My Orchids

[ilovegemstones]

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.

 

[Spring Azure]

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]

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.

 

[Karl_K]

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]

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]

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]

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

 

[ilovegemstones]

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

I am in Canada and I have a bunch I love from all over!

 

[ilovegemstones]

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!

 

[Rad_Fan]

How do you house 200+ of them?

You should make a photo calendar!

 

[winnietucker]

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]

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

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]

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

 

[ilovegemstones]

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]

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

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]

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.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

Beautiful orchards
But i did i read you grow lithops too ?

 

[ItsMainelyYou]

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

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Incredible. It has to be a gift to do that.

 

[chrono]

@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]

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

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

I am in Canada and I have a bunch I love from all over!

Fellow Canadian. What province?

 

[ilovegemstones]

@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.

 

[ilovegemstones]

Fellow Canadian. What province?

Ontario hello!

 

[ilovegemstones]

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

cheers--Sharon

Beautiful orchards
But i did i read you grow lithops too ?

I do! And conophytums too! I also love caudex plants.

 

[Snowdrop13]

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

 

[Ally T]

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]

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]

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.

 

[lovedogs]

Pardon the horrific quick "paint" edits to de-identify these pics, but wanted to show you my wedding orchid arch @ilovegemstones