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My Orchids

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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I have been growing them for over 25 years and have over 200. Here are some that have bloomed in the last couple of months. I mainly grow in a grow room in our basement under lights.
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Rhd3

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Beautiful! I bet they bring you so much joy. I used to love going to local orchid shows to admire all of the lovely varieties. I find staring at them calming. They’re like living Rorschach tests! I have one on my dining room table (although not in bloom at the moment).
 

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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These photos are from the Fall. I also grow rare aroids and included a Queen Anthurium. I also grow carnivorous plants, lithops, and gesneriads if anyone is interested! I am a Horticulturalist and nothing makes me happier than growing.
 

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Karl_K

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wow awesome!!!!!
I used to love them(still do I guess) but now they set off my allergies so bad I can not be around them.
 

ilovegemstones

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wow awesome!!!!!
I used to love them(still do I guess) but now they set off my allergies so bad I can not be around them.

That is pretty rare because orchids don't have pollen that flies around like other plants - they have two large pollinia - 2 big balls that insects carry away. I wonder if it was something else? Ferns are really bad for allergies with their spores. I love them too!
 

Karl_K

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That is pretty rare because orchids don't have pollen that flies around like other plants - they have two large pollinia - 2 big balls that insects carry away. I wonder if it was something else? Ferns are really bad for allergies with their spores. I love them too!
Not sure I just know someone gave one to my wifey and as soon as I walked in the door I had a reaction so we had to move it outdoors and air out the house.
 

winnietucker

Ideal_Rock
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Oh never mind I get your comment now. Very beautiful! Do you have a fave supplier?
 

ilovegemstones

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Not sure I just know someone gave one to my wifey and as soon as I walked in the door I had a reaction so we had to move it outdoors and air out the house.

So curious!
 

winnietucker

Ideal_Rock
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Ok this is the most excited I think I’ve ever been for a PS thread.

How do you keep 200 orchids. I’d love to see your set up if you’re willing to share.
 

Ally T

Ideal_Rock
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These are AMAZINGLY beautiful! I am also an orchid grower, but am currently down to only 5 plants. One of them has been in flower constantly since February last year :appl:

On your montage of pictures, can you please tell me what type the small white flowers with purple tips is, second row down in the middle? It's just goegeous!
 

chrono

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I am a complete noob. Do you mind putting the name type for each? I think I recognize a paph, cymbidium, dancing lady?
 

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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Thanks everyone! There are quite a few Phalaenopsis in there as well as Paphiopedilum, Cattleya, Oncidium, Masdevallia, Miltonia, Brassavola and some jewel orchids in these photos. I have a couple 3 tier light stands in the basement with t5 ho or leds. I have an IG plant page but am not sure about safety? Do you post your IG pages here? What did you think about safety? @chrono ? @NKOTB ?
 

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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These are AMAZINGLY beautiful! I am also an orchid grower, but am currently down to only 5 plants. One of them has been in flower constantly since February last year :appl:

On your montage of pictures, can you please tell me what type the small white flowers with purple tips is, second row down in the middle? It's just goegeous!

Thank you! I believe you are talking about Phal. Tzu Chiang Sapphire!
 

kenny

Super_Ideal_Rock
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Wow!
I Love this!

I admire you for your passion ... and what a worthy object for passion!

As I look through these I'm inspired to acquire some to use as a muse for my photography, and then paint them in watercolor.
Orchids really are a special gift from nature.
 

ItsMainelyYou

Ideal_Rock
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:shock:They are amazing!:shock:
I have *one* scraggly houseplant in the only sliver of light this place sees!
I am in awe.
 

chrono

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@ilovegemstones I've been cautious as of late and have not posted pictures of gems in a long while. I had the mod remove some pictures as well. No, I would not share any instagram or anything that might link one frequented forum to another. But that's just me and my privacy concerns.
 

canuk-gal

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HI: I LOVE your grow-op!!!!:P2 You are talented!

cheers--Sharon
 

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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@ilovegemstones I've been cautious as of late and have not posted pictures of gems in a long while. I had the mod remove some pictures as well. No, I would not share any instagram or anything that might link one frequented forum to another. But that's just me and my privacy concerns.

Thank you @chrono I feel the same way.
 

Ally T

Ideal_Rock
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So beautiful! Any tips on how to get the plant to rebloom??

Patience! I always trim the stem down to just above the bottom node. Half the time it will re-grow off to the side & the other half of the time, they seem to reset & start another new flower shoot.

I am absolutely no expert, but I have kept orchids for donkeys years & this is what I find. Even the dormant ones that don't throw out a stem for years, will suddenly surprise me with one as long as I have kept the plant in good health.
 

lovedogs

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I adore orchids! They were DH's and my main wedding flower. The only thing I *truly* cared about for my wedding was that there be an arch-type thingy at the end of the aisle with hanging orchids. The rest was "meh, whatever is fine", but that was non-negotiable!
 

ilovegemstones

Ideal_Rock
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So beautiful! Any tips on how to get the plant to rebloom??
A 10 degree drop in temp at night triggers blooming. Do this for about 3 weeks. Maybe near a cooler window? For grocery story type Phalaenopsis you can cut the spike all the way off for a bigger display at the next flowering after the 3 weeks of cooler temp, or you can cut it above a node and it will make a smaller secondary spike sooner. Also ensure it is getting enough light and weak fertilizer.
 
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