i've tried bonsai repeatedly - goes okay for a while and then the plant inevitably dies. it's a very precise thing...due to the manipulation of the roots, they need to be watered on schedule religiously. and for how much they cost (even the small ones) it's something to think about before investing. there are some really good sites out there - try googling and do some reading up on it.

i always thought orchids were hard to care for, so i never ventured. i took the plunge a few years ago - it'll be 5 years? maybe just 4, this christmas since i got my phalenopsis. fairly easy to care for - it hasn't bloomed since i got it though...i just recently changed it's location and i'm hoping it'll bloom at some point soon.

i recently ventured again and got a combo planter at bj's wholesale. a dendrobium with a bromeliad. i mist them twice a day and water weekly and so far so good.

orchids have come a long way over the years...these hybrids are a bit hardier than what was available a dozen years ago.

it's a pretty safe bet to purchase orchids these days - stores like walmart and target (where i got my phal) carry the types that are easily cared for.

i also got an orchid as a trade. tiny little thing - really pretty tho! one of the more tender varieties and i didn't mist it often enough and i lost it.

again, there are a lot of sites specifically for orchids...google and read up.

between the two, i'd recommend getting an orchid. unless you have the time to devote to bonsai (and someone who will follow instructions to a 't' if you go on vacation).

you want the "alpine orchids" they are the ones that are easier to care for. The sea level ones are suppose to be the harder ones to care for. I have two that I got from Nor that are still doing fine. And she is mailing me another one. i'm looking forward to getting it.

Bonsai are usually grown from trees that require 4 seasons so they really need to be kept outside. And they are very difficult to deal with. I find that I am much happier dealing with miniature plants for my indoor spaces. Or using vines and wire mess designs to create interesting plant shapes rather than the bonsai.

* * * *

Cool Rita,

That is great to know. I love the look of them and have been tempted many times. But after spending 50.00 on one and having it die within a week I don't think I would do another one. I do occassionally consider a garden in a bottle.

* * * *

I've bought from seedrack but I later found that it was easy to find seeds much cheaper elsewhere if I was willing to google.

I'll have to look up Lagustrium. I bet it is pretty. I'm really glad you have been successful with bonsai. It's nice to have someone to go to when I want to learn new things. Probably once I get the orchids blooming I'll be looking for a new challenge and bonsai would certainly qualify.

* * * *

Sure Tammy I also have books that I can look up certain things if you need some help

Wonder what happened to peokemon... She was very very helpful...

Angie good luck with the Orchid.. I hope it grows great for you!!

* * * *


Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album

Anytime angie!! You can even take sappling trees from outside and turn them into bonsai..

* * * *


Tonight I am having friends for dinner... Hanibal Lector My Album

Orchids are fun and the flowers last a LONG time. Try a small Oncidium or Dendrobium. With each let the potting mix dry out between waterings. Feed every other watering with half strength miracle grow or any 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 fertilzer. Patients is important with orchids but the reward is HUGE!

Here's one of my Paphs:



Tom

* * * *
My memory's not as sharp as it used to be. Also, my memory's not as sharp as it used to be.