When I was 46 years old, my sisters and I took a trip to Hawaii. On the way home, in the airport, I saw the tiniest of tiny cattleya plants and bought it. Probably cost less than 5 dollars. I don't think I even grew orchids then, I can't remember. But I have cared for that orchid all these years and it grew larger and stronger but would never bloom. I've dragged that orchid with me to Arizona every year. It never would bloom though it grew well and I didn't want to get rid of it because it was a souvenir of that once in a lifetime trip. This year I absolutely blasted it with artificial lights and it finally bloomed. I was 46 when I bought it... I'm now 63, lolol.
I tried giving it more natural sunlight via my outside greenhouse but northern Indiana sunlight wasn't strong enough or since I am in a wooded area, it was too dappled, or not enough hours worth of direct sunlight, idk. It needed the light from one of those super powerful spider led lights. Now I need to repot it and I’ll probably kill it, lol. At least I got to see the blooms once hahaha.
I love all plants and trees. I take great pleasure in caring for them and seeing each plant/tree respond and grow hopefully into a thing of beauty. They bring me great joy! Bless you Roger for sharing your passion and knowledge. Xxx
Fun Chat Roger! I like that it’s something that I picked up trying to “save” a few Phals my Mom was neglecting which started the madness lol. I do perennials and vegetables and herbs outside and many houseplants including African Violets. I always paid attention when my great aunts aunts grandmother and mother would talk about plants so it started very young loving watching things grow. I would beg for a piece of garden I could plant in. I love the variety, the learning and getting better, the cumulative learning and perfecting my growing, the people I’ve met, the travel to shows and so much more!
I’ve lived in many different climates in Australia. I’ve always had gardens that suit the area. However, now I’m retired I find gardening too painful for my damaged back. Suddenly I found orchid growing. My large collection is in a shade house with waist height shelves. I can grow healthy plants & have a constant supply of beautiful flowers. There is always more to study & learn. It gets us out of bed & out in the fresh air. Lots could be positives about this hobby!
Hi Roger . Happy Holidays! My reason for getting into orchids was to heal my heart after losing my first born son to cancer. Watching things grow and flower makes me smile. I don't have a lot of them, but it has been fun learning about them. Such an interesting hobby. Thank you for your knowledge. ❤
My Danish grandmother introduced me to orchids, but I have always loved growing things. My Danish ancestors had a flower shop and my German uncle was a farmer. It is just in my blood.❤
I sometimes wonder why I grow bonsai, because at my age, I'll never see any of them develop into mature specimens. But I find joy in watching what they do year-to-year. That's enough for me. I hope you enjoy your Christmas lunch.
In a way, that's why I stick with the Bonsai I have - in the main, they are more mature trees. To buy trees at this size/age would be hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
I had a vanilla orchid that started to turn black. I was about to chuck it and decided to try to save it. I cut off the black part, clipped some damp sphagnum moss to the end with an orchid clip and put it in a plastic bag. A few months later it not only had a new growth but roots,too. I love saving orchids!
Orchids have become much mor expensive over the last few years and certainly in the UK after Brexit, much harder to find. 'Saving' them is now far more important.
When I first started with orchids a bit over 3 years ago, I created an Excel spreadsheet for my orchids based on what you would mention from time to time in your videos. Main reason was so I could track what I was doing wrong and correlate with the kinds of orchids that did not do well in my environment. You are absolutely right on the never-ending learning curve, the drive to help them thrive and the beauty of the blooms and fragrances, when so blessed. I cap myself at 100 max (11 different genera) to keep the care level manageable and in the spreadsheet is the Death List, where I record each demise and examine/explain or speculate why oh why. Every now and again I will re-try a group that I've not had success with just to see....(I'm looking at you, Zygos!!!) maybe THIS time it will work...
I keep a record of all my current orchids in a spreadsheet (my 'notes') but when an orchid is lost/sold/given away, I delete the line. I do keep a folder of all the pics of the blooms of orchids I've had.
I live on a farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Right now it is cold outside and we are getting occasional snow. The bare and junk ridden landscape after Hurricane Helene leaves everything a bit depressing however, thank God I have these beautiful orchids in bloom to help brighten my day! This hobby can be as expensive as you want it to be or you can just keep things simple. I follow several enthusiasts (sadly lost a few to COVID). Yourself, Ed’s Orchid, and Rick L. are some of my favorites.
Very interesting chat! I started growing when my mom gifted me supermarket phal in 2010. Fast forward 8 years or so and my daughter saw the entire dining table covered in new orchids I purchased and she said, mom you've got a serious problem! I replied, I know, I'm gong to need help moving them...come look and see what I did with your brother's old bedroom!! If you could see her eyes roll!! I remember when I set out on this journey, I wanted to be able to have at least one orchid in bloom every single day of the year. Along with that ambitious goal comes all the challenges -- creativity to find room for just one more, curiosity, trial and error, education, meeting and socializing with new people online and at societies, and of course patience. To me...those are the hallmarks of a very well adapted human/orchid enthusiast 🙃😊. You are so fortunate! I have't been able to spark that interest for my daughter (who, by the way, can't keep a succulent alive 😂)...yet...but she has other hobbies that tick all those same boxes. So...a big thanks to YOU (and of course all the other orchid youtubers) for confirming we are not alone in this journey and of SOUND MIND 🥰
Hi Roger, I have around 160 orchids, and I grow all of them indoors except for a few cymbidiums and nobile hybrids that overwinter in a makeshift arrangement in my garage and then go outdoors in the summer. So I guess I'm not a true hobbyist in that I don't have a greenhouse. I have lost my fair share of orchids, but I wouldn't really call that out and out failure. I think the experience of trying out different kinds even when it doesn't lead to success is enjoyable in itself and fun in itself. Certainly a lot more mentally stimulating than rowing a kayak. Perhaps more comparable to playing chess, you win some and you lose some, but you keep learning and you stay entertained.
Fun chat, thanks. I used to keep the labels of the plants I'd lost but the pile became so big I threw them away. I have a collection of 150-160 plants and I'm certain I've lost more than that! We have our orchid society pot luck tomorrow as well, Cheers!
Very interesting subject and equally interesting comments. Thank you for a personally thought provoking topic. As for myself, i suppose i grow orchids for the same reason artists paint; they aren't happy unless they are.
Intersesting thoughts, I grow cause I like the Flowers and it gives me something to as I am retired. It could be an expensive hobby but so are many others. I don't have to travel to do it, except for shows. Not too many regulations to be aware of.
I started many years ago initially in and around the house and then into the conservatory at my last place and then into where I am now. I agree - now I'm retired it gives me something to do most days - it's indoors and provides interest and beauty.
I am very new to plants period. I have many types of plants. Most of mine are the impossible to kill type. I thought orchids would be more of a challenge. In addition, everyone I know who has had orchids says they cannot grow orchids. That made me more determined. Of course, the people who said that bought "Just Add Ice" orchids and they diligently followed the directions!
Sell an orchid with instructions on how to kill it. People think it's their fault and go and buy another one. A brilliant business model for the fools that follow it.
Always been a plant person 😁 I look over my plants every morning when the lights go on and I see daily change however small. I also try to keep the channel personal, interactive with viewers, referring to other growers and do other stuff (stupid cat video had over 700 views !?) Orchids are in fact my most expensive hobby, more then climbing and music and kayaking 🤣put together
If I really did Bonsai, that would be silly-expensive. Even a cheap pot would cost more than an orchid - and for a decent mature tree hundreds if not thousands of pounds. I will have a surprise unboxing next week - an Xmas present 'to me' that was quite expensive.
As a nation the “ hobby “ category generally seems to be on the wane - whether it’s orchids , budgies , tropical fish . Doesn’t seem to be the case elsewhere- continental Europe is thriving and there’s a big scene in Oz . I’d love to get my hands on some of those dendrobium native hybrids . You can actually buy them in sterile tubes in Bunnings ( Oz B&Q ) , think I’d get shot slipping one into my hand luggage next time I’m there .
@ they are , it’s declaring at the UK that you need paperwork . Even though it’s in a sealed sterile flask . It’s only there on one of the Spiceotic webpages for some reason .
I’m very glad that you’re here Roger! I discovered your channel, after receiving quite a few (20)in rescue 🛟 🌱 When I was the youngster in the 1970s, my grandfather won many prizes in Florida at the time. I appreciate, as I am now almost 6 decades old, having someone like you to give me inspiration again. Thank you for the detailed repotting information, it has been very helpful and detailed. I am curious do you use garlic as pest control? Should I put cinnamon on wounds / darker spots 🙏🏡🌱🌱 Thank you so much for your channel !🌲🌱🌱🏡
As a nation the “ hobby “ category generally seems to be on the wane - whether it’s orchids , budgies , tropical fish . Doesn’t seem to be the case elsewhere- continental Europe is thriving and there’s a big scene in Oz . I’d love to get my hands on some of those dendrobium native hybrids . You can actually buy them in sterile tubes in Bunnings ( Oz B&Q ) , think I’d get shot slipping one into my hand luggage next time I’m there .
When I was 46 years old, my sisters and I took a trip to Hawaii. On the way home, in the airport, I saw the tiniest of tiny cattleya plants and bought it. Probably cost less than 5 dollars. I don't think I even grew orchids then, I can't remember. But I have cared for that orchid all these years and it grew larger and stronger but would never bloom. I've dragged that orchid with me to Arizona every year. It never would bloom though it grew well and I didn't want to get rid of it because it was a souvenir of that once in a lifetime trip. This year I absolutely blasted it with artificial lights and it finally bloomed. I was 46 when I bought it... I'm now 63, lolol.
That's a lot if patience, congratulations on your long awaited reward
Congratulations!
If an orchid grows well but doesn't bloom, the stock solution is always 'more light'.
I tried giving it more natural sunlight via my outside greenhouse but northern Indiana sunlight wasn't strong enough or since I am in a wooded area, it was too dappled, or not enough hours worth of direct sunlight, idk. It needed the light from one of those super powerful spider led lights. Now I need to repot it and I’ll probably kill it, lol. At least I got to see the blooms once hahaha.
I know why i grow my orchids and other plants ... its a therapy for me... my grandmother grew things, so did my mother and now i grow too...
When I was very young, I helped my Dad in the veggie plot.
Interesting chat. I think orchid growing teaches you patience, a gain of knowledge and many times dealing with frustration. Enjoy your weekend.
Thanks.
I love all plants and trees. I take great pleasure in caring for them and seeing each plant/tree respond and grow hopefully into a thing of beauty. They bring me great joy! Bless you Roger for sharing your passion and knowledge. Xxx
Thanks.
Fun Chat Roger! I like that it’s something that I picked up trying to “save” a few Phals my Mom was neglecting which started the madness lol. I do perennials and vegetables and herbs outside and many houseplants including African Violets. I always paid attention when my great aunts aunts grandmother and mother would talk about plants so it started very young loving watching things grow. I would beg for a piece of garden I could plant in. I love the variety, the learning and getting better, the cumulative learning and perfecting my growing, the people I’ve met, the travel to shows and so much more!
I think it's all part of trying to 'connect' with nature - rebelling against the neon-technico world.
I’ve lived in many different climates in Australia. I’ve always had gardens that suit the area. However, now I’m retired I find gardening too painful for my damaged back. Suddenly I found orchid growing. My large collection is in a shade house with waist height shelves. I can grow healthy plants & have a constant supply of beautiful flowers. There is always more to study & learn. It gets us out of bed & out in the fresh air. Lots could be positives about this hobby!
Love this!
Exactly - something to 'get up' for.
Hi Roger . Happy Holidays! My reason for getting into orchids was to heal my heart after losing my first born son to cancer. Watching things grow and flower makes me smile. I don't have a lot of them, but it has been fun learning about them. Such an interesting hobby. Thank you for your knowledge. ❤
You're welcome.
Thanks!
Thank you.
My Danish grandmother introduced me to orchids, but I have always loved growing things. My Danish ancestors had a flower shop and my German uncle was a farmer. It is just in my blood.❤
I too have always been growing something.
I'm just getting into orchids and really appreciate your posts.
Thanks.
Bedankt
Thanks for this - appreciated.
I sometimes wonder why I grow bonsai, because at my age, I'll never see any of them develop into mature specimens. But I find joy in watching what they do year-to-year. That's enough for me. I hope you enjoy your Christmas lunch.
But you could pass them on to someone who can grow them after you. That way you will leave some sort of legacy 🙂
In a way, that's why I stick with the Bonsai I have - in the main, they are more mature trees. To buy trees at this size/age would be hundreds if not thousands of pounds.
Thanks for the chat and enjoy the weekend.
You're welcome - and thanks.
I had a vanilla orchid that started to turn black. I was about to chuck it and decided to try to save it. I cut off the black part, clipped some damp sphagnum moss to the end with an orchid clip and put it in a plastic bag. A few months later it not only had a new growth but roots,too. I love saving orchids!
Orchids have become much mor expensive over the last few years and certainly in the UK after Brexit, much harder to find. 'Saving' them is now far more important.
When I first started with orchids a bit over 3 years ago, I created an Excel spreadsheet for my orchids based on what you would mention from time to time in your videos. Main reason was so I could track what I was doing wrong and correlate with the kinds of orchids that did not do well in my environment. You are absolutely right on the never-ending learning curve, the drive to help them thrive and the beauty of the blooms and fragrances, when so blessed. I cap myself at 100 max (11 different genera) to keep the care level manageable and in the spreadsheet is the Death List, where I record each demise and examine/explain or speculate why oh why. Every now and again I will re-try a group that I've not had success with just to see....(I'm looking at you, Zygos!!!) maybe THIS time it will work...
I keep a record of all my current orchids in a spreadsheet (my 'notes') but when an orchid is lost/sold/given away, I delete the line. I do keep a folder of all the pics of the blooms of orchids I've had.
Interesting chat! Olivers greenhouse used to be my favourite channel and was where I heard of Rogers orchids 😁
Me too - I bought some orchids from him - he lived quite close to where I live.
I live on a farm in the Appalachian Mountains. Right now it is cold outside and we are getting occasional snow. The bare and junk ridden landscape after Hurricane Helene leaves everything a bit depressing however, thank God I have these beautiful orchids in bloom to help brighten my day!
This hobby can be as expensive as you want it to be or you can just keep things simple.
I follow several enthusiasts (sadly lost a few to COVID). Yourself, Ed’s Orchid, and Rick L. are some of my favorites.
I've followed Rick from his early days and I've met Ed at the Malvern Show. He was filming at the time so I ended up in his vid.
Very interesting chat! I started growing when my mom gifted me supermarket phal in 2010. Fast forward 8 years or so and my daughter saw the entire dining table covered in new orchids I purchased and she said, mom you've got a serious problem! I replied, I know, I'm gong to need help moving them...come look and see what I did with your brother's old bedroom!! If you could see her eyes roll!! I remember when I set out on this journey, I wanted to be able to have at least one orchid in bloom every single day of the year. Along with that ambitious goal comes all the challenges -- creativity to find room for just one more, curiosity, trial and error, education, meeting and socializing with new people online and at societies, and of course patience. To me...those are the hallmarks of a very well adapted human/orchid enthusiast 🙃😊. You are so fortunate! I have't been able to spark that interest for my daughter (who, by the way, can't keep a succulent alive 😂)...yet...but she has other hobbies that tick all those same boxes. So...a big thanks to YOU (and of course all the other orchid youtubers) for confirming we are not alone in this journey and of SOUND MIND 🥰
I've heard many stories that this orchid hobby has rescued many people from drugs/gambling/alcohol abuse/depression etc.
@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai 100% agree. It saved me
Hi Roger, I have around 160 orchids, and I grow all of them indoors except for a few cymbidiums and nobile hybrids that overwinter in a makeshift arrangement in my garage and then go outdoors in the summer. So I guess I'm not a true hobbyist in that I don't have a greenhouse. I have lost my fair share of orchids, but I wouldn't really call that out and out failure. I think the experience of trying out different kinds even when it doesn't lead to success is enjoyable in itself and fun in itself. Certainly a lot more mentally stimulating than rowing a kayak. Perhaps more comparable to playing chess, you win some and you lose some, but you keep learning and you stay entertained.
Fun chat, thanks. I used to keep the labels of the plants I'd lost but the pile became so big I threw them away. I have a collection of 150-160 plants and I'm certain I've lost more than that! We have our orchid society pot luck tomorrow as well, Cheers!
Ditto : quite depressing to look back and see photos of the plants we’ve lost. Ah well, onwards and upwards !
I keep a folder of the pics of all the orchids I no longer have (some were given away and some sold - not all 'lost').
I love growing orchids and very pleased with every single succes. I have horses and 3 dogs too.
And some outdoor plants .
Take care
Well stated, Roger.
I’d rather save a rescue than almost anything. Very satisfying.
Thanks.
Love this I really really enjoy. The question I get ask is “only blooms once a year?” 😂❤
Very interesting subject and equally interesting comments. Thank you for a personally thought provoking topic. As for myself, i suppose i grow orchids for the same reason artists paint; they aren't happy unless they are.
Some would say "I do because I can".
Intersesting thoughts, I grow cause I like the Flowers and it gives me something to as I am retired. It could be an expensive hobby but so are many others. I don't have to travel to do it, except for shows. Not too many regulations to be aware of.
I started many years ago initially in and around the house and then into the conservatory at my last place and then into where I am now. I agree - now I'm retired it gives me something to do most days - it's indoors and provides interest and beauty.
I am very new to plants period. I have many types of plants. Most of mine are the impossible to kill type. I thought orchids would be more of a challenge. In addition, everyone I know who has had orchids says they cannot grow orchids. That made me more determined. Of course, the people who said that bought "Just Add Ice" orchids and they diligently followed the directions!
Sell an orchid with instructions on how to kill it. People think it's their fault and go and buy another one. A brilliant business model for the fools that follow it.
Always been a plant person 😁 I look over my plants every morning when the lights go on and I see daily change however small. I also try to keep the channel personal, interactive with viewers, referring to other growers and do other stuff (stupid cat video had over 700 views !?) Orchids are in fact my most expensive hobby, more then climbing and music and kayaking 🤣put together
If I really did Bonsai, that would be silly-expensive. Even a cheap pot would cost more than an orchid - and for a decent mature tree hundreds if not thousands of pounds. I will have a surprise unboxing next week - an Xmas present 'to me' that was quite expensive.
@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai It's usually the case with things needed for a specific hobby. 😁 I wonder what that surprise could be
As a nation the “ hobby “ category generally seems to be on the wane - whether it’s orchids , budgies , tropical fish . Doesn’t seem to be the case elsewhere- continental Europe is thriving and there’s a big scene in Oz . I’d love to get my hands on some of those dendrobium native hybrids . You can actually buy them in sterile tubes in Bunnings ( Oz B&Q ) , think I’d get shot slipping one into my hand luggage next time I’m there .
I hear the customs in Oz are some of the strictest.
@ they are , it’s declaring at the UK that you need paperwork . Even though it’s in a sealed sterile flask . It’s only there on one of the Spiceotic webpages for some reason .
I’m very glad that you’re here Roger! I discovered your channel, after receiving quite a few (20)in rescue 🛟 🌱
When I was the youngster in the 1970s, my grandfather won many prizes in Florida at the time. I appreciate, as I am now almost 6 decades old, having someone like you to give me inspiration again.
Thank you for the detailed repotting information, it has been very helpful and detailed.
I am curious do you use garlic as pest control?
Should I put cinnamon on wounds / darker spots 🙏🏡🌱🌱
Thank you so much for your channel !🌲🌱🌱🏡
Cinnamon has an intense drying affect and should only be used on cuts/wounds and kept away from leaves and roots. I don't use garlic on orchids.
As a nation the “ hobby “ category generally seems to be on the wane - whether it’s orchids , budgies , tropical fish . Doesn’t seem to be the case elsewhere- continental Europe is thriving and there’s a big scene in Oz . I’d love to get my hands on some of those dendrobium native hybrids . You can actually buy them in sterile tubes in Bunnings ( Oz B&Q ) , think I’d get shot slipping one into my hand luggage next time I’m there .
I hear the customs in Oz are one of the strictest?