Thanks Altair. Some things individuals can do: 1. There is an introductory conservation article that links to these stories that can be submitted to be used in orchid society newsletters. http://www.orchidconservationcoalition.org/pdf/articles/OCCHabitatloss1.pdf This brings awareness of orchid conservation to society members that do not use the internet. 2. Individuals can ask their orchid societies to consider participating in 1% for Orchid Conservation and budgeting 1% of their income to in situ orchid conservation of their choice. If every orchid society did this it would make a big impact on orchid habitat conservation. The donation amounts would not have to be big as it would be a cumulative effect. The OCC does not accept donations. The OCC is a coalition in every since of the word. Mark Sullivan

There was a tag, Jane - it declares the plant to be Oncidium "hybrida", and "dancing lady orchid"...which I assumed to be a hybrid of unknown origin, though if you want to give your name, address, and home phone number to the Lowes site, it says you can look there for more information (since I don't care to be on thier calling list, I'll pass on that). If I'm wrong, and O. hybrida is the actual cultivar name, then that's what it is. It won't be going outside - my houseplants do not summer outdoors, simply because every single one who has spent the summer outside has been a pain in the butt to "debug" come fall if they make it through the long, hot summer with the little water I remember to give them when they're out there, out of site most of the time. I've lost some of my favorite plants that way, and I'd rather they stay healthy and safe inside, where I am less apt to forget important things like watering, etc. And there's the added bonus that if they stay inside, they don't lose thier spot in the house by fall - I don't do well with a house devoid of plants all summer, and tend to buy more to fill the "empty spots" if things migrate outside. ;-) Today it's raining, with up to 18 inches of snow predicted by tomorrow evening (100% chance of snow period). So where the orchid is at, right up against the window, it will be quite cool for the next week or so up towards the leaves (the roots will stay slightly warmer due to the aquarium), and warmer when things warm up again. So the temp will fluctuate there...and next winter, it will be cooler in the window again. I think for the time being though, it will stay put, and I'll see how it does. I've only had it 5 days now...not much time to adjust to it's new surroundings. I just switched computers last weekend, and haven't gotten the drivers re-installed for my web cam yet. But as soon as I get that done, I'll post a picture of this Oncidium, and you can all have a gander at my $2.00 find in it's new home. :-)

Hi I personally have had the best luck with Vandas,Epicats ,epidendrums though I also grow Catts and phals with much less vigor though. The main problem over the years has been storms , extreme cold. squirrels At one time had around 50 attached to an orange but was cut down by the state during the citrus scab scare lol Most of those went back to pots into the shadehouse though I'm now using a carambola and a cassia roxburghii as well as a couple of queen palms I put them on the tree in the natural growing position some times with a pad of sphagnum trying to locate them in groups with similar needs so I can provide temporay shelter as dictated by the weather as well as light requirements.. Be sure they are secured to the tree well as movement will damage developing roots the really tough part is finding a location that is stable ,provides the necessary amount of light as often you get good growth But poor flowering The specie of tree doesn't seem to matter but rough barked types allow MUCH stroger attachment in a shorter period. It's an adventure for sure lol Good luck gary

Clara, If you're looking for Cycnoches, check out Pine Ridge Orchids. Mark15 - he of the 800 Ctsm & Cycs - said they got a lot of JEM's plants when they closed. Their stock is a bit limited right now, but I've ordered Phals twice from Terry, and both times were good experiences. Wanna die from drooling? Check out Fred Clarke's black Ctsm that he has only in flasks now. If you have any old kind of e-mail address, I can send you his recent message about these. In the meantime, scroll down on this page and then look at the next page: http://www.sunsetvalleyorchids.com/htm/photo.php?sec=3&toptext=Catasetinae&page=8 Enjoy, Whitecat8 Here is a link that might be useful: Pine Ridge Orchids