Hello from Ontario

[Paph_LdyMacBeth]

Hi everyone!
I'm writing from Southern Ontario (Canada)...just south of Toronto.
I've only been growing orchids for 2 years now. I've had paphs for only 9 months now, but I've fallen in love. Before growing orchids I developed an affinity for growing Amaryllis bulbs. I’ve even successfully grown my own bulbs from seed (which is crazy if you’ve never tried it). Growing both has worked GREAT for me. Our house faces north & south, so I’ve been using my tall Amaryllis plants to shade my orchids from the harsh southern exposure.
My orchid collection consists of the mandatory grocery store Phal's (I have hundreds that I have "rescued" from others after flowering). I have several Oncidiums…I’ve been trying my hand with some Tolumnia varieties…trying. I have a variety of Miltoniopsis that I love for displaying around the house. Finally, my guest bedroom has been dedicated to my paph collection (and the required Amaryllis for shade ).
Looking forward to getting to know everyone, and asking lots of questions. I have lots to learn!

Christine

...p.s my first paph I named Lady MacBeth...tho I have no idea what she is. Perhaps another post?

 

[SlipperFan]

Welcome, Christine.

If you have only been growing orchids for 2 years, and you have hundreds, you are truly addicted and have found a home here!

 

[Paph_LdyMacBeth]

Ok, so hundreds is certainly an exaggeration. My collection only consists of 46 plants overall.
*blushing*

 

[Greenpaph]

Welcome, Christine!

Hope you learn and teach!

Look forward to your photos!

 

[nikv]

Christine,

Welcome to SlipperTalk !!!!

Best Regards,
Nik

 

[smartie2000]

Welcome!

Ok, so hundreds is certainly an exaggeration. My collection only consists of 46 plants overall.
*blushing*

its too easy to suddenly aquire over a hunderd plants though!

 

[ohio-guy]

HI Christine, and welcome.

I have a couple dozen Amaryllis myself, but over the yrs fewer and fewer rebloome, as the bulbs seem to get smaller. Any hints on reblooming them, and growing them up big again? I have heard I need to fertilize more, but not sure what is best. Do you put them outdoors in the summer?

 

[vandaalex]

Hi Christine, welcome to the forum.
I have a dozen Amaryllis, Clown, Lemon-lime, Paris and Full house is in bloom. Had them for a couple of years now.

 

[NYEric]

Welcome from NYC. For the tolumnias, make sure they're in a fast draining media, wipe them down to remove scale, give them lots of sun.

 

[goldenrose]

...p.s my first paph I named Lady MacBeth...tho I have no idea what she is. Perhaps another post?

Oh yes! We like trying to ID flowers - post away!
Glad you joined, I'm sure you'll learn alot, it's a great group of members!

 

[Heather]

Welcome!!! So glad to have you here. We have quite a few members from around Toronto.

 

[Jimsox]

Welcome to the Forum..may all your questions be answered, and dreams come true too!!!!!

 

[Paph_LdyMacBeth]

HI Christine, and welcome.

I have a couple dozen Amaryllis myself, but over the yrs fewer and fewer rebloome, as the bulbs seem to get smaller. Any hints on reblooming them, and growing them up big again? I have heard I need to fertilize more, but not sure what is best. Do you put them outdoors in the summer?

I have found the key is LOTS of light. In the house I leave mine in full southern exposure right in the windowsill (i've been told not to, but it works well). You can move them outside in warmer climates, but I have never done so because I don't want bugs coming into my house.
They need good water, a long growing season over the summer, then in early August I move them to a slightly less sunny location until the leaves yellow, cut them off and move them to a dark corner & neglect them for 8 weeks (NO WATER!). I usually repot them ~8 weeks before you want them to bloom.
It also sounds like you should use a high phosphorous fertilizer to help with bulb growth during the growing season.

 

[JeanLux]

welcome from Luxembourg Christine!!! Jean

 

[biothanasis]

Welcome to the forum Christine!!! I would be nice to show us some photos of your plants...

 

[jblanford]

Welcome Christine... You'll enjoy it here....... Jim.

 

[Yoyo_Jo]

Hi Christine! Welcome to Slippertalk from Calgary.

 

[cnycharles]

I was hoping that you weren't using the name lady macbeth because you were killing all of your plants! welcome

 

[Ross]

Welcome, Christine!

 

[phrag guy]

Welcome Christine,from another Ontarian