What's the best thing about growing orchids?

[orchidaddict789]

There's been a thread on "what's the worst thing," so now, on the contrary, what's the best thing about growing orchids? What experience just made you feel like the happiest person? What do you love best about orchids?

I'd love to hear from all of you--I'm quite curious.
(hopefully this topic hasn't been discussed before, if so, then let me know)

[TundraKev]

That's kind of a difficult question to answer, but I'll give it a shot.

I like their slowness, they don't respond quickly like so many other plants where you can see big changes in a few days or a week or so. You always keep wondering if you "got it right". When they do respond, it's just the best feeling.

I like the research whenever I get a new plant or think about some new plant. I always end up learning so much more than just orchid culture or orchid stuff.

I like the people. Most are quite odd in a very good sort of way. Most are very intelligent and have a great sense of humor. Some are just WAY ODD, but still in a good sort of way.

They help me focus and unwind. I'm kind of a wired person all the time. I really have trouble sitting still. When I do the daily check on the plants, I really feel myself slow down because I'm always looking for the smallest signs of someting happening. I really have to stop thinking about everythng else and just look.

Those are a few reasons.

Kev

[Piper]

Who you callin' odd, Kev?

Julie

[TundraKev]

Did I say that?

No way

[MikeWA]

Hmmmmm, good thing?..............thinking....









still thinking.......


I'll get back to you.......

[Piper]

...too much pepper spray in his diet...

Julie

[Dana]

They help me focus and unwind. I'm kind of a wired person all the time. I really have trouble sitting still. When I do the daily check on the plants, I really feel myself slow down because I'm always looking for the smallest signs of someting happening. I really have to stop thinking about everythng else and just look.
Kev

It's the same for me. My family sometimes calls me a "stress chicken" but when I'm around my orchids I'm as calm as mother Mary.
I love everything about orchids, the roots, leaves, flowers and their stubbornness.
I have to confess that I secretly fantasize about beeing James Bond when I hold my spray bottle and squirt water around franticly

[shalene]

The main things for me are stress relief and a sense of accomplishment. The worries of the world disappear when I am working with them and I am a worrier. I love seeing the growth and blooms as concrete signs of acheivement and that everyday is different for them unlike my job where there is always another pile of paper to get through.
More crazy people like me is just a bonus.
Shalene

[Piper]

Good question, Lily!

I think it has to be 'the firsts'. The first orchid bloom is so exiciting you could wet yourself. (At the first rebloom you actually do.) The first new root (of the season or the month) is a thrill. The first, next new leaf is a huge triumph. The first paph bloom was a major epiphany. The first phrag bloom (currently happening) is equally mystical. There are so many firsts that are just as exciting, I feel like a baseball statistician!

It the thrill of firsts (and every next is a first in its own way!) Orchids represent a challenge on all fronts. To win on any of these fronts is a huge accomplishment, which I think we all recognize.

Julie

[Tanya]

My orchids, they keep me sane.