need at least 3 more years (conservatively) to become rewarded with flowering. They'll need lots of humidity, shelter from direct sunlight and lots of airflow.

Enjoy!

[prisana]

Hi Maty, It's always great to hear proud new orchid ma's and pa's talking about their new found love. I guess it's good you don't live anywhere near me or I would have to worry about you hogging up all the good orchids in town.. Happy growing...

[Maty]

Actually the Cattleyas came from OrchidsAlive on eBay. T. Fabian is a lot closer to me in Oceanside, CA so the little guys get here pronto.

Yes, I just purchase the low-price orchids. It's a fixed-income thing!! I figured it is an act of faith to purchase such little guys. Thanks for looking at my blog and posting the good advice.

I did just win some phals and vandas from Bill Asia. The one two-for-one phal came and they were bare root, two leaves, two roots. But I can see two or three new roots through the bark already on each of them.

Thanks for the good thoughts Prisana and Fred.

I'm learning a lot and I might just move up the age bracket and buy bigger plants once in awhile.

Cheers and happy orchids everyone!

Whoops. I forgot to say I changed the address of my blog.
desertorchids.blogspot.com. Sorry, the system still won't allow me to post html, or whatever! Tee hee.

[DDS2007]

hi maty and welcome , beautiful orchids u got there but u really should be patient but they'll eventually flower for you

nice blog page too
take care

[Maty]

I just did the blog to remember what I already bid on and what colors I already had. Right now I bid on price and pretty.

I bet we have about the same weather. Right now it is 98F with 8% humidity. Should be about 101F by afternoon. Were you advised about what species of orchids to try? My orchids come from coastal CA, so they will have some adjusting to do. That's why I buy small and cheap. Gives them time to adjust.

[Maty]

The orchid population here is about to nearly triple. I added some Phals and some Vandas. I was glad too see the thread on growing spaces. I had to commandeer every table in sight to get ready for the newbies. Last purchases for awhile. Getting very hot! Although I don't think I can resist one or two locals that are blooming size or in spike, I guess!

Good news, the oldest are putting out new leaves. And, yeah, I bid on some baby Cyms, too.

I'll keep reading here, and hope I don't kill anybody with love!

[PhalPal]

Hi Maty - It is always so fun to share the excitement of new orchid owners! I have been into phals (inside) and cyms (outside) for about two years now. I am in coastal southern california so I can be a good source for you also. Learn from my successes and failures! I don't quite have the high temps and low humidity that you have in Needles, at least not on a daily basis. I have always wanted a Vanda outside but didn't think I could keep up with the requirements, so please keep me up on how you do with yours in extreme temps and ziltch humidity. There are LOTS of orchid shows all over California in the Spring and Summer; they are a great way to acquire orchids inexpensively. At least much cheaper then mail order. Well......I guess that is relative depending on how many you decide you just cannot live without when in a room full of pleading plants! Look forward to chatting with you!

[Maty]

Hi PhalPal,
It's really nice to meet you. Thanks for being there. I will keep you posted about how we're doing!

I started by reading an article from Arizona agriculture extension that recommended everything indoors. Then I read culture notes, aids from sellers, advice from you guys, and then I decide, ok, sweety, you go here!

One little guy looked a little blue, but since has perked up. I think it's good I buy small. Then they get to adjust. Ok, guys you're not in Oceanside anymore!