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»  » Help!!! any orchid experts on PS?....
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| Pages: 1 of 2: [1] 2 > |
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Help!!! any orchid experts on PS?.... |
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| P: 2/27/2006 2:01:52 AM | |
Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
i kill 4-5 pots of orchids every year.  the leaves would turn yellow one by one,until the last one falls off. i water about once a week, too much water? 
it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 2:01:52 AM | |
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There are 52 replies to this message. There are 30 replies on this page. |
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| P: 2/27/2006 2:18:41 AM | |
movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
i'm not an expert but i don't kill them.... i have several mini's and i've had them for a year now. three are currently blooming once again so i must be doing something right. what are they potted in? what type of pots? what kind of light exposure? are you fertilizing? are you using tap water that might have gone through a water softening system and/or been treated in a city treament center? some orchids are more demanding than others. if you know what kind they are you can find lots of info on the internet. i don't give mine a lot of attention but i am consistent. i have a friend that has over 100 orchids. if you can give some more info, i'll try and be of help. movie zombie ps. the attached flower is only 1-1.5 inches in size!  "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 2:18:41 AM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 2:22:00 AM | |
Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
I may be a gardener but I'm no fan of growing orchids... I buy them at the farmers market for $10 and then throw them away when they are done blooming. I tried for YEARS to get them to rebloom. I could never do it. I can grow tons of things in the dirt outside but inside? Not so much. I have friends who have black thumbs outside and yet they have reblooming orchids no problem. Some of them BARELY even water or care for the plants and they still rebloom. Go figure! I had a friend who just left hers in standing water in the pots all the time, and somehow got them to rebloom that way...no fertilizer or anything! Hmm. Alot of it is placement in terms of light and warmth...aka orchids like to be in humidity typically, and warmth and get diffused light, not bright sunlight or anything like that. If I had an outdoor greenhouse I would put them all in there and experiment with things to see what works best for rebloom. But seriously I just don't have the patience nor do we have the room for me to keep them around. Also even if you do get a rebloom, it's only once or twice a year. I can't deal. I buy $60 worth of orchids every 3 months (that's how long the blooms last for me typically), put them around the house for decor, and that's it. It is more cost effective in terms of the time I spend and I don't have to buy alot of other cut flowers for the house either! So sorry I can't offer any tips other than watering once a week is probably not too much as they like to be moist, you may want to check your light exposure depending on what type of orchid you have (look online for tips specific to your orchid type) and you should probably also buy orchid fertilizer for your orchid type as well (you can get this at Orchard or any hardware store or a flower nursery). Good luck! ETA: MZ does your friend want my old orchids?!? heheee. I just threw out 5 more today! Greg said I was a plant killer. 
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 2:22:00 AM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 2:41:01 AM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
i got the orchids so i'd have something in bloom during winter. i don't use a special orchid fertilizer but i do have a mixture i give them.....all my indoor plants get the same mixture! i also don't do the humity tray thing. i've always said that any plant i have...indoor or out....has got to be survivor and be able to do it on its own. i don't want to have to baby any plant. i don't mind giving good care but i don't have the tiime or inclination for growing a tempermental plant. i also got several amaryllis to get me through the winter with some color indoors. i buy my orchids at trader joe's and/or at san lorenzo garden center AFTER they have bloomed and they've been discounted in price. i haven't lost a one....yet. in fact, i even got a start off of one. and i hate to admit this but i don't know the names of some of them.....they didn't come with tags. i tried to identify them online and with a book my orchid loving friend gave me. i also only buy those that have interesting folliage because if they don't bloom i at least want to like the looks of the plant. i went with mini's because i don't want them taking up much space. movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 2:41:01 AM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 12:46:58 PM | |
FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
I'm not an expert, but they're ironically the ONLY plant I can't kill. I know it's odd, because they're finicky, but it's true. I've had a lot of luck getting the phaelenopsis (sp?) variety to rebloom, and regrow the flower shoot. But the variety with the thinner leaves...I can't get those suckers to rebloom. The orchid person at my farmer's market says those types need a little more attention. I too water once a week, and give some generic orchid food when blooming. The trick for me was finding a window they like - just enough sun, but not baking them. I saw somewhere (think it was Martha Stewart) that they like humidity but don't like to be in standing water. My plants are in pots that drain, but within a bigger pot that has rocks and water in the bottom. So the roots aren't contacting water except for waterings, but there is some local humidity around the plant. My best friend soaks her plant though - literally has it in standing water - the antithesis of what you're supposed to do, and hers looks beautiful. (I wouldn't recommend it though - when I was overwatering, my plants would go yellow and die.)
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 12:46:58 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 3:00:05 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Here's the variety I can get to rebloom w/o a problem
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 3:00:05 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 3:00:46 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Love this, can't get it to rebloom...
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 3:00:46 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 3:11:14 PM | |
glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,370 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
The most likely problem is overwatering. It depends on the kind of orchid, of course, but most of them need to dry out between watering or their roots rot. They need air to reach their roots, so never plant them in dirt, just moss or bark or an orchid mixture. They also like plenty of humidity and air circulation. And the right amount of light, which depends on what kind of orchid it is. If you post a picture of the orchid in question, we'll be able to help you more.
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 3:11:14 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 3:13:33 PM | |
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glitterata Ideal Rock Total Posts: 3,370 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/17/2002 |
Fire Goddess, try giving the kind that doesn't rebloom for you (looks like some sort of oncidium) more light. Your phalaenopsis (the kind you rebloom easily) looks very happy!
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 3:13:33 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 4:28:17 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Date: 2/27/2006 3:13:33 PM Author: glitterata Fire Goddess, try giving the kind that doesn't rebloom for you (looks like some sort of oncidium) more light. I will definitely try! It'd be great if I could get them to rebloom.
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 4:28:17 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 6:09:14 PM | |
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Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
Date: 2/27/2006 2:18:41 AM MZAuthor: movie zombie i'm not an expert but i don't kill them.... i have several mini's and i've had them for a year now. three are currently blooming once again so i must be doing something right. what are they potted in? what type of pots? what kind of light exposure? are you fertilizing? are you using tap water that might have gone through a water softening system and/or been treated in a city treament center? some orchids are more demanding than others. if you know what kind they are you can find lots of info on the internet. i don't give mine a lot of attention but i am consistent. i have a friend that has over 100 orchids. if you can give some more info, i'll try and be of help. movie zombie ps. the attached flower is only 1-1.5 inches in size! they're in the pots that came with the plants.some are clay? some are plastic. water once a week they get morning sun. no water softening system. i fertilize them once a month it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 6:09:14 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 6:14:51 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
DF, do your pots drain into something? One thing that might be happening is that the roots are getting drenched even though you water once a week, and the roots could be rotting. My pots have drainage holes and I notice that most of the water goes right through and out into the draining dish. If your pots aren't draining, that water is staying in the roots.
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 6:14:51 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 6:37:35 PM | |
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Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
Date: 2/27/2006 6:14:51 PM glitterataAuthor: FireGoddess DF, do your pots drain into something? One thing that might be happening is that the roots are getting drenched even though you water once a week, and the roots could be rotting. My pots have drainage holes and I notice that most of the water goes right through and out into the draining dish. If your pots aren't draining, that water is staying in the roots. mine looks the same as FG's. they just die,never rebloom.  FG all the pots has holes in the bottom. it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 6:37:35 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 6:37:50 PM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
Date: 2/27/2006 6:09:14 PM Author: Dancing Fire MZ they're in the pots that came with the plants.some are clay? some are plastic. water once a week they get morning sun. no water softening system. i fertilize them once a month DF, mine also are in what they came in. the clay pot, though, should have 'slots' in the side to allow for more air to filter in through the mix. ditto the plastic. most orchids are not in soil at all but grow on the bark of trees and subsist on rainfall. being in a pot that is not open to air ciruclation is a problem. when you water, do you 'soak'? i let my plants sit in the water anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. this time of year with the woodburning stove going, i let them soak for the hour as the air in the house is drier. in the summer i will soak them for only about 15 minutes or so but i might water twice a week. morning sun is good but it can still be too strong for some types of orchids, especially if its hours of direct sun. better is strong light. good re the water! however, does your water come from a city system? that could have unwanted chemicals. my friend suggests using distilled water......i have well water that is strong in iron content but they do fine. re fertilizer: i keep a one gallon jug with a few drops of Superthrive and two caps of Eleanor's VF11 in it. this is what i water my orchids [and all my indoor plants] with and what they soak in. i've also started misting the orchids because of the dry air in the house due to the woodstove. i use just the well water for that. during the summer i have to protect my orchids from morning sun because it is too direct and 'burns' them. i've also placed my orchids in their original pots inside more decorative pots....larger so the air still circulates around the original pot. i've put fine pea gravel in the bottom and that acts as humity tray when i put the orchid back in after soaking. in the fall i find that my orchids seem to take a rest and i only water about once every 2 weeks, as long as it isn't really hot. but that seems to only be a 2-4 week period of time. i have one that hasn't rebloomed but has had the buds on it for 9 months now....my friend says it probably needs repotting. it looks healthy and has new growth as well but won't bloom. he says this particular orchid is extremely easy to grow but doesn't like to be root bound. i believe it is a dendrobium of one kind or another. there's lots of online info re orchid care. i poked around when i first got mine and just sort of winged it. with a bit of advice from my friend i actually got a start off that dendrobium that won't bloom....yet. i've got the mix to repot it. hope some of this help. movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 6:37:50 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 6:45:35 PM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
DF, one hole in the bottom isn't enough to allow air to circulate, that hole only allows water to drain. i know that some people have luck with that type of pot but my friend strong recommends against it and i like the pots with slits in the sides as i can also see how dry the planting medium is so i know that it really does need watering. this is not the pot i use but it shows the slots: http://www.claytroutpottery.com/orchid.shtml movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 6:45:35 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 7:12:11 PM | |
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Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
i'd also recommend to not give them morning sun but rather place them right outside of the sun path in 'bright indirect light'....my flowers last way longer out of sun and in the past when i have grown them, i've had them thrive with LEAVES (no flowers) out of sun.
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 7:12:11 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 9:33:49 PM | |
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Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
Date: 2/27/2006 6:45:35 PM MZAuthor: movie zombie DF, one hole in the bottom isn't enough to allow air to circulate, that hole only allows water to drain. i know that some people have luck with that type of pot but my friend strong recommends against it and i like the pots with slits in the sides as i can also see how dry the planting medium is so i know that it really does need watering. this is not the pot i use but it shows the slots: http://www.claytroutpottery.com/orchid.shtml movie zombie  $28 bucks for a pot? maybe Home Depot sells this type of pot for less $$'s.
it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 2/27/2006 9:33:49 PM | |
| P: 2/27/2006 9:50:42 PM | |
kittykat Cut Rock Total Posts: 179 Last Post: 12/16/2006 Member Since: 2/18/2005 |
DF, Once a week is too much. They need to be watered every 15 days with orchid food. If they are outside, and it rains, they don't need food or to be watered (obviously). They require less watering and food in the winter. Depending on what type of orchid and what season, there is a pink powder for on season and a blue for another. Hope this helps.
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| Posted: 2/27/2006 9:50:42 PM | |
| P: 2/28/2006 12:49:20 AM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
DF.....lol re $28 pot! i'm too cheap to pay that.....i bought a plastic round and cut slits into the sides for one of mine. works. plant is thriving. also, i have my orchids in my kitchen garden window...you know, one of those windows that extends beyond the wall and has several shelves. in the summer when the sun is too much to bear on them i place a fibrous green tissue on the above shelf to provide a sun barrier that still allows the light. do some online research and you'll find lots of info. movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/28/2006 12:49:20 AM | |
| P: 2/28/2006 1:14:01 AM | |
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Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
Date: 2/27/2006 2:22:00 AM Author: Mara ETA: MZ does your friend want my old orchids?!? heheee. I just threw out 5 more today! Greg said I was a plant killer. oh no Mara!!! we have something in common.
it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 2/28/2006 1:14:01 AM | |
| P: 2/28/2006 2:09:30 PM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
Date: 2/28/2006 1:14:01 AM Author: Dancing Fire Date: 2/27/2006 2:22:00 AM Author: Mara ETA: MZ does your friend want my old orchids?!? heheee. I just threw out 5 more today! Greg said I was a plant killer. oh no Mara!!! we have something in common. my orchid loving friend would be APPALLED that either of you don't take better care of your orchids....he thinks i'm not serious enough about it but admits that i must be doing something right because they're still among the living and they've bloomed again! movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 2/28/2006 2:09:30 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 4:57:17 AM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
so, i have another orchid i mass profusion of bloom! must be doing something right as another is sending up a flower spike! however, i think i get away with the once a week watering because of their location in the house and that they are MINI'S and dry out sooner. movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 3/10/2006 4:57:17 AM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 12:26:06 PM | |
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Dancing Fire Ideal Rock Total Posts: 10,227 Last Post: 11/24/2009 Member Since: 4/3/2004 |
MZ i'm going to Home Depot and see if i can find some pots with holds on the side. it is always harder to find a "mind clean" stone than a eye clean stone. |
| Posted: 3/10/2006 12:26:06 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 1:24:49 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Help! I don't want to kill this! Actually, I know I won't kill it, but I want to keep it very happy! I just got this as a gift and I love it, and love love LOVE the decorative pot. What type of orchids are the big purple ones with the huge stalks? Are they different in terms of care than the phalaenopsis in the middle?
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| Posted: 3/10/2006 1:24:49 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 2:01:22 PM | |
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Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
yep those are different in terms of care, but i dont know what they are called... phal seems like the easiest for me to keep alive, but it just keeps growing leaves and more leaves. i seriously don't have the patience sorry to say...hahhaa. esp when they are $10 for new ones at the farmers market! ________________________________ |
| Posted: 3/10/2006 2:01:22 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 2:05:34 PM | |
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Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
here's a shot of our entryway with my 4 orchids in a basket with spanish moss covering up the roots etc....this will continue to flower and last for another 1.5 months most likely!! over to the right from the entry i have a small table by the windows that have 3 more orchids in pots and upstairs in the dining room 2 more in glass pots with green moss all down the sides (so you just see the green moss in the glass and then the orchid coming out). i'm an orchid whore.  ________________________________ |
| Posted: 3/10/2006 2:05:34 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 2:17:22 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Love that iron thingy on the wall above the orchids. 
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| Posted: 3/10/2006 2:17:22 PM | |
| P: 3/10/2006 2:19:00 PM | |
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FireGoddess Ideal Rock Total Posts: 12,145 Last Post: 3/23/2009 Member Since: 1/25/2005 |
Someone said this purple one might be a variety of cattleya? I can't find any info online. Weird funky flower.  Slightly better picture.
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| Posted: 3/10/2006 2:19:00 PM | |
| P: 3/11/2006 9:37:17 PM | |
So.Cal Girl Cut Rock Total Posts: 123 Last Post: 5/11/2006 Member Since: 5/24/2005 |
I also love your iron piece. Where did you find it, if you don't mind me asking. I also live in CA and that type of piece is very common out here, we just cant seem to find the right one
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| Posted: 3/11/2006 9:37:17 PM | |
| P: 3/12/2006 1:00:06 AM | |
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Mara Ideal Rock Total Posts: 27,936 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 10/30/2002 |
thanks guys, i love that piece!! i got it on ebay, but it's actually from www.ballarddesigns.com ... they have various iron wall decor items. i LOVE their wall decor, about 1/3 of what we have on the walls in various areas of the house is from them. they also do great sets of pictures, aka i bought their shell set of 4 for the downstairs bathroom and they are wonderful...unique and fits so well with the color theme in there...and reasonable cost since they come as a set already framed, you just hang! also ebay has tons of ballard things depending on when you look...i saved about $40 by buying that piece on ebay. ________________________________ |
| Posted: 3/12/2006 1:00:06 AM | |
| P: 3/13/2006 1:52:15 AM | |
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movie zombie Ideal Rock Total Posts: 5,222 Last Post: 11/25/2009 Member Since: 1/20/2005 |
purple looks like a catt to me and looks like its in the WRONG kind of pot. i don't care if it came in it or not. too much chance of water collecting in the bottom and orchids do not tolerate soggy rooting material or roots. not enough air circulation despite looking nice! movie zombie "I don't feel enjoyment watching films that evoke passivity. If you need that kind of comfort, I don't understand why you wouldn't go to a spa." Chan-wook Park |
| Posted: 3/13/2006 1:52:15 AM | |
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