Hello from NOLA

[dzdigits]

Hello from New Orleans! I am brand new to this site. I had 2 orchid plants before Hurricane Katrina. Both were pahiopedilum (sp?)/ lady's slipper orchids. One bloomed white/green and the other bloomed white/deep plum (maybe this is called a black?). Anyway, they were doing ok before the hurricane hit (mostly becuase they were still pretty new, I'm sure) but I had a lot of anxiety over killing them. In the past, I have been known as a mass murderer of both plants and fish. Anyway, they perished during Katrina anyway so I've been too afraid to try again.

So this time, I'm going to try to gather some info first and then buy my plants so when I get them home, it won't be such a difficult transition for them and I won't feel so unprepared. I'd like to grow the lady's slippers again but also love basically all other variety of orchids so if anyone has recommendations for very easy starter varieties that are difficult to kill, I'd appreciate it!

One major concern I had in the past and still have is when the bloom dies, what do you do? My plants I had previously were in bloom when I got them and one died (the bloom died, not the plant) and I never knew what to do with it... do you cut the dead flower off, do you leave it, etc. And what do you have to do to get it to re-bloom and how long before it will re-bloom, etc. I purchased them from Whole Foods when I got them so they may have already been in bloom for some time before I got to them since I know they can bloom for 1-2 months.

Anyway, I'm happy to be here and soak up all the info I can!

[dolo3]

Hello and welcome to the Forum. You will find a lot of excellent information on growing orchids here...Plus, the people are very friendly and helpful! Sorry to hear you lost your Paphs in Katrina. Sincerely hope that that was the worst of your losses! I only have one paph in my orchid collection so I can't help you too much with them. However, I have had it a couple years and rebloomed it I always feel more confident after I have gotten one to bloom again. You can find excellent orchid culture info. at the AOS site. AOS | Home. It's a great idea to do a little researching on what grows easily in your area before you plunge in. I'm sure you will hear from other geeks who are familiar with New Orleans weather. So, again

[articuno75]

Any orchid can grow in just about any area, as long as you provide the conditions for it. The AOS has wonderful culture sheets for each genera that you can read and see what requirements you can provide.

Again welcome to the forum !!!

[Rishad Kalarikkal]

Hii....welcome to the forum.I am also somewhat new to this site.But I could tell you one thing. This is a very useful and it is easy to use.Every body are so much experienced and always ready to help us

[Orchidementia]

Welcome! I've been lucky enough to visit New Orleans and the thing that really stuck with me was ... beignets. I'm a true culture-vulture.

As I recall, NOLA is warm and humid, so in addition to paphs, I bet a lot of intermediate to warm growing orchids would like where you live. Oncidium alliances (also very forgiving plants), phalaenopsis (again, tough and cool-looking in and out of bloom, flowers last a long time), many types of dendrobiums (I think they can be killed but not sure how you'd do it - and they're really pretty!) are a few that come to mind that might do well in your environment with no special adjustments.

Take a look at an orchid care book like Ortho's All About Orchids or Miracle Grow's Complete Guide to Orchids - they have a section in back with photos and a descriptions of what temperature ranges and conditions those plants like (plus have a lot of general information on caring for orchids). I think it's a good, basic info place to to start ... maybe because that's where I jumped off from

[tizzycat]

Hi and welcome.

[solay]

Hi and welcome. You live in a great location to grow orchids. I love New Orleans and beninets. Bought a mix to fry up at home but never quite tasted as good. Which is always the case.
The drinking and the partying was fun too I must add. Not to mention the bar fight. Long story. LOL!!! Anyway, it's nice to have you on the forum. Looking forward to seeing the orchids you'll be acquiring shortly.

[patticake]

! Good to meet you! Click on this link for Paphiopedilum culture. AOS | Paphiopedilum
I cut the bloom off after it's done. Some types get more than on bloom on a "stalk" make sure there are no more buds coming and then you can cut the whole stalk off at the base.

[jerrymeola]

Everything can grow in NOLA. My mother in law lives there and she still has every orchid I sent home with her after Katerina.

She waters them when she remembers and leaves them alone. For that reason I gave her semi-miniature Cattleya which in the three years has re-flowered regular for her. She keeps one on her window sill in the laundry room, one on the kitchen sill and one outside on the covered patio.

Paphs will do fine inside any home in the US. They want very low light and constant moisture.

Ask about what types you consider and describe where you want to keep them and how often you are willing or the other extreme how compelled you feel to water often.

If you chose the right type of plant for where you want to keep it, then you will do fine.

[cassier]

Hello and welcome.

I'm not that far from you. I grow all types in a greenhouse. I also gow Paphs inside on a humidity tray. Like everyone has said if you give the plant what it needs it will be kind to you and rebloom.

You will enjoy being part of this forum as it is very informative and a very friendly place.