Confessions Time - orchids on the compost pile.

[Gurj]

New year greetings to all the fellow members,

Hope you all had a good start and may prosperity come your way. Well, after a very dingy and gray christmas, we had a sparkling sunny new year's day morning and that gave me a great boost. Although, I decided to get rid of my orchids that were weak and stunted, the decision was not easy.

I had to add 2 phals, a dend and one oncid to the compost pile. There is a fungal invasion because of little or no air movement. I decided to make room for more healthier orchids and as soon as I can sustain myself better, I'd invest in orchid keeping. At the moment, its a drag. Not to forget, 80% of my orchids are a rescue pile, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have the experience from them.

Thanks and best regards,

Gurjeet

[cdayinflorida]

“Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful. If it's bad, it's experience.”

Love your attitude, Gurjeet. We have all had similar situations where we have turned our wounds into wisdom. Some just don't like to admit it like you did. Best of luck in the New Year.

[Gurj]

Absolutely Cathy, it wasn't easy but on the brighter side, I still have good healthier ones that I'd rather keep than looking across the ones that are weak and wouldn't flower in a millennium! One learns and moves on.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

All true! Good wishes and good growing. Here's to lots of healthy orchids and blooms in 2013!

cheers,
BD

[tucker85]

I know it's always a hard decision. Orchids are like people, some of them like living with me and some don't. Every time I decide to throw out a plant I make a point of noting those orchids which have done well for me year after year without any problems. Luckily, the longer you grow orchids, the larger that group of old reliable and rewarding plants becomes. In fact I occasionally make a list, either on paper or in my head, of the orchids that I would want to keep no matter what. Every time I give up on an orchid and throw it out I have another opportunity to replace it with a plant that may wind up on my favorites list. I wish you happy orchid growing in 2013.

[chrisa]

I feel your pain. Last month I decided to bury five orchids due to mealybugs and my inexperience to catch it early. In addition, two were cremated due to not knowing how to care for them adequitly. But my true joy comes from the one's that are willing to stick with me through my learning curve and not give up hope. After the mealy ordeal, I vowed to not put neighboring orchids in harms way so the sick get tossed if I do not catch it early.

To us, and those, who are willing to learn from our experiences!!

[phraggy]

Mealy bugs are no problem. Just fill a small spray gun with metholated spirits and literally drown the plant in it.Leave for about 10 minutes, remove the plant from the pot and give it a good wash in tepid water before repotting. I had this problem on a Paph. Sukhakhuli which the above treatment cured it and it went on to flower.

Ed

[leafmite]

I confess to tossing a few and giving away others I thought I would like and, well, just couldn't. It happens. Why keep something that doesn't thrill when you can get an orchid that does?
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[Ron-NY]

I agree with Ed...Here, mentholated spirits, is known as denatured alcohol. I use it in a spray bottle for treatment of scale, as well.

Mealy bugs are no problem. Just fill a small spray gun with metholated spirits and literally drown the plant in it.Leave for about 10 minutes, remove the plant from the pot and give it a good wash in tepid water before repotting. I had this problem on a Paph. Sukhakhuli which the above treatment cured it and it went on to flower.

Ed