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Possibly in need of temporary/semi permanent home for plants

Discussion in 'Growing Areas' started by J E, Mar 17, 2023.

  1. Mar 17, 2023 #1
    J E

    J E Jaime Escobedo

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    [interjecting here with the fact I'm based in north metro Atlanta] Hello all, I will potentially be taking on a new job soon that would involve basically full time traveling. [EDIT 2: I will also be moving about an hour away since housing is provided] I'm excited but the burden of leaving my plant children is incredibly stressful for me. I've always been a botany fanatic and the thought of giving up my prized collection I've put so much into kills me, but unfortunately it's an anchor and I need to get it through my thick head that I can't let it hold me back, especially when the opportunity of a lifetime presents itself. Assuming I can't accommodate space and/or find someone worthy of their care in my absence at my new location I'll need a backup. I need advice/recommendations on maybe a greenhouse or botanical garden/conservatory that would allow a private collection? Or, anyone in the metro Atlanta area with enough experience to take on the responsibility? I don't want to entirely, permanently give them away for the foreseeable future. My situation may change and I'll be able to take responsibility back, or say I get an additional internship at a facility that would accommodate them and they would still be mine, just cared for by someone else. If none of this is possible I'll have to sell/give them away. I'll probably also take what low maintenance stuff i can't and find someone to care for my picky highlanders.
    I grow mostly miniature orchids and aroids, but i have a decently sized (i honestly can't estimate well, 200+ plants but probably much more) very broad ranging collection of epiphytes, carnivores and all sorts of interesting plants. TIA for any help.
     
  2. Mar 17, 2023 #2
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Oak Island NC
    Having been in that situation myself (I averaged 13 flights a week around North America for 3-1/2 years), I’ll offer the following:

    The watering of mounted plants can be automated easily using misters and a sprinkler timer.

    Consider repotting some into semi-hydroponics. I invented the technique precisely because of my travel. They, too, can be set up for automated watering, as the use of an inert medium and the pot design cannot be overwatered. Most non-orchids will take to it with little stress and most orchid will, as well, if you can time the transition appropriately. Check out the info on that HERE.

    Be prepared to lose some…
     
    J E likes this.
  3. Mar 18, 2023 #3
    J E

    J E Jaime Escobedo

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    Thank you, I had thought about fully automating everything but I'm not sure if I can afford that currently. I'll look into it more, thanks again.
     
  4. Mar 18, 2023 #4
    Alex Shepack

    Alex Shepack Active Member

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    Hi Jaime,

    There are a couple really good growers in your area that might be able to help? I don't think they're on here, but George Gunther, Kevin Holcomb, and Warren Prescott are all in that area and have quite a bit of experience with miniatures.
    I could probably take some on too, but I'm quite far away (Colorado), so that's probably less than ideal.

    Cheers!
    Alex
     
    J E likes this.
  5. Mar 23, 2023 #5
    ryan248

    ryan248 Active Member

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    Have you reached out to your nearest local orchid society? I'm not sure where you live, but it could be a start.
     
  6. Jun 3, 2023 #6
    J E

    J E Jaime Escobedo

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    Thank you all for the advice! I ended up figuring out setups and kept most of my plants and left some with friends for the duration of my work/study.
     
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