Summer orchid distraction

[Bullshot]

I have an AZ bow tag on my nightstand. But I have barely thought about hunting in a month or two.

My ADD has taken over, and summer 2026 has found me obsessed with growing several dozen species of orchids. I am partly a field botanist at my job and have always loved plants, gardening, and planting outside, though houseplants have not previously consumed my time.

Until now.

I am hooked - though growing orchids in the northeast is NOT the easiest thing. I am getting far fewer hours of sleep. Spending way too much on plants and supplies. Cramming way too many pots into far too small of an area. Using up my wife's patience.

I'm up for the challenge though and recommend it to anyone with a green thumb who's looking for something new and interesting to do. Just be prepared to go down a very deep rabbit hole...

Happy summer everyone.

 

[hank4elk]

I miss my orchids, but NM would be death. I grew them on the Central CA coast.
Have found some odd native types.

 

[mevertsen]

My wife grows orchids. Not sure how many she has. Neat plants.

 

[Bullshot]

I miss my orchids, but NM would be death. I grew them on the Central CA coast.
Have found some odd native types.

Yes your humidity would be very tough on most. I am struggling with 40% indoor air and trying to keep my air conditioner off as much as possible to my wife's discontent.

Give Eulophia petersii or Oeceoclades spathulifera a try. They are terrestrial and adapted to dry soils and low humidity.