Hey from Tampa Bay

[ScottS]

I have a neighbor that got me started with orchids last year – why are they so addicting? I am up to nearly 40 plants.

Some are species but most are hybrids. I have most of them growing outside under an oak tree right now, but I cannot say that they are going really great because I have to keep bringing them in from the cold weather (no offense to the northern orchid growers). I think that the temperature changes are causing the buds to drop before the flowers bloom. Hopefully in the next few weeks as we start having warmer nights they will start doing better, PLUS I just found this site!

[fred]

welcome Scotts
nice to have you with us
we have quite a few geeks living in or near your Location that do just that bring the orchids inside I am sure they will soon be able to share with you as well.

welcome

[Tobi]

Hi and welcome to the fourm Scott. Great people here with lots of information. Would
love to see some pics when you can post.

[patticake]

Hi Scott! Welcome! No offense taken from a "northerner"! I would love to have my plants outside, but they would turn into orchidcicles! Good luck with your 'chids- keep us posted. I'm sure a fellow Floridian will hop on soon.

[orchid nut]

I live in Lake Worth and have a quite large collection, the weather here is somewhat warmer that Tampa but just the same. The only plants I bring in anymore are the ones in bud and I won't do that until the temp drops below 50, if it drops below 38 I bring them all in or close to the house. The wind will also cause bud drop and thrips cause more buds to drop than cold or wind together. Get some orthene and spray for bugs once in a while.

[E-Jag]

Hey, Scott, welcome aboard. You must be single. If I bought 40 orchids in one year my wife would start showing me jewelry sale ads along with dinner. Mine stay outside year 'round unless it gets into the mid 30's. Got some excellent shows coming up in the next couple of months, keep an eye out. Great places to buy beautiful orchids in bloom for a very good price.

____________________
E-Jag

[articuno75]

Welcome to the forum! Oodles of info here and lots of people (did I mention insane orchidolics) to help you!

[rmt135]

Hi & welcome to the forum. You will love this site. Lots of info & the people here are ever happy to help when you need - orchid of course.

[blk_seedorchid]

Hi Welcome to the site. I'm in Tampa my 30 plus chids are on my lanai...I do the same temp drops below 50 I bring in those spiking, if it drops below 38 I bring them all in. Lots of good people here and great geek info.

Enjoy!

[LeftCoastAngler]

'ello there! I too live in Brandon. North side of the tracks... AnyHoot. Welcome to the forum.

Do the pesky squirrels get into your collection aswell? Have you been over to that orchid lady over on Bloomingdale & Lithia?

~LCA.

[Dan_Davis]

I've been bringing mine in as well, but the room they go is not heated to reflect our season. I think that heating them up in a room and then putting them back out side after the really chilly/cool evenings are over. But still being cool outside, is not good.

[timmb]

Welcome ScottS. Your area is a great place to grow. I look forward to you involvement with this great group.