Hello people. I just want to have here a green start and to say hello and that I take plants seriously , not trying to be here a plant wishper but I always had much respect to every being on this world which helps me to continue enjoy life here, plants trees, whatever helps getting rid of the co2 that we all happily create. I am from Portugal but living in Holland, I always had my bunch of plants outside back there, which all that under the sun of the Algarve made it all too easy to grow. Now here it's a bit different, my old plants are not surviving so I must turn my attention to the inside of my house. So recently I acquired one calathea and one fern to start with, well, I always had the idea that they just need water so you can imagine what happened in one week inside the dry air house heated by radiators in the middle of the cold winter... the fern was to forget with leaves starting to dry from the tips, no recover, the calathea started with leaves down so I started to do some real research. Of course I was missing humity, so I started to mist the calathea twice a day, great recover, she was never so happy. So i got some more plants and some more skill on the matter. I am only still a bit afraid of ferns. I have one blue start fern and I am not sure if I should mist the leaves as I have been doing or I should only get a tray of pebbles under it, but I am not sure if there is any kind of specific stone for the matter, any input on this would be appreciated, I get the feeling that the fern is not developing as good as the rest of the other plants. I am just starting, my tendence is to give a bit too much water because i give them too much attention but I am working on it rain water only on them, I even start with orchids for a bit more colourful flower and challenge at the same time. So I hope I will be able to help other members here who share this nice hobbie and to learn as well.
Thanks and keep it green.

@GreenPlant! We're happy you're here and that you're enjoying your plants. Yes, cold Holland is very different from where you were in Portugal!
Humidity is very important, as you've seen. I like the pebble trays filled with water. I do mist, but I'm not sure how much good it really does. I like to fuss with my plants, so misting keeps me happy!
Have fun with the orchids. I am just starting to try them too. I do love their blooms!

@GreenPlant Welcome Edgar; some who also tend houseplants will give you some clues to be sure. Enjoy the forums and finding your way around.

Thank you all. The forum looks huge. Will take me some time to explore this place properly. I have many doubts and questions still, understanding the logic and reason it's important for me, as it is to share knowledge, so time to make some time.

Karen