Hello All- This could be dangerous!

[leitmotif58]

I'm a newbie, I've always been intrigued by orchids but thought, only after years of study, a greenhouse and a few bucks could one actually have such prizes. I just found your web site with this wealth of knowledge and I may have just stumbled on my new hobby. I'm visiting my sister, actually playing nanny (she's in Mexico) anyway she received what I think is an dendrobium and promptly lost interest when It lost its flowers. I'm trying to recessitate it...she left it in a cold mud room. It's pretty sad, 2 leaves left! I soaked it in a solution posted here and the canes seem firmer. Is it worth it?

[PhalPal]

Uttt oooh ....... the old "I found this orchid and had to rescue it' entry into orchidaholicism!

I can poke fun because I am firmly planted in this catagory. Fifty+ orchids later, and few of them free, I started this passion by digging a phal out of the trash at work, promptly killed it, and could not accept defeat. I LOVE this hobby and most of the people it attracts; I am rewarded everyday with some small tidbit of progress.
Save your sister's Dend. I don't grow them, but someone will chime in here and tell you that some varieties are decidious. (they naturally lose their leaves) This forum is a great source of information and encouragement. We have growers with two Phals on a windowsill, and some with thousands of orchids in greenhouses. Newbies are most welcome because we all started somewhere and still continue to learn from all questions. Ask away!

For starters: here is the link to American Orchid Society for culture sheets. American Orchid Society It will give you basic information on how to grow your new rescue, what it needs. As you will learn, success is not about picking the orchid you like and bringing it home, but about figuring out what you have at home and finding an orchid that will be happy living with you. One should choose partners this way as well. Fewer divorces. There will be many orchids that will suit your home and I hear Dends are very easy to grow AND beautiful! BTW - welcome to the forum!

[BillC]

Hi, welcome to the happy geeks show, all of them dedicated to the culture of the orchid. By your user name I think that orchids will become your recurring theme for a very long time. There is great satifaction and relief in seeing the first bloom open on your first plant! Happy growing.

Bill

[fred]

welcome to the forum
the only thing that could be dangerous is we will teach you alot about orchids
the dangerous part is like the rest of us we keep getting more and more then just one more and then ahhh yes I have room for one more.

[pikevi]

Welcome to the forum leitmotif58.

Good luck.

[snowballsarebad]

Hahaha, yes your new hobby could be very dangerous! But it can also be very rewarding, especially when you rebloom your first orchid.
I think the Dendrobium is at least worth a try. It will be good practice for you. Don't fret killing off a few orchids; I'm pretty sure that nearly all of us here have killed at least one orchid, if not many. And often times, it won't be your fault; like you say, the plants you might be getting might not be in the greatest condition.
So. Welcome to the forum, and welcome to orchid growing!

[leitmotif58]

Thank you all for your most gracious welcome, Phalpal, good life advice I kind of believe "things find me" books, plants etc.But I'm going to use your philosophy for orchids and the opposite sex.!!!

[evagentry]

welcone to the forum leitmotif58, its true maybe your first orchid may not make it, or maybe it will, but dont be discouraged, it happens to us all, there is allways tommorrow and another orchid to try.

[rmt135]

Welcome Leitmotif58. My first orchid was a Den & I nearly blew it. Just keep trying, never give up & you will be rewarded when these orchid bloom.