u/Too_Little_2Late

Hello all. I have never had a "green thumb" and sadly every plant that came my way ended up not surviving. The most traumatic was the time my orchid snow white died. I gave up! But, after losing my two sons and the dozens upon dozens of flowers, plants, etc. I decided and was determined to keep as many alive as possible. I think I have done extremely well and I'm proud of myself. I've also found that working with my plants is AMAZING for my mental health. I have a few photos I'd like to share. Just to get opinions, education, things maybe you more experienced ones could point out I'm doing right or even doing wrong. These first sets of photos are my succulents. They live outside on my screened in patio. I am in west central Florida. My orchid you will se is named Barney for his beautiful purple flowers he graced me with which have since fallen off. One question I have is, with succulents they are more of a patio potted plant, correct? Or do they like being in the ground? I have propagated (by watching videos) many hibiscus that are now happily in the ground and beautiful. I have yellow,bright orange, coral and red. I also have an affinity to desert roses so I have 6 of those now planted in ground and they are thriving. I'm so proud of myself for keeping everyone relatively healthy and happy. My garden, patio and Florida room is now my happy places. It's where I feel the most peace and feel my boys with me.

So, please let me know what you think of my succulents so far. Are there things I should be doing at this point? Repotting, Actually putting them in ground? Anything? Also,if I decide to keep them in my enclosed patio my fiance said he will build me some shelves to display them. Oh! And lastly I have a beautiful cactus that is just now beginning to grow 3 new arms. I guess that's what they're called lol. Any tips advice is so greatly appreciated.

Hello!! I posted awhile back about my beautiful orchid Barney with his beautiful purple flowers. That was in May. As of 2 days ago his final flower dropped. Since this is the first time I have ever been able to keep one alive now I'm heartbroken. Is he dying? Do I need to cut him back where the spike is turning yellow? I really don't no what to do and I desperately need some advice! Please and thank you to all that answer. This first Pic was in May. The 2nd Pic is now. :'(

I got this beautiful orchid for Mother's day. I was a little terrified because I was given a white one about 2 years ago and killed it. I think I over watered it and didn't give it enough sunlight. I am determined to keep this new one (BARNEY) alive and healthy. I only water once about every 10 days onve it's completely dry and I keep him on my florida room and out of direct sunlight. My question is.... as you can see in the photo he originally came in the tiny white pot. I felt he needed more room so I went to Lowe's and talked with an orchid specialist. He gave me a bigger planter and had me get the moss and orchid potting mix in the photo. He said to wet the mix in a bowl then line the bottom of my planter with it. Then remove my orchid from original tiny planter and place into the mix. Then wet the moss, wring it out and place around Barney. So, that's what I've done. Based on the photo do you think I've done everything right? Or have I made a terrible mistake? I'm so scared because I really want to keep Barney healthy, happy and thriving. And ideas or tips? Thank you all in advance!