Hello from South Carolina

[wisenowl]

I have to say that I have been bitten by the orchid bug.I have a staghorn fern I have been growing for a few years now and while looking for information on staghorns I always ended up looking at orchids. I found that I already had everything needed to meet the requirments for growing orchids so, why not try? I bought a couple of plants that were on closeout at Lowes then I started looking at plants on e-bay.Needless to say I bought a few plants at e-bay that were less than 3 dollars.The shipping was twice what I paid for the plants! Then I saw that Carter and Holmes was having an open house so I attended and came home with 4 more plants that were on sale for $8.50 each.Next thing you know Im back at lowes asking when were they putting more plants on closeout.I told the sales associate that I hated to see them die ! Finally after going to Lowes for 2 weeks they put them on closeout. I brought eight Cattleyas home that morning. Here it is one month later and I have 24 orchids and not one bloom! I guess now its just a misting ,watering,dreaming,and waiting game.
Andy

[joan gero]

Hi Andy,
Welcome to this forum... it's really a great place to learn about your orchids (they call them "the 'chids" sometimes here on line!). I lived in Columbia for 15 years and never grew an orchid the whole time... now I could kick myself because conditions there are great for orchids!

Anyway, browse this site about the particular kinds that you have. Most orchids (cattlyas certainly) only bloom once a year, and Carter/Holmes and Lowe's probably made sure they wouldn't bloom again this year before selling them off cheap. So be patient! This time of year you might get some phaleanopsis blossoms but you may have to do your time watering and providing the right sunlight for each kind that you have. This is a great place to ask questions!

Good luck and welcome to OrchidGeeks!

[mayres]

Welcome Andy!
Please update your profile to show where you live as this will help folks on the forum in suggesting care for your plants in the future.
Sounds like you are well on your way to being a full blown orchidaholic. Welcome to the club. Other than your catts you didn't note what other types of orchids you have purchased. One of the initial challenges is figuring out where best to grow your plants in the space you have available. For example, if you purchased any phalaenopsis type orchids they will take significantly different conditions than your catts. The majority of orchids bloom but once per year so you most likely have some time to enjoy and appreciate the other structures of your new family - many have come to enjoy the roots & leaves about as much as the blooms. Good luck! mike

[patlee]

Welcome,Andy There are a lot of people her who can help you with Catts and a lot who can help you with Phals or Dens. Do you have any other kinds of orchids? I think you will find out that there is more to taking care of orchids than misting and waiting--although both play a large part in orchid culture. Generally, you are supposed to research the plants and their requirements before you buy them. But we all understand that orchid addiction--all too well Anyway, hope you learn a lot here and love it as much as the rest of us do...One of the best things about this place is that, out of necessity, you learn how to post pictures with your questions or comments.(I am so proud of myself, thanks to the forum)
Lastly, could you click on your name and edit your profile to tell us where you live--it will help us to give you the correct info. for your area.
Good growing to you...

[PhalPal]

Welcome to the forum Andy; you have picked the best but then we are all a little biased.
One thing we are sure about is what an orchidaholic looks and sounds like and you have fully joined the group. So many of us started out by rescuing a phal doomed for the garbage! Orchids are a wonderful hobby and there is a lifetime of learning; this forum can help you a great deal so don't be afraid to ask lots of questions.
Something Mayres touched on is to determine your conditions and choose orchids that fit that description. Phals and catts are fairly easy to accommodate. A good start on culture sheets is American Orchid Society. I look forward to chatting with you!

[patticake]

Welcome Andy! I'm new to orchids too. Grown many plants indoors & out, but never orchids until lately. Now I'm addicted too. I have a new camera and love photography and will soon learn how to post pics. on here- Plants & photography I know... computers are another story!! Hope you enjoy this site as much as I have. I feel like a sponge... soaking up the info! Happy New Year also!

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome to the forum Andy. Feel free to ask any questions regarding your 'chids.
Lots of very knowledgeable people here to help you.

[articuno75]

Hello Wisenowl and welcome to the forum Sounds like you got bit by the bug pretty bad. How many do you have now? You pick up a lot of Catts, awesome. The wait will be worth with it

[Rod L]

Welcome aboard lots of good info here

[wisenowl]

Thanks to everyone for the wonderful welcome.
Andy

[orchid_girl]

Welcome on board!!! it seems to always start with buying on sell then progressing to buying more and more and more until you just don't have any more room.....LOL!!!

[rmt135]

Welcome wisenowl. I thought I was fast in buying orchids when I started this addiction but you beat me to it.