Over the years, I've written the same comment...."my worst nightmare would be to own an orchid nursery".

Why? The customers plus the hard work. Of course, this comment doesn't apply to you John. The worst customers are the time wasters, they look, they talk, take up your time and then spend zero dollars. Never worked in an orchid nursery, but spent countless hours manning the sales table at orchid shows.

Anyway, the trend here with orchid nurseries is to cut down the nursery open hours and do the Norman's thing.

Thanks for your comments, Arthur. I can only imagine what it’s like to work for, or be, a mail-order orchid provider, starting with the challenge of simply staying in business. I did have to make an effort to be fair-minded about the paph spike that didn’t work out. When they offered me a $10 refund, it seemed so insufficient to cover my disappointment. But of course my disappointment isn’t their responsibility. Given the price of the plant, they actually offered me a 25% discount, even with the horrendous weather conditions. Quite fair, really. I used to think what fun it would be to work with orchids all day. But then I realized it wouldn't be like that. Would sure learn a lot though.

Normans has had a bad reputation for quite some time.

I never said they were bad. They are what they are. Some people don’t like them, others, possibly more moderately minded, use them for what they’re good for. I think they deserve a place in any serious hobbyist‘s roster of vendors.

Hi Jane. I dember you from the old days when you lived in NY. I was so surprised to hear of your earlier experiences in Florida. as one tends to consider it Orchid Mecca. The old adage must be true, that whenever your conditions change you have to learn how to grow all over again. Maybe it was you that I heard that from. I used to think that a greenhouse was the Mecca for me but they come with their own set of problems to. so

used to growing under lights now I guess I’ll stick with that. Maybe experiment with summer out doors. Do you buy any orchids anymore? Do you ever go to Redlands?

Hi John. I thought you might be someone from the past. Good to see you post again. I miss many who were regular posters.

Yes, moving to Florida has been a challenge...who would have thought!!

I have too many orchids now unfortunately to take care of properly so I refuse to buy anymore. I have been to Redlands a few times however its about 4 hours from where I live. I'm on the West Coast.

I actually felt I had more control over my environment in NY. The orchids spent the warm months outdoors and came in during winter. I had lights but only CFL's which frankly worked pretty well with the addition of large SW windows. I could control the humidity to a certain extent.

Florida is hot and humid. Fungal diseases run rampant (at least where I am.) Thrips are out of control! Sunlight is very strong and most orchids cannot handle full sun at all. When growing outside all year, it is impossible to try to control light and humidity. Spring and summer are the rainy months and the rains are intense.

So I'm moving many of my orchids to mounts and open baskets. I use stone with most of the Catts to increase drainage and air movement. Many grow under trees.

You are doing so well with your light setup. Enjoy your beautiful flowers!!

Jane

Thanks Jane. Your plan sounds very sensible. i hope it will make things easier for you. How many would you say you have now? You have that huge Angraecum sequipedale, yes? I’ve heard of thrips of course but don’t really know what they look like or how they behave.

That’s good, John! I hope they never visit your plants!

My Angraecum is blooming now, but I can’t upload photos from my phone. My daughter bought me a gadget which I’ll try tomorrow to see if I can post some photos.

How many orchids do I have now? I really don’t know. Too many!

Jane

Just purchased from Normans Orchids. Would not recommend them to any orchid hobbist. Their costumer service is terrible and they told me that it is okay for orchids to be rootless and to wait till warmer weather. They dont uphold their guarantee even with photos. I found that etsy sellers are more responsive, along with supporting a small business.