Eroyee,

Before you spend a cent (or whatever the smallest Aussie denomination)
decide what you want to do. There are 30,000 different orchids to chose
from.

Orchids can be found all over the world and grow in many different climates.

You don't go out and buy a bulb or seed or anything like you would if you
were growing tomatoes. For a beginner you would select a blooming plant of
something you find attractive. Go to you local flower shop/nursery or
whatever you have around your area. Ask them for a recommendation and tell
them your growing conditions.

Take the new plant home and enjoy the flowers. See what kind of success you
have with your first orchid. Read about it. Learn about it. After you
feel comfortable with your first plant decide if you want a second of the
same type or whether you want a different challenge.

Look closely at the Phalaenopsis. That is usually the first beginner's
plant.

Good Growing,
Gene




"Eroyee" eroyeeattelstra.com wrote in message
...
.. I, for some reason, have become over the past few months (but
especially
over the past few DAYS) pathetically infatuated with orchids. Don't know
why, don't know where it came from..
I'm just like that, I guess. Once the thought of learning to play guitar
came to my mind.. That very day I went to the store and bought one.
Once the thought of wanting to learn photography came to mind, so I went
to
the store, and it was a Sunday, so it was closed.. I drove around the city
all day looking for a store where they sold photography equipment which
was
open, and when I found it, I bought one.

I'm assuming it'll be the same with this..
And after reading some posts here, it sounds like my initial thought was
correct.. It can be a very rewarding hobby.

I just don't know much about these plants, so am going to go down to the
store and buy a book about them. I've been around websites and have seen
different pictures (have liked some more than others)..

Naturally a website will give you some very general (and whilst sometimes
precise) information, it will never be as useful as a person who has had
experience with orchids passing down information to me..

So if anyone is here and has got some time. .Could you please be able to
help me out? I will be so very grateful..

Here's some information of what I want and where I live:
If possible I will be growing this plant indoors.. (Of course if I had to
I
would plant it outside, but it will not be preferred).. I live in
Melbourne,
Australia. The weather here is moderate, although very windy. It rains
sometimes, but not heavy storm rain.. Just very mild drizzles..
The temperature varies.. It NEVER goes below freezing.. Even in the middle
of winter, it might be (at night time).. Close to 50F degrees, during the
day around 64-68. During the summer it does get hot.. Possibly close to
100-110 degrees..
Always dry though.. There's hardly ever humidity.

So.. Is there anything that I need to know before I go out and buy some
bulbs and plant them on a pot?
ie. What should I be paying special attention to? Are there some flowers
more delicate than others? Are there some which will live in ANY
environment?

If even I didn't ask it here.. Any little bit of information that might be
useful to me..... I will very much appreciate it..


Also.. When do these plants get planted?
It's winter here (will be spring in a month)....
I'm assuming I can't just plunk them down in any season, right?

Well that's it for now..
I'm just really kind of excited about finally doing this..

And am sure that without help from people here it will be seemingly
impossible to do this..

Thanks to all..