| Author | Content |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:02 PM Post #5689105
| ...but I really don’t know which way!
Dear friends, I wrote a story for you. If you think the text is too long, just look at the pictures. I hope you'll like them (well, at least the first batch of them, where my orchids... but you just wait and see, don't want to spoil it from the beginning!) and come with some suggestions on what to do!
BACKGROUND
Once upon a time there was a teen Romanian girl that didn’t like orchids. And before you throw with stones, please have the patience to read further…
Just like some of us that wouldn’t eat frogs’ legs just because it’s not traditional, she never really saw those flowers growing, and never (at that time) realized how diverse they can be. All she’d seen was one spike that her mom (a teacher) received from her class, upon graduation from high school. And when she saw that (cut) flower, all she could think of was: “this flower looks waxy and life-less! I don’t like orchids! And they all look the same!” And, to be fair, in those times, all you could see was the same kind of orchid, and even the same color! They were supposed to be fancy and expensive, a rare gift to give or to receive.
She basically doubled her age, and married, and left home for a good and thorough education abroad, in US. It just happened that, for the next 6 or so years of her life, she was bound to live in the “sticky moisture” that Miami greets its visitors with…
She tried, sometimes painfully, to bring some of the four seasons that she left behind. Just strolling in any superstore, or in the Home Depot plant section, or even on Lincoln Road on Sundays, she would meet many orchids, colorful and alive, trying to “jump in her eyes” and catch her attention… but she would quickly turn her head and think of “how she should just keep the tulip bulbs in the fridge one more month and maybe they will flower” or whatever…
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:05 PM Post #5689117
| THE BEGINNING
It was until last August (2007) that she successfully managed to ignore them. A darn long time, one might say! She went to Home Depot to buy a bigger pot for her hibiscus and some more potting soil, and she was lurking around in the plant section, waiting for her husband to come back from the tool section.
When, suddenly, a heavenly unidentified but somehow cinnamon-y scent caught her nose! She started to sniff around in all the planted pots, to identify the source! It was in the orchid section! “That is strange”, said the goofy girl to herself, “I didn’t know they can smell!” She took two of them, that were emitting fragrance, each beautiful and unique, like she’s never seen before. As she placed the pots in the cart, waiting for her husband and for the budget approval, a man came quickly and grabbed one of the pots from her cart, saying: “this is mine, I saw it first and I told them to keep it for me!”
She was a little shocked of his behavior… and did not know what to respond at that time. He run to the counter, paid and left quickly. Her husband found her dumbfounded, almost crying, holding tightly to a potted plant! He asked the goofy girl: “so, do we take that one, or what? You want it?” No use to say that, when told the encounter with the odd man, the husband wanted to kick his butt… after all, that’s what good husbands want when they see their wives in tears…
And that’s how she’s got her first orchid. Now, almost a year after this event, she pompously calls this orchid NOID Cattleya)It was like a new world just opened to her. It was the great expansion!
She still doesn’t understand that man’s conduct… maybe orchids make you do all kinds of crazy things...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:08 PM Post #5689128
| …like buying the second one – Lc. Tainan City ‘General’– from an orchid nursery… and guess what? Not only didn’t she find it to be a “sticky” “crawling” “suffocating” place… but actually a piece of heaven on earth! She will always thank her friend Judy for recommending this place. This one is also fragrant, even spicier than the first! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:10 PM Post #5689155
| The third one she received on her birthday, form a couple of her best friends. A white Dendrobium 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:12 PM Post #5689167
| Three more babies came on her anniversary! Oncidium twinkle ‘Kaori Izumi’ - tiny little plant but blooming its heart off! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:15 PM Post #5689180
| Phallenopsis (a Harlequin type) – she fondly calls it “The Dalmatian” 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:18 PM Post #5689203
| And a vanilla plant 
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:20 PM Post #5689211
| This February, her father came to visit for a short while. Her husband took her and the father to Home Depot, to look at some tools… and she came home with two more! Another Dendrobium, 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:21 PM Post #5689227
| And a… OH MY TONGUE HURTS… Vuylstekeara Fall In Love ‘Lovely Lady’ (she thinks; it had a label inside, it was completely covered by the potting mix, that said that). Beautiful just by itself! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:26 PM Post #5689239
| And she took the opportunity and went with him to the nursery… and came back with two more…
Brassavola nodosa
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:27 PM Post #5689249
| And Dendrobium chrysotoxum 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:30 PM Post #5689266
| One last trip to her favorite nursery brought the numbers up with two more (for those counting, we reached 11)… Ascocentrum garayi 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:31 PM Post #5689272
| And 12 - Cattleytonia ‘Why Not’ 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:32 PM Post #5689279
| Number 13 came as a Miami-farewell present: Cattleya loddigesii, a gracious plant with a discrete sweet fragrance. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:46 PM Post #5689335
| Of course, by now you all know that the girl I’m talking about is me.
And to remove myself from ignorance, I just want to make a confession: one of the law-enforced protected plants in Romania is an orchid. It’s a lady slipper. I learned about it in middle school (6th grade, I believe, and at that time by the common name only) but I’ve never made the connection in my teen years (as I told you, all “Orchids” were looking the same, and nobody called it an orchid before). That is not the only orchid growing in Romania, but surely is the most famous of them all. Another orchid, Nigritella rubra, made it in the protected list (there is a grand total of 23 protected plants), but many other are not there yet.
If you want to take a peek at other Romanian orchids, please visit this site: http://www.orchidclub.ro/en/en_index.htm and if you click on "Orchids" and then choose "Orchids in time" please take a look at the last 3 photos. they are 3 of the Romanian native orchids. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:53 PM Post #5689353
| THE CHALLENGES
Well, I had to learn what to do and how to treat them.
I’ve had some watering issues with the Phalenopsis . I think (at least for me) that the moss in a plastic pot is not good. Especially if you add keeping them inside during a Miami “winter” (less of the AC going, so less air circulation). When I finally gathered all my guts to check the roots, most of them were mushy, just 3 in good standing. I started my first surgical procedures, to remove the bad roots. Then transplanted it in a clay pot filled with predominantly bark mix. Its leaves never got back to the crisp green feeling of a healthy plant, however, for a while, it seemed to hang on, gave a fresh leaf and a spike.
Same issue I had with the white dendrobium. Again, my clumsy hands had to do a transplant!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:57 PM Post #5689365
| well, not everything was so catastrophic!
Check this out! The beautiful honey-scented D. chrysotoxum actually liked it with me and decided...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 18, 2008
11:59 PM Post #5689367
| ...to be nice to me! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:03 AM Post #5689384
| The Vanilla liked it maybe too much, and she kind of wanted to remain there, stuck to the wall!
(later, before the move, I left behind, stuck to the wall, the little new branch, which now is as big as its Momma and going up a Mango tree)
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:05 AM Post #5689417
| At the end of May, we headed to El Paso. Moving, plants and all. The truck was half filled with our belongings, and half with my plants. My husband took the challenge at a very personal level: his mission was to land them safely at our next home.
The Orchids, however, were placed in a large box, in the backseat of our car (towed because yours truly hates driving…). The driver window slightly open, for air circulation.
All was fine the first day, we traveled north and on a cloudy sky.
But on the second, we switched westward, and that sun decided to shine brightly, like trying to catch up for the previous day! I didn’t realize the danger and the consequences until the next day… when the exposed leaves of some of the orchids (the Cattleyas) had sunburns!
Desperation makes you wiser, and you don’t care if the car looks bad anymore, or what some people would think of you... I hanged T-shirts in the windows that would face south, and all the 3-rd (also sunny) day went on almost uneventful. When we entered the Big Bend region, however, we started to feel the wind and dryness in the air, so we stopped for some spritzes of water for the “babies”. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:06 AM Post #5689425
| EL PASO
Arrival at 2am does not mean anything. Well, not when the mattress is in the back of the truck! So we were very eager to download the plants that night.
For all the other plants, it may become another story. But for the orchids, even from the first day we realized it was too dry. However, my previous experience kept me determined to have them ourdoors.
So my lovely DH created this arrangement, especially for the orchids. The double-bottomed pots, that would have some water in the bottom, but not touching the orchids’ roots.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:07 AM Post #5689427
| Then, I had the mission of misting them every day!
Well, the misting turned into several times a day every day. I destroyed two spray bottles before I realized I can mist them directly with the hose, thanks to that hose-guns with dials…
But I had no clue on how often to water them…
The Phalenopsis decided (after a long fight) that this is no place for her. And then they were 12… I cried all day!
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:10 AM Post #5689437
| Only the little oncidium treated me with a spike, a little one, with very few flowers, but a spike none-the-less. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:12 AM Post #5689443
| I had to go twice to Miami for my thesis, and during my last trip, my good friends gave me a new orchid, a little Tolumnia. White flowers, splashed with dark red, like I’ve just cut my finger and the blood dripped on those beautiful flowers.
Unfortunately, no pics of the flowers, they did not enjoy the flight back home…
On the good side, we’re back to 13! A tiny 13th!
Edited to say that this one is quite recent, and I didn't have time to mess her up!!!
This message was edited Oct 18, 2008 10:47 PM
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:15 AM Post #5689465
| The current situation stays like this:
the noid Cat has new growth, good pseudobulb hydration, but no flower.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:18 AM Post #5689473
| "the General" was seriously hit by sun during the move. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:21 AM Post #5689485
| It produced two sheaths but they didn't open in almost 2 months. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:22 AM Post #5689488
| There is new growth that looks good! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:25 AM Post #5689501
| The white dendrobium doesn't look great, all the older canes had suffered, but new growth and keikis are looking good. My problem is that my potting wasn't the greatest work of art, and at every watering (actually soaking, I do that for 10 minutes) the potting mix, mostly bark, moves! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:27 AM Post #5689505
| Sorry about that, I forgot to reposition the photo 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:29 AM Post #5689514
| The little Ascocentrum doing OK, we have new leaf growth on two out of 3 plants in the pot! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:30 AM Post #5689522
| Brassavola seems a bit dehydrated on older leaves, but the new ones are plump. Never flowered with me... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:35 AM Post #5689536
| The D. chrysotoxum was so-so, some pseudobulbs lost their plumpness. Until about 10 days ago, when leaves started to yellow and fall one after another, massively. Finally discovered fine webbing, so I sprayed for spider mites. Now it looks like this... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:39 AM Post #5689545
| The Oncidium seems to want to get out of the pot( there's a little plastic pot inside of the clay pot in the picture), and there is a plantlet (keiki) growing on top of one of the pseudobulbs. I bought potting mix and clay pots, have to buy myself some guts to transplant...
If you can see, on the pseudobulb closest to yhe eyes, there is a tiny white dot, that's the root of the keiki coming out!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:41 AM Post #5689553
| The cattleytonia keeps slipping out of the pot, and the roots don't look so great. Has new growth. I'm planning to transplant her as well. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:43 AM Post #5689562
| The Vuyl... one has some new growth, but the bigger one got mushy (too much water???) and the other is too small! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:46 AM Post #5689574
| The Cat. loddigesii seems quite well, just a small leaf discoloration (I think burn?) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:47 AM Post #5689577
| ... but otherwise lots of new root growth! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:50 AM Post #5689589
| And last but not least, the Vanilla is happy, grew some more. Since the works for the roof and patio ceiling started, I moved her inside, she will be going to a sunnier space inside (dappled shade was good for her so far, I'll try to create this in the house) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:54 AM Post #5689598
| OOPS! Forgot the purple-pink dendrobium, it has some good growth on it. Sometimes I think it's too big for that pot, but it's planted between two wood slabs, and I'm afraid to do anything to it!!! I'll just stake it! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
12:56 AM Post #5689604
| So now you know!
I know I did many stoooopid things, but I really love them and I'm trying to make it better. So, if you have any ideas for me, please...
Lots of hugs,
Alexandra |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
02:28 AM Post #5689735
| That is a lovely story, Alex. While I am enamored with orchids have never had the nerve to try to grow one. I admire your spunk in a number of ways. Another great husband looking out for his sweetie's happiness. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
10:06 AM Post #5690283
| Yeah, we really do have good hubbys, Christi! |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
October 19, 2008
10:25 AM Post #5690347
| Enjoyed your story too, Alexandra! With such care and all the love you give your babies, they are going to be beautiful! Looking forward to seeing them as they bloom, I hope you will post pictures!
Morning Christi! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
10:49 AM Post #5690393
| Thanks, Jen! I certainly hope to keep the number. 13 was a good one for me, got married on a 13th, and seems like my best achievement so far!
If we ever get out of this mess, I'll have all the babies showing their cute little faces here in TZG forum! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
11:09 AM Post #5690485
| Good Morning, Jen. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
03:09 PM Post #5691269
| Thanks for the pictures Alexandra! A beautiful collection.
I vote for Ascocentrum garayi.
What kind of Vanilla is that? It looks much different than my Vanilla planifolia vines. Have you ever had flowers? It is easy to grow your own Vanilla beans if you hand pollinate the interesting green flowers.
Aloha, Dave
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
03:29 PM Post #5691328
| Dave, thanks for watching. My Vanilla is a V. planifolia. Let me show you "the mother": 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
03:30 PM Post #5691333
| and still the Mommy, closeup with flower 
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
03:33 PM Post #5691343
| and Mommy again, with a closeup of the bean. It was handpollinated (Florida doesn't have the special bees that would normally do it) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
03:38 PM Post #5691356
| My baby is a bit over 1 year old, and quite fast growing. It doubled (if not tripled) its size. I've read somewhere that they need to reach a certain size in order to flower, I'm not sure about that. I would love to have her flower, and produce my own bean(s), but I'm in the "dream on" stage...
This is a close-up of my baby's leaves and aerial roots (when she was still on the wall in Miami)
Edited to say very little over 1 year old, I've got her October 13th last year.
This message was edited Oct 19, 2008 1:40 PM
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
03:43 PM Post #5691379
| That's a beautiful Cattleya you have. I'm always asking: is it scented?
here's another view of the A. garayi, if you don't know its size already...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
03:49 PM Post #5691395
| Thanks for the Vanilla shots Alexandra!
Interesting how much variation there is in Vanilla planifolia. My vines have much larger less twisted leaves, and the flowers are a pale yellowish-green. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
04:00 PM Post #5691432
| Dave, where do you grow yours? maybe the quality of light is important as well. If you look at the mother, the leaves seem more straight than on mine... mine is potted, not growing directly in soil. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
04:00 PM Post #5691433
| Thanks for the other photos! The Cattleya has a cinnamom scent.
I will take some photos of the wild orchids around here and post them. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
04:04 PM Post #5691441
| Oh goody!
Pinky also smells cinammony, here's a closeup. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
04:07 PM Post #5691451
| My Vanilla vines are growing in 'ohi'a (Metrosideros) trees and Citrus. I find that the more direct sunlight they get, the more flowers they produce.
Your mother plant has more compact growth than mine, and the leaves still look more twisted.
I find that the most flowers are produced on vines that were grown the previous year. The vines that grow this year will produce next years crop. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 19, 2008
05:22 PM Post #5691682
| I was afraid to place mine in more sun, and here I am definitely not going to; I have very little shade and part shade, and lots of full sun, but where the full sun is, there's also the desert "breeze" that is sooo dehydrating. I believe the flowers are fragrant, but they were too high for me to sniff!
I had to go and see those Metrosideros trees, that gave you your DG name! Very interesting and cheerful flowers, wonder how tall they can get, as there is very little info in PFs.
Since I scrolled for pics in my "visit to nursery" folder, and for our previous discussion about coffee, here's a pic of a coffee bush at the same place, never posted it before, as I don't think it's a high quality or very suggestive photo. I've never got there when it was in bloom :o(
I'm a sucker for fragrant flowers! I'm happy that my gardenia decided to enjoy El Paso, and I have a small Stephanotis grown from seed. Love their leaves too, so nice and green, and shiny! Plus Natal plum/Carissa macrocarpa grown from cuttings.
7(?) of my orchids are fragrant (if I count the Vanilla).
Freesias are my favorites of all times.
As I love to baby from seed, I purchased several other vines and flowers that are fragrant, lately with the drought-resistant feature in mind. And my first ever trying for Plumeria (still from seed).
Eh, I keep rambling! Waiting for pics...
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
11:27 PM Post #5693172
| Several species of Orchids are wild on Kilauea; they were brought here for different reasons.
This one is Arundina graminifolia, the Bamboo Orchid. It was introduced to the area as a cattle food.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 19, 2008
11:47 PM Post #5693242
| This is the foliage of the Bamboo Orchid; the source of fodder.
The flowers can be eaten in a salad, or used as an edible decoration on a platter.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
12:05 AM Post #5693283
| This is Epidendrum x obrienianum, the Butterfly Orchid. Escaped from cultivation. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
12:22 AM Post #5693310
| This is Spathoglottis plicata, the Philippine Ground Orchid. Purposely introduced by the famous Hawaiian plant collector Harold Lyon in the early 1920's. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
12:35 AM Post #5693337
| Here is my Vanilla on 'ohi'a trees. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
12:46 AM Post #5693352
| Here are a couple Vanilla beans; the leaf and beans are about eight inches long. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
01:08 AM Post #5693386
| The Vanilla is cultivated but the other Orchids shown above are now naturalized in Hawai'i, and there are a few more whose flowers aren't in season right now.
Nice to have good looking weeds! (Please excuse the picture quality, I'll work on that.)
Aloha, Dave
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 20, 2008
01:24 AM Post #5693412
| Beautiful weeds and wild flowers indeed! Wonderful color for the Butterfly orchid. And that Phillipine ground orchid! Do the cows really eat orchids? Now that's a luxury!
You are right, the leaf shape of your Vanilla is a bit different. So, you played bee? or you have the special bees? Are these your first beans?
Thanks for all the pictures.
Have a beautiful evening,
Allexandra |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
October 20, 2008
02:54 AM Post #5693500
| Hey Alexandra, you're up late!
I've been growing Vanilla since 1997. It's a very popular Christmas gift, and my homemade extract makes the best homemade chocolate!
I just learned to pollinate the flowers a couple years ago, and my production went ten-fold!
I live to make homemade chocolate, coffee, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, chili pepper, mint, citrus, etc. Everything that makes people happy.
Nothing more fun than beautiful plants that you can grow and eat! (This gives me a great idea for a new thread, but will have to wait till tomorrow as the Sun has already gone down in Hawai'i!)
Aloha, Dave |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 20, 2008
10:34 AM Post #5694361
| Yep, usually late-night owl. But I'm also in Mountain Time Zone, so not too bad! I've been searching and creating a wish list for seeds.
Mouthwatering here! Lots of goofy-happy-making things there!
I'll be watching for that thread!
Have a great day everyone! Hugs,
Alexandra |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
October 20, 2008
10:49 AM Post #5694421
| Well, it's 4.45 am here - now we will get to see if Dave is an early bird! Can't wait to see the new thread, homemade chocolate and vanilla - yummy!
I wish I were better at growing orchids, but I have done much better since I shoved them in the garden and neglected them than I ever did trying to grow them in pots. Still don't look as beautiful as the above! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 20, 2008
11:09 AM Post #5694517
| Jen,
Shoving them outside worked lovely in Miami (which made me believe I'm quite good at orchid growing, LOL), here it would mean certain death!
Yesterday I washed the ceiling dust (and the dust, generally) off of half of them, and already started to populate the shelf. This morning around 7:45 (one hour ago, my time) the sun started to caress my window. I looked carefully to see how much it gets on the leaves. A little later , the sun will rise more, and there will not be a problem. Bright light, air movement from the ceiling fan, and probably tonight the humidifier on the second top-shelf.
beautiful as in the first (Miami) pics, or El Paso pics?
I'm trying to be a cheating early bird (to wake up when my hubby does, at 5:30, walk him out for work, then have a second nap until 8:00), but I'm definitely an owl.
Hugs,
Alexandra |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
October 21, 2008
12:26 AM Post #5697902
| Oh Alex! Your collection just absolutely has to thrive! I have rarely heard of anyone so compassionate about her plants. When they realize how much you and your DH do for them, they will adapt to El Paso and thrill your neighbors with tropical beauty. I was just recently given a vanilla plant and now I am excited about watching her grow. I have her outside on a table at the moment, but I may change that after some research.
Your whole collection is wonderful, and I am sure they will do fine. Good Job Kiddo!!!!
Yokwe,
Shari |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 21, 2008
01:25 AM Post #5698015
| Great story and pictures, Alex! You are doing fabulous!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 22, 2008
01:30 AM Post #5702621
| Thanks everyone! Do you really think they look fine?
I'm still quite worried by the D.C. More leaves turning yellow and probably will fall until tomorrow. Only one plump pseudobulb, that is leafless...
For the first time in his life (and our life together) my DH said I cannot buy any more orchids until either I figure out how to keep them happy, or we move back on the east coast (oh, sweet humidity!). Well, I know my hubby, he's not mean or cheap. He just hates to see me crying, and I really cried for this one!
Got the tray, stones&shells, water, fan. The hanging pots I shower almost everyday, but until nighttime they are bone-dry. I'll take some pictures tomorrow to see the arrangement.
Have a beautiful evening and a great night.
Alexandra |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 24, 2008
12:57 PM Post #5711932
| OK, update. As it turned out, didn't have enough stones and shells for the two trays that I've got. Because the next free day my hubby has is long way away (the 28th), I had to improvise.
Soooooooo, I thought, what would be the difference between pots in stone-laden trays with water and trays anchored under the top shelf (grills)... I encouraged myself, saying "I'm a genius", and got to it.
So I poked 4 holes in the tray "handles", and tied the trays with wire. Then, filled them partially with some water. I don't know right now how sturdy my assembly is, so I didn't fill them completely.
Here's the result:
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 24, 2008
12:58 PM Post #5711935
| A different angle: 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 24, 2008
01:01 PM Post #5711940
| The sad part of the update is the D.c.
It keeps getting yellow leaves that than fall. This is how it looks now
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 24, 2008
01:06 PM Post #5711952
| I am helpless with this one... hoping for the best, but I don't really see it. I wish right now that, in case of its demise, I can get another one, but I don't know if I have the guts to try it again.
The only thing left (orchid-wise) is to bring in the Vanilla. Now, the question is, where do I put it? I have two spaces next to the shelves: one that gets early morning sun, then bright light, and the other gets noon sun, otherwise bright light. I will need to wait for my husband, it's a bit difficult to manage her, being so tall. |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
October 24, 2008
04:37 PM Post #5712547
| Necessity being the mother of invention, you did real good Alexandra! Your set-up should keep the humidity up nicely. I don't think you need to worry too much about your d.c. I have noticed that after a very heavy rain, some of the lowest leaves on my orchids turn yellow and fall. I think this is just what the older leaves do. The rest of the plant seems fine - and mine here never show any trauma from that happening. Hang in there kiddo. Try not to overstress about your lovelies. I have also noticed that mine do best with benign neglect. Very easy to kill with kindness, so remember the old fashion adage: Less is more.
Yokwe,
Shari |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 25, 2008
10:15 AM Post #5714654
| Thank you, Shari!
Have a nice weekend everyone!
Alexandra
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
October 25, 2008
07:58 PM Post #5716429
| Very clever. Hope it works for you. Looks like it should! You have a great weekend also! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
October 31, 2008
07:38 PM Post #5738178
| Hello Alexandra! I'm enjoying your orchid thread. I have two still living outside here (I'll put them in our little greenhouse soon with the plumeria), and three little ones on the kitchen window sill. We have a market here called Trader Joe's that has orchids in pots - they are cheaper than buying a bouquet, last longer, and don't end up in the trash! For my birthday, I brought home a Miltonia and it had flowers for two months - not bad for $12.99!
The outdoor plants are mounted and look AWFUL, but dutifully give me blooms each year. Your outdoor set-up has given me ideas (DH will cringe!) for having more outside. Once we get the landscaping far enough along, I'll start sneaking them in and he'll never know what happened!
Speaking of plumeria - have you tried them? It's another plant you can lose yourself in. :-)
Kathleen
P.S. I love that vanilla plant!
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 31, 2008
07:52 PM Post #5738215
| Hello, Kathleen! It's good to know, as I've been in San Diego once (while I was living in Miami), and I remember it was quite a dry weather...
El Paso is colder than San Diego right now, but I still like the idea of them being outside, we'll see how they fare until springtime...
I'm trying now some Plumeria from seed. They are 10 days old, nothing "moving" on top, but I looked at the bottoms, and 8 out of 10 show a little root. Now I'm thinking I put them in too little soil.
I think Plumeria might be happier here, since they like dryness? But I'll have to overwinter trees, that'll be another challenge...
The vanilla has a story by herself... for it led me to the discovery of a beautiful orchid nursery. It is a special baby for me, and I hope sometimes it will flower, but probably less than growing in the ground and up the trees like her Mother-Vanilla or Dave's.
Happy Halloween!
Alexandra
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
October 31, 2008
08:08 PM Post #5738263
| Check over on the Plumeria Forum for wintering plants - or have you? DH built the greenhouse last year just to safeguard the plummies - I lost four two year old trees the year before in a sudden freeze and didn't want to go through that again. The present ones are still small enough to move them in there. Good luck with the seedlings. I have some myself that I must get started.
Yes, it can be quite dry here. I keep a pump sprayer by my orchids and whenever I think of it, they get a bath. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
October 31, 2008
09:49 PM Post #5738646
| I went there, said hello, so far I mostly read the start from seed threads, and I ooohh-aaahh-ed at the flowers. Funny, to live for 6 years in Miami and never to see one, or smell one!
I'll start some more seeds either tonight or tomorrow (my hubby is working tonight, so I have to do something until I fall asleep). It should be a very easy job, and I love doing it, right??? But the seed starting mix here is so dry! I dread the moment of opening the bag again! Dust flying all around. I have the hose close to me, to mist fast. |
mpabbott1
(Mary) Poway, CA
(Zone 10a)
November 01, 2008
12:26 AM Post #5739195
| Two years ago I brought all the potted plumeria into the garage and let them go dormant. They lost their leaves and looked pitiful and naked. Only gave them a cup of water every 2 weeks. That year we had some unusual frosts and many of the plumeria that were in the ground were lost. Mine are looking a little sad, with only one of them still blooming. Soon, I'll have to beg for a spot in the garage for them.
My brugmansia take up all the room in my small greenhouse. Wish I had another one. :-) |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 01, 2008
12:29 AM Post #5739201
| see, I didn't have the courage to have a brugmansia... Maybe if it was a dwarf one, max 5 feet? |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 01, 2008
12:58 AM Post #5739240
| Hi Alexandra...loved your story. I have to say the best thing I did when I decided to grow orchids, was join a local orchid society. Ours is quite small and informal, just people who love orchids getting together to talk about them. We have people like me who grow in the house and some with huge green houses that sell plants, one of our members has an orchid nursery. Discounts for members, dangerous place to go. LOL
Love your solution to low humidity, with that kind of determination I'm sure you will succeed.
Should tell you Kathleen sent me here, knowing I would like the story. She's my sis.
Not a good picture, but this is one that's blooming for me. Blc Hawaiian Mini Island 'Carmela'
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
leeflea51
Golden, MS
(Zone 7a)
November 01, 2008
03:14 AM Post #5739396
| goofybulb, As a hobbyist orchid grower for about 8-9yrs, I must say I am very impressed with your collection. How beautiful they are. Yesterday, I decided to order a Maxallaria tenuifolia as a change of routine. I was feeling a little bored with the ones I have. I've only about 25. I had seen the Max i wanted a while back but didn't order one. Now I can hardly wait to get it. Have you any experience growing them? If so, would you please be so kind as to tell me of the care it requires. I've done a thumbnail read on the cultural requirements but I like hearing from someone who has actually grown them.
Thanks, Lee |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 01, 2008
03:51 PM Post #5740816
| Hi, Sally, and welcome, beautiful Cattleya!. I hit a search for El Paso orchid groups or societies, didn't come up with anything yet. Still searching, though... I should also take into consideration neighboring stated (AZ, NM), as cities in these states are much closer than those in TX.
My humidity trays have to have water replenished every other day. I was amazed by the rhythm of evaporation in here. I wonder how often should I water the babies now... supposedly it's cool weather, low growth, less water, but my feeling is they would want more than just once a week-10 days.
Lee, I am quite new with orchids, a bit over one year from my first encounter. Not much experience... and definitely didn't get the chance of getting bored with the ones I have. As soon as I got one thing right, my environment changed, and I'm back to the learning task... I'm permanently challenged.
Never had a Maxillaria, but it surely looks pretty, so no experience with it. Rally all I have is the ones I wrote about.
If I manage to keep these alive until next year, then I'll think of having more. Right now, I have to restrain myself.
Update on the poor DC: two leaves left... The others look good, though maybe still need to water them a bit more often then I do right now.
On the good side, my Plumeria seeds (another first in my life) started to move today! I think later in the day I will see some green!
Have a great weekend everyone!
Alexandra |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 02, 2008
02:49 AM Post #5742652
| One trick I learned was to take a wooden pencil and stick it down into the potting medium. If it's damp you don't need to water. You have to sharpen it every time, but it does work. I've gotten to the point where I can pick them up and tell if they need water, just by the weight. At least you can do that with the smaller ones.
Yeah on your Plummie seeds! Sis sent me some cuttings last spring, so I'm trying something new too. About time for me to put them up for winter, but they did grown really well considering we don't get hot weather.
Hope your weekend is good as well.
Sally |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 02, 2008
09:16 PM Post #5745443
| Thanks for the tip, Sally!
I have 3 greens out of the soil! Have to take pics... |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 02, 2008
09:31 PM Post #5745518
| Yea!! I also prefer seed to most anything else. Don't have very good luck in peat pots though. Always seem to get just so high and get "damp off" and die. Don't know how that works, Alex. You are probably more experienced than I and that won't be a problem.
I participated in the Plumeria co-op last Spring and got a dozen "sticks". Gave away over half of them. The ones I kept rooted and two of them bloomed this summer. On the plumie forum it says to pull out of the soil and lay them somewhere where they won't freeze. I've done that and am crossing my fingers for next spring.
JUNE will be a great time for all seeds planted this October, right? Alex.
Christi |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 03, 2008
12:02 AM Post #5746084
| LOL, Christi! It will be a blooming summer, that's for sure! |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
November 03, 2008
12:47 PM Post #5747497
| LOL, you guys!
Just popping in to say Aloha to Sally and to Lee, nice to "see" you.
Christi, have you ever tried misting your seedlings with hydrogen peroxide water? It seems to help me when I think I am getting the dreaded dampening off - not that I am any expert at all with seedlings, Lord knows! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 03, 2008
12:52 PM Post #5747511
| Never thought of that, Jennie. Since I have the littlest greenhouse, may try some seed starting this coming year. Going to start cleaning out the beds today and broadcasting seed that should be planted in the fall. Weather is great and am getting my strength back. Yippee!!
Christi |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
November 03, 2008
01:04 PM Post #5747552
| So glad to hear that you are on the mend, Christi - it's been a long, hard summer for you and Mike. I hope you aren't going to overdo cleaning out those beds...
XXX |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 03, 2008
01:35 PM Post #5747639
| Well, not to worry. I'm still mostly on the side of being the Sargeant.
I direct and Mike does. hahahaha |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
November 03, 2008
05:07 PM Post #5748270
| And he probably enjoys every minute of it too! :-) I just stopped in to say Howdy - now I am off to plant some Stephanotis seeds that a very sweet garden angel sent me. Found just the right spot - I think!.
Yokwe,
Shari |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 03, 2008
11:31 PM Post #5749817
| Christi,
You made me laugh with that post, and I forgot to say a few things. I'm no expert in growing things from seed, I just like doing it sooo much! This is what I do:
If they get too tall, maybe they have too little light, so I would move them to a brighter place. That room I'm hosting my plants has two windows, and east one, and a south one. The shelves are on the south, and even if they are not in direct sun, it's very bright in there.
I always water from the bottom (unless I mist them, but I don't do that too often), so I don't disturb them and the weight of water does not "fracture" the little stems. The Plumeria seeds I misted, cause people told me not to water too much, or they'll rot. I think I gave them too little water by misting (took them quite some time to pop), so now I mist them every day.
I never tried Jenny's method with hydrogen peroxide, but I'll surely do it. Considering the good results in germination, it might be a win-win.
It's a happy feeling gardening with your husband, I think! I cannot wait for mine to raise the level of a bed, that I'm going to plant with all the bulbs!
On a sad note, everyone, the darling DC has no more leaves. And my tray assembly is efficient, but long-time exposure to water erodes the aluminium trays and now I have tiny holes in them. Have to think of something more durable.
Hugs,
Alexandra |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
November 04, 2008
12:37 AM Post #5750003
| Do you have salt content in your water Alexandra? I am just wondering why the aluminum has become pitted. Sorry to hear that DC bit the dust, will you be replacing her?
I wish Frank liked to garden too, but he is great with a chain saw! The zucchini that I bought, planted, fed, harvested and cooked is officially known as "his" zucchini - I can't think why for the life of me...but he is very proud of them, LOL! |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 04, 2008
05:30 AM Post #5750247
| LouC...I'm jealous, you're cuttings bloomed already!! I'll have to be patient, we just don't get enough hot weather.
Braveheartsmom...thank you for the Aloha, haven't been to the islands for a long time. Nice to think about. |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 04, 2008
12:39 PM Post #5751246
| Sally, no one could have been more surprised than I was. Just hope they are still viable next spring. Now, they didn't all bloom, just two. Everyone of them did root and put on healthy leaves.
Jenny, I had forgotten about the morning glory you grew earlier this year. Soaked the seed in peroxide solution and they sprouted over night.
The cuttings of brugs you sent and the MG tree have all done wonderful. Trying to decide if I must pot them or will they survive 8a.
PK |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 06, 2008
05:26 PM Post #5760070
| Jenny,
The water in El Paso has high durity (?) and I think it's saltier than average. We do not use water softener (except for laundry and dishwashing). It might be the high salt content that made those holes in my pans. I am replacing them temporarily with another aluminum set, but will think of something more durable or permanent (maybe those silicone pans?).
I want very much to replace the DC, but I didn't open the discussion with hubby yet. I'm thinking buying another when I go for my defense (end of January)... I really want to give it another try (or it give me another try, whichever is more true).
Hmmm, Brugs are another very intimidating plant... I still didn't decide if I want one or not... I kept looking and looking, Christi, and there are a few that are hardy to zone 7, more are hardy to 8, and still more are hardy in warmer zones. Tough decision!
Hugs,
Alexandra |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
November 11, 2008
07:16 PM Post #5779669
| How about another Orchid?
Here is a variegated Oncidium flexuosum, Dancing Doll Orchid.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
November 12, 2008
02:04 AM Post #5781311
| Oooh, I have one, but not variegated! Love that. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
November 14, 2008
01:27 AM Post #5789141
| Dave,
That is a gracious plant! Very beautiful! I will think about it and look for it. My little Oncidium is surely a bundle of joy when it flowers, so it might be a very nice choice!
The thing I know for sure (now) is that I will NOT have a Phalenopsis! That was my first and worst failure, and many people call them easy... well, maybe someday, when I'll be more experienced. |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 14, 2008
04:23 AM Post #5789290
| Don't give up on Phals...they really are easy once you get it right.
Onc. Gower Ramsey
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 14, 2008
04:28 AM Post #5789296
| And this little cutie is a hybrid Slc (I can't read the tag, looks like Mem or Mein) 'Alvin Beggam Poem' 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
November 14, 2008
10:39 AM Post #5789938
| The pictures of the orchids are gorgeous! Has anyone had one that stayed in bloom for two months? One of our shop owners has a beautiful potted orchid on his counter that really has been in bloom for two months solid and is still going strong - it's got a mass of large flowers and really is a sight to behold. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
November 14, 2008
05:47 PM Post #5791404
| Hey Alexandra, it is my understanding that Phalaenopsis species like to be warm in the day and cool at night, and they like to be watered early in the day and dried off by evening. They don't like to be left with water on the foliage at night, which leads to bacterial rot and the death of the plant.
Nurseries that raise Phalaenopsis here for export, must regularly spray to stop Botrytis rot, a major enemy of this Orchid! (It makes black legions on the leaves.)
I have trouble with Phalaenopsis because I grow Orchids outside, and it is almost always wet here at night.
Is it possible that El Paso has conditions not akin to Phalaenopsis culture? Maybe you can provide a microhabitat at your place which is more to their liking?
Aloha, Dave
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
November 15, 2008
02:37 AM Post #5792883
| Dave, that was a perfect description of raising Phals. Usually they say at our meetings, the conditions for Phals. and African Violets is about the same. I grow mine in the house, so I water just like you said. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
December 02, 2008
12:09 AM Post #5849702
| Sorry for the delay in answering...
Dave, the Phal started to go downhill while in Miami, during "winter" - the plant was inside, with less air movement... and with sphagnum moss as potting mix. I think it was too wet for it, and I realized this too late... only one root left. Then I repotted, moved it outside, and it dragged for a while. It came to El Paso with me as a "ghost", almost gone... I never managed to make it grow roots again.
The interesting part is: if you do a search for orchid nurseries close to El Paso, a few appear, in New Mexico and Arizona. And they mostly have Phals! So, I would think, they have it easier here in the desert, maybe the climate can be controlled easier...
I just don't know if I have the guts for another Phal so soon... and people say they are the easiest orchid to have for a beginner!
The good news today is that the little Tolumnia (or Tilapia, as I fondly call her sometimes...) is putting up a flower spike! It happened during Thanksgiving weekend! I didn't manage to take the best picture of the spike, but here it is!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
December 02, 2008
12:28 AM Post #5849748
| Hey Alexandra,
Ask the nursery what type of medium they are using to grow the Phals on; use the same! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
December 02, 2008
12:39 AM Post #5849772
| Dave, you really want me to try another Phal, don't you?! I will definitely ask! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
December 16, 2008
02:16 AM Post #5896654
| Now, what do you think of this one? http://store.brennansorchids.com/servlet/Detail?no=426&sfs=3...
or its pink variety http://store.brennansorchids.com/servlet/Detail?no=425&sfs=3...
Husband looked over my shoulder and said: no new orchids until we see that the ones we have survive! I think it's the only time I heard him say no, with the orchids!!!
Anyway, I found a (more) permanent solution for the humidity trays: plastic serving platters for $2 each, my orchids deserve 6 dollars, right? This is one step closer to the replacement of the 13th orchid... tied them to the upper rack, filled them (not completely, have to test the resistance) with water. Placed the plants back, and voila!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
December 16, 2008
10:53 AM Post #5897370
| Very clever, Alex.
Christi |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 08, 2009
01:17 AM Post #5980202
| Hello friends! I now call it "my twelve step program towards the thirteenth orchid"!
Looky here! I cannot wait for tomorrow's daylight!
this is yesterday's
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 08, 2009
01:19 AM Post #5980210
| and this is tonight!
Looks like I have 11 more to go!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 08, 2009
01:26 AM Post #5980231
| Congratulations on your new arrivals. Well done.
I like to take plants that are ready to open over to my mom, she says it's like they're pregnant and ready to pop. She loves to guess what it's going to look like.
Here's my latest one.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 08, 2009
01:36 AM Post #5980263
| Oh, Sally, not a new one... Just one that I succeeded in making happy enough to flower... it's the Tolumnia I received as a present at the end of August. It was in flower than, but the dry air from the flight back (from Miami to El Paso) shriveled the blooms before I could take her picture.
The deal with my hubby is that until we learn how to deal with the orchids we have here, in the desert, we will buy no more of them... :o( BUT... Now I'm one step closer to the next purchase!
It's a wonderful Phal, and a great thing you're having with your mom! I have to settle to just drag DH and show him and do the happy dance!
Alexandra |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 08, 2009
01:37 AM Post #5980270
| Nice one, Sis. One of my little bitty windowsill orchids is getting ready,too. The buds have taken forever to form. Still enjoying my cym from before Christmas, too.
Alexandra, excited to see your blooms - I'm not familiar with that one.
Kathleen
This message was edited Jan 7, 2009 9:39 PM |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 08, 2009
02:15 AM Post #5980353
| By new arrivals, I meant the blooms. I was having a problem with my Phals. They quit blooming. Roots good, leaves good...no flowers. This went on for a couple of years. Then I remembered I had switched fertilizer and went back to what I was using before and guess what? One blooming, three more in spike. Still a ways to go, but a big improvement.
And yes I did a happy dance when I saw the first spike!
Sis...My cym in the bathtup should bloom in a couple of weeks. Surprised it did, I couldn't put it outside until way late this year because of the work we were doing on the house. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 08, 2009
11:58 AM Post #5981311
| So what's the fertilizer? I could never get Phals to rebloom. Now I have a Miltonia I really, really want to bloom again. Darn, can't find the photo. |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 09, 2009
12:44 AM Post #5984069
| Peter's Professional Water Soluble Ferterlizer. It's a 20-20-20. Don't know why it works, but that's the only thing that I've changed. I get it from one of the Society members who buys it bulk and passes on the savings. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 09, 2009
01:25 AM Post #5984149
| Ah-ha! I've had mine for a long time and I'm sure it needs to be replaced, so I'll try Peter's. I remember using it a long, long, time ago, but not for orchids. |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 09, 2009
01:44 AM Post #5984168
| Hope it works for you. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
January 09, 2009
02:31 AM Post #5984209
| Liquid Seaweed; Maxicrop etc.
Always Good! |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 09, 2009
02:33 AM Post #5984210
| Now that's one I never heard of. I'll check it out. |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 09, 2009
12:06 PM Post #5985080
| Do you use the seaweed diluted more than usual? Now that I have! |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
January 09, 2009
05:19 PM Post #5986105
| Use it at half the recommended strength and give it to the plants every time you water. Be careful not to over-water your Orchids. |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 10, 2009
12:38 AM Post #5987705
| I read in one of the advertisements that it's a supplement to fertilizer. Do you use it that way or instead of fertilizing? |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 10, 2009
01:09 AM Post #5987785
| I would think added to. It contains micronutrients and minerals, etc. Here's a link http://www.planetnatural.com/site/maxicrop-liquid-seaweed.ht...
Metrosideros? Your experience? |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 10, 2009
01:22 AM Post #5987831
| Sis, I saw that link when I was looking. Did you order yours or get it at a store? |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 10, 2009
12:52 PM Post #5989056
| I have a different brand that I got at a store. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
January 10, 2009
04:40 PM Post #5989857
| I grow most of my Orchids in trees, and give them seaweed when they are going to flower. My potted Orchids get seaweed every few weeks, and fish emulsion once in a while.
As they are saprophytic plants I try to feed them naturally, but the Ochids in trees need the least care. I have some Dendrobiums that are getting huge, with little help on my part.
My potted Orchids grow in a mix of chopped up coconut husk and volcanic cinder.
It seems that the Orchids which I give the most care to, do the worst! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
January 10, 2009
08:32 PM Post #5990554
|
| Quoted: | | It seems that the Orchids which I give the most care to, do the worst! |
Ain't that the truth! I have two growing outside that look horrible, but bloom yearly. Don't have any trees suitable here - except where I would never see them! |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
January 11, 2009
01:18 AM Post #5991535
| It's only 38 deg outside right now and that's warmer than it's been. So I have to grow mine safely inside. I put some of them out in late spring, they like that and I really try to not do to much. Like cutting way back on water in the winter. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
January 19, 2009
07:47 PM Post #6025938
| It's flowering season for the Chinese Ground Orchid, Phaius tankarvilleae.
Not all weeds are undesirable! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 19, 2009
08:03 PM Post #6025993
| I brought mine in for the winter and they look horrible. I don't think they are going to make it.
Jeanne |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
January 20, 2009
11:34 AM Post #6028115
| Wow! Just beautiful Dave! Just how long is that flower spike, and how long will it bloom for you?
Aloha |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
January 20, 2009
01:49 PM Post #6028514
| Hi Jen, the Chinese ground orchids get about a meter (3 ft.) tall when the colonies mature. They start blooming in December and continue to March They pop up sporadically; when one starts to grow where it's not wanted you simply remove it, otherwise they are beautiful plants that don't need much care.
They were purposely naturalized in Hawai'i in the 1920's.
I'll try to find a nice shot of a mature stand. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 20, 2009
02:08 PM Post #6028586
| Dave, I love the "weeds" that you have there!
This is the Tolumnia flower fully opened
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 20, 2009
02:10 PM Post #6028595
| this is an "arranged" closeup, they really don't have a black background on a regular basis... 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
January 20, 2009
10:25 PM Post #6030315
| Dave those Chinese Orchids are fantastic! Why in the world do you call them weeds?? Am I missing something?
Very pretty Alexandra! Well done.
Jeane...no negative waves kiddo...they will bounce back.
Yokwe,
Shari |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 22, 2009
01:14 PM Post #6036578
| Shari, something is eating them. I wiped them off with rubbing alcohol and the one is looking better, but the other one, not so good. Any suggestions?
Jeanne |
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
January 22, 2009
07:16 PM Post #6037982
| Where do you have them placed? Are they getting enough air circulation? Maybe a fan placed somewhere nearby would help. Have you seen the critter that is eating them? Any solution to that problem, would be dependent on the bug. Plus they need light...not directly, but ambient. Let us know. With all the orchid lovers here, I'm sure we can come up with a solution for you.
Yokwe,
Shari |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 23, 2009
01:47 AM Post #6039254
| They are in the master bathroom. I do have my ceiling fan here in my bedroom going fairly regular.
I leave the light on in the daytime for them. I have not seen what is eating them. Mom suggested that it might be mealy bugs.
Jeanne |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 23, 2009
02:42 AM Post #6039315
| Oh, Jeanne! Hope you find the nasty and kill it. If it's mealy bugs, you should be able to see some little fluffy while stuff. And 10% alcohol on a Q-tip should kill them.
Another one of my orchids (a Cattleya) started to get yellow leaves that fall in a day, and deteriorate in an alarming rate, kind of like the Dendrobium chrysotoxum... :o( |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
January 24, 2009
12:37 PM Post #6044853
| Lovely pics of the Orchids! Could it be possible that they are too wet Alexandra? I just read somewhere that the "soil" breaks down after time and retains too much water - understand that this advice comes from an Orchid killer, so take it for what it's worth - probably nothing!
Jeanne, good luck with zapping those bugs!
Aloha! |
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
January 25, 2009
03:41 AM Post #6047931
| Alex, Jen, thanks! The one is getting more spots so I guess it's time to treat them with the alcohol again. This is it with the orchids...I can't stand to see them die.
(BooHoo!!!!!).
Jeanne |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
January 27, 2009
12:59 AM Post #6056373
| Yep, Jenny, just knocked it out of the pot, it looks pathetic. What makes me mad is that it had mostly expanded clay bits/balls, very little decomposing matter. And, even madder, is that I was so afraid of repotting, that it's probably my fault on this one (the Dendrobium was soil-less, just roots in the pot).
Jeanne, I hear you, hate to see them die! Give them a bit-o-alcohol! Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
Hugs to all,
Alexandra |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
February 08, 2009
09:25 PM Post #6112206
| Here is a Dendrobium species which I haven't identified yet. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 08, 2009
09:37 PM Post #6112262
| This is the one that looks the worst. Doesn't it look like a monster? haha. (Sad, very sad!) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
February 08, 2009
09:39 PM Post #6112276
| The other one does look like it is going to make it, tho. Here before much longer I can take them back outside again. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
February 09, 2009
01:45 AM Post #6113507
| Beautiful picture Metrosideros, I do so envy you having them grow in trees. We're still getting 30 deg here, so mine are still safely tucked inside. At least for two more months.
Texasgal77...if you think that plant has bugs, I'd separate it from the healthy one (which looks great by the way).
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 09, 2009
04:28 AM Post #6113649
| Hey, Jeanne! I agree the second looks beautiful!
Dave, beautiful flowers! I'm no expert, but I swear I've seen this before, I'll check back. How big the flowers? Is it fragrant? I bet it is!
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 09, 2009
04:46 AM Post #6113656
| I knew I've seen them before! Saw pictures in an orchid catalog... sniff, sniff...
OK, how about this? dendrobium aggregatum (aka D. lindleyi) http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/78913/
Though I favor the first entry, this one also looks close (and related as I undestand): dendrobium jenkinsii http://www.orchidsonline.com.au/node/2773
They are both supposed to be fragrant, honey-like. Both bloom in spring. DJ is a miniature plant, but each flower is about 1"
Alexandra |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
February 09, 2009
01:56 PM Post #6115377
| Wow Alexandra, I'm impressed!
It's definitely Dendrobium aggregatum. It has a sweet cinnamony scent when the sun warms it up. It blooms for a couple weeks then is gone for another year.
Now to find out more about the species.
Mahalo nui loa! Dave
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 10, 2009
03:19 AM Post #6118727
| Well, Dave, I'm shocked! LOL! That I actually IDd one!
Can I move in your trees?
Two bits of info that I want to share about Tolumnia.
First: begginers/killers like me oughta love this little girl: it TALKS to you! If it doesn't have enough water (which recently happened because I've been away for over 1 week...) it's leaves get a reddish tinge! It blushes with fury if you "forget" about her! YES!
Mine is in a small clay pot, with expanded clay balls as media. She likes being watered almost every day/every other day in this dry El Paso house, or at least misted. I placed her in a bowl with stones, seashells and water, but that water evaoprates fast if not replenished (in about 3-4 days it's gone...)
Second, like Phals, it can give you a second spike from the spent stalk! So, don't cut it off, let it be! I'll take pics tomorrow! |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
February 10, 2009
11:11 AM Post #6119623
| Been missing your postings, Alex. Glad you are back with us. Every time I see an orchid I feel tempted, but...not yet.
Christi |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
March 25, 2009
03:50 PM Post #6318560
| Here are some of the first Dendrobiums of the season! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
AlohaHoya
Keaau, HI
(Zone 11)
March 26, 2009
01:49 AM Post #6321115
| OH Goofy...I missed this thread...and it is so much fun!!! You tell such beautiful stories...so funny, so clear, so feeling...and you laugh at yourself which is a gift... Now I am happy to be up to date and will follow along... I always thought orchids were prissy primadonnas...now I think of them as flashy divas or colorful clowns... They ARE fun.
Carol |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
March 26, 2009
05:06 PM Post #6323695
| Oh, Dave! Always beautiful flowers!
Nothing new on my orchid front... well, some are stagnant or worse... :o( Others started looking better, with fresh growth, no blooms though. But this keeps me going!
Christi, I really think you should try a couple! I know they are addicting (ask me how I know?). From all the orchids I have, the friendliest so far is the little Tolumnia. She likes bright light (some filtered sun, too), and she lets you know if you water properly. If not enough, the leaves turn a bit reddish. When you increase the watering, they revert to green. Right now she gets watered every other day, and "lives" in a bowl with shells, stones and water to increase the humidity. I must have been doing something good to her, she flowered while inside twice (on the same spike), and the blooms keep for about a month!
While I will never recommend, based on my experience, a Phalenopsis for a beginner, this is a good one!
I hope your MIL is better and on the route to recovery! Lots of health wishes going your way!
Carol, now that you've read my orchid saga (hmmm, I like that, "prissy primadonnas"!!!), what do you think about me trying Hoyas? I really hope I'll be better!
Hugs and best wishes for everyone!
Alexandra
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
AlohaHoya
Keaau, HI
(Zone 11)
March 26, 2009
05:36 PM Post #6323839
| Alexandra...if you understand orchids/epiphytics and semi epiphytics...you will have no trouble with hoyas. They essentially have the same growing requirements...they actually do well in the same 'soil' etc. |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
March 26, 2009
10:08 PM Post #6324985
| Hi Goofybulb. I am a beginner to Orchid's;-) The only one's that I have are Phalenopsis and they have been so easy for me. I am sorry that you advise against them. Hang in there.
These two have been in continual bloom for me since July 08 when I purchased them. They have never stopped blooming.
Rachel
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
March 26, 2009
10:12 PM Post #6324994
| 2nd phal.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
March 27, 2009
12:52 AM Post #6325635
| Rachel, they are beautiful!
I'm happy that your experience is positive, and I've heard many recommending Phalenopsis for beginners. Maybe you can share your tips and tricks for growing them, so that Christi (and others) would have a good start!
Unfortunately, Phals were very difficult to me even in a friendly environment like Miami. I will have to seal my wounds before trying them again, or suggesting/gifting them to my friends, but that's just me.
Sometimes I feel ashamed for my failures, but I still confess them, and hope to learn more...
Tomorrow I'll take some pics of my "towards better" group. That should give me hope that... one day I'll become a good gardener! (and that's my motto!)
Alexandra
|
AlohaHoya
Keaau, HI
(Zone 11)
March 27, 2009
01:31 AM Post #6325719
| Alexandra...that's my goal too...and I am 68!!! Everyday I learn more and more about growing and that's what makes growing plants so exciting for me!!!
|
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
March 27, 2009
09:00 AM Post #6326369
| Hi Alexandra and I too hope to one day be a whole lot better/knowledgable gardner as well;-) Patience has been a virtue for me for the most part and I still have a very long way to go!
I am sorry to say that I honestly can not add any tip's on the Phal's. Mine actually thrive off of neglect. No special soil, no special watering, etc. etc. Just potted up in good ole miraclegro potting soil and watered once a week. I have fertilized them only twice since I have had them.
Will look forward to your pic's. Wishing you a lovely day.
Rachel |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
March 27, 2009
10:18 AM Post #6326727
| Carol, NOOOOO! 34 more likely! I kinda like your confessions better, they surely are more about success than failure.
Rachel, I don't know how you do it, but regular potting soil is usually the doom of orchids, as they like to breathe through the roots. My Phal met its sad faith due to over-watering (had decomposed bark and moss holding water), and regular soil does this, keeps too much moisture around the roots at all times, leading to root rot.
Oh, well, I'm good with the theory, but bad with my results... |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
March 27, 2009
11:04 AM Post #6327016
| You have a beautiful and admirable collection Alexandra and that one pic of that "mother" vanilla is a "wowzer".
Best get back to work for now but it sure help's to come on here and look at lovely picture's to break up the monotony of a work day;-) |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
March 27, 2009
12:01 PM Post #6327277
| Wonderful pics from everyone! I can't grow orchids in pots for the life of me, but thrown on the ground and neglected seem to do far better than if I have my hands on them!
Hi Christi !
Welcome Rachel!
Jen |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
March 27, 2009
01:53 PM Post #6327799
| Thank you for the welcome Jen. I sure am enjoying being here;-)
Have a tremendous day.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
March 29, 2009
10:10 PM Post #6338232
| I have now joined the orchid group. A friend gave us one a couple weeks ago. It's still alive which means that we all lost on the bet on how long it would live. LOL!! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
March 29, 2009
10:23 PM Post #6338279
| Good, now ignore it as much as possible. :-) |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
March 30, 2009
12:43 AM Post #6338681
| Great, Pepper! I'm sure you'll do a great job with it! When are we going to see a picture of your new baby?
Hey, Kathleen!
If any of you go to Miami for a visit, you'll be able to see the Vanilla Mother in person!
Speaking of pictures, I'll post some tomorrow of the happy ones, my picture-managing program disappeared from my computer somehow, and the pics are huge unless I shrink them down (about 1.8Mb a piece...). I'm a computer klutz!
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
March 30, 2009
09:59 PM Post #6342912
| I will post a pic as soon as we get sunshine again. My house is surrounded by trees so unless there is sunlight the pics come out dark and a little weird looking. lol. |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
March 31, 2009
01:50 AM Post #6343724
| Looking forward to seeing the new "baby" Pepper! |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 01, 2009
09:41 PM Post #6352439
| I will be looking forward to a pic of your newest addiction Pepper as well;-)
I am going to go look for Alexandra new pic's;-)
Rachel
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 01, 2009
09:57 PM Post #6352498
| Here it is. Got a few good shots today. It's a WalMart orchid. lol 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 01, 2009
09:59 PM Post #6352507
| Pic 2. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 01, 2009
10:01 PM Post #6352514
| Pic 3. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 01, 2009
10:02 PM Post #6352516
| Pic 4. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 01, 2009
10:04 PM Post #6352520
| Pic 5 and last one. Lighting is terrible for the most part so I did hte best I could. lol 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
April 01, 2009
10:17 PM Post #6352596
| Oh Pepper, you did GOOD. Do you think you may catch a "fever" for them;-)
Rachel |
LouC
Desoto, TX
(Zone 8a)
April 01, 2009
10:18 PM Post #6352600
| Bless you heart, Amanda. I love, love it. I am just not up to tackling orchids yet. Afraid it will be another addiction that I can't afford. How's the job going? |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
April 02, 2009
10:52 AM Post #6354376
| Pepper, that is gorgeous!
These two are the best-looking, and the happiest of them all... well, except for the little Tolumnia, which gave me two rounds of blooms (on the same spike) that lasted between January and mid-March (about 1 month each round). But I've shown you the little girl.
This is the NOID Cattleya (the huge-flowered pink one, my first orchid). I'm so happy she's looking good, and she has 2 new growths, maybe I'll have a flower? She hasn't been repotted, and I wonder if I should do it. The red Cattleya crossed the rainbow, I didn't now and didn't have the courage to repot, and when I did, it was too late.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
April 02, 2009
10:57 AM Post #6354402
| And this is Cattleya loddigesii, again I have 2 new growths, and wonder if any will send a spike.
Then, looking good also, there are the two regular dendrobiums, one new pseudobulb each, but I didn't take their picture now. Maybe later, when I get them down for watering. One of them worries me a bit, because it's stuck between slabs of wood, and I wonder how long can it take until that wood goes bad and messes up the roots. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
April 02, 2009
01:46 PM Post #6355118
| Hey Alexandra, chopped up wood would make a good growing medium for some orchids! |
pepper23
KC Metro area, MO
(Zone 5b)
April 02, 2009
09:27 PM Post #6357079
| That will be our only orchid. We have no room for any more and don't have enough light either. As it is most of my tropicals are downstairs now awaiting warmer weather because the ants invaded my room again. lol. They are paying for it now since we stuck a bunch of terro out. lol
Christi, the job is going good. Been mainly stocking because it has been too cold for most plants. But next week they have a huge shipment coming in and I will be out there alot more taking care of the plants. I will have to close it up at the end of the day though since we will be in the 20s at night. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
April 09, 2009
03:09 PM Post #6387672
| Finally getting that camera figured out.
Here's some more Orchid shots!
Spathoglottis plicata.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
April 09, 2009
03:21 PM Post #6387719
| Phaius tankervilleae. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
April 09, 2009
03:35 PM Post #6387773
| Dendrobium X 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Islandshari
Kwajalein
Marshall Islands
(Zone 11)
April 09, 2009
07:14 PM Post #6388665
| Beautiful Dave! These are all growing wild? Or are they cultivated? Regardless, they are exquisite!
Yokwe,
Shari |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
April 09, 2009
07:24 PM Post #6388715
| Wonderful, Dave! You are naughty! Now I fell in love with Phaius! Beautiful closeup on the Dendrobium! What am I saying? I love them all!
Mary (mpabbott1), are you still with us on the thread? Happy birthday! Hope you're having the time of your life!
Hugs,
Alexandra
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Texasgal77
Baytown, TX
(Zone 9a)
April 22, 2009
11:44 PM Post #6450691
| Those are beautiful, Dave! Hi Alex! Hope you are doing well!
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 02, 2009
02:25 AM Post #6491983
| Hi all!
I'm a newbie to the community. I live in Singapore, and I grow some orchids on my high-rise balcony. I'm afraid they come in for benevolent neglect, but it seems to suit them.
This is a phalaenopsis, though I've lost the labels, so I don't know exactly what it is. If you look very hard, you'll see another spray of phalaenopsis in the background. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
May 02, 2009
12:22 PM Post #6493264
| The photo's of the orchids are just breathtaking - no wonder they become such and addiction!
Aloha Gangajay, and welcome to TZG, so glad you have popped in! Your balcony garden must look beautiful with the orchids blooming, I take it that you don't have full, direct sun?
Jenn |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
May 02, 2009
01:27 PM Post #6493530
| Welcome, Gagajay! I've never had luck with phals! I grow simple things that survive on my windowsill or outside - with probably more neglect than yours! LOL
Kathleen |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 02, 2009
02:23 PM Post #6493684
| just woke up! How lazy am I these days???
Gangajay, welcome to TZG! That's a beauty you're having! Please show us more. I don't care too much for labels, but if any of my plants have it, it's OK. I know many others care a lot for the proper names and cultivars, but I always go for (in my eyes) beautiful flowers, diverse colors and fragrance! Yessss, fragrance, if possible, I would have only scented flowers!
Like Kathleen, no luck here with phals. But then, I'm still learning and fighting for my orchids. maybe another time, in another location (other than the desert...) I'll give them another try.
Hugs,
Alexandra
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
May 02, 2009
06:56 PM Post #6494617
| I have a Miltonia that smells wonderful when it blooms and hope that I can persuade it again. Now every time I see one in a store, I have to run over and stick my nose in the pot! |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 02, 2009
10:28 PM Post #6495356
| Hi all,
Thanks for the welcome!
Jenn, you're right, I get very little direct sun, except right at the front of the balcony.
I think the trick with Phalaenopsis is just to be patient. For ages, mine just produced keikis rather than flowers, which was nice if irritating. Then, tragically, one phal produced a flower spike which some careless person brushed against and broke off before the flowers opened (grrr).
Finally, after a couple of years (!) two plants flowered, but just before I left to spend Christmas with my sister! LOL
This is a shot of the other phal 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 02, 2009
10:32 PM Post #6495378
| Alexandra, here's another mystery orchid which is blooming right now. I can't even recall what species this is.
Ganga
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 02, 2009
10:38 PM Post #6495403
| And for all orchid lovers out there, here's a photo from an orchid show organised last year here in Singapore. It's a good job I only took a limited supply of cash with me, or I'd have been bankrupted!
Ganga
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 02, 2009
11:02 PM Post #6495495
| I could die right now and I'd die happy! Such beautiful blooms!
My take (but I'm absolutely no expert) is that your mistery flower is a brassavola, but I don't know which. Is it fragrant? Brassavola nodosa (I have one but no blooms yet) is said to be.
Just lovely, Gangajay! Yeah, I kinda know what you mean with the bankruptcy... he, he! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
May 02, 2009
11:49 PM Post #6495663
| If that's what that white one is, Alexandra, I want one! Very pretty and, like you, I like fragrant orchids. |
extranjera
Mérida
Mexico
(Zone 11)
May 03, 2009
01:56 AM Post #6495931
| Beautiful pics Gangajay and welcome. I have killed one Phal and I have one other that seems to be OK but then I haven't looked at the roots on it. I don't want to jinx it and have it die too. It was a gift and I've no idea what it is either. I need to mount it but the last one died when I started messing with it so I'm a little leery. Do you have yours in some kind of medium or mounted? Patience eh? Maybe that's my problem. |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 03, 2009
07:28 AM Post #6496199
| Hi all,
Yes I think it might be a brassavola. I think it's night-scented (some orchids here are like that).
Hi Extranjera. Most of the orchids are mounted, with a little moss tucked among the roots to start them off. Some of the dendrobiums are in pots with charcoal. I'm not a particularly patient person myself, but I think I gave up thinking about them for a while, which seemed to work! :)
The photo shows the block of fern root the orchids are mounted on. They are next to a water-feature.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
May 03, 2009
08:55 PM Post #6499419
| WOW! all these orchids are so awesome!!! i love the catleya's the most, anyway i posted a thread on my vanda so if you can help me over their i'd apreciate it!!!! |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
May 03, 2009
09:28 PM Post #6499611
| More Dendrobiums! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
May 03, 2009
09:50 PM Post #6499707
| Wild bunch! Another shot of the Philippine Ground Orchid, Spathoglottis plicata. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
extranjera
Mérida
Mexico
(Zone 11)
May 04, 2009
03:29 PM Post #6503418
| Gorgeous!
I think my remaining Phal is sending out new buds on the old bloom stalk. I didn't cut it off when the blooms faded and now I see buds starting again. I really need to take a look at the roots and perhaps mount it, I think I'll wait for the rains as it is so dry and hot now it is hard to spray them often enough. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 04, 2009
05:11 PM Post #6503886
| Dave, beautiful as always! You make it look so easy!
ArchAngeL01, hello and welcome! I'll go to your thread, but I'm no expert... my most desperate dream is to keep my orchids alive and happy! |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
May 04, 2009
10:49 PM Post #6505439
| Hi Gangajay, do I detect a Syngonium in your latest pic's?
Enjoying the pic's from Singapore!
Rachel |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 04, 2009
11:07 PM Post #6505521
| Here's the Phals I have blooming right now. These are all plants that were given to me by people who had gotten them as gifts and couldn't get them to bloom again. No tags, but pretty anyway. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 04, 2009
11:10 PM Post #6505533
| This spike has 15 blooms on it. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 04, 2009
11:16 PM Post #6505566
| This is one I grew. P. Taisuco Ladylip. Only 6 blooms on this spike. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 04, 2009
11:18 PM Post #6505585
| This cute little hybrid has been blooming for months. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
May 04, 2009
11:40 PM Post #6505677
| Arrrghhh! Why did you get all the plant genes in the family? Glad you have a lot of pretties around you, though, Sis. |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
May 04, 2009
11:46 PM Post #6505700
| Sally_OR, is about to send some in a Lust zone factor;-)
Your doing real good Sally_OR! |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 05, 2009
12:09 AM Post #6505770
| I have my orchids, but you have that fabulous garden!! |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 05, 2009
12:11 AM Post #6505779
| Thank you, it's hit and miss sometimes, but it's fun. |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
May 05, 2009
02:58 PM Post #6508271
| how hardy do you think the decidious dendrobiums could be? call me crazy but i haven't seen a decidious dendrobium in about 4 years ,:( i do love them tho , thnxx for the welcome! hehe , does anybody have any cuttings of decidious dendrobium that i can have? thnxx , sorry if i missspelled a buncha stuff lol |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
May 05, 2009
03:27 PM Post #6508420
| What is a decidious Dendrobium? |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
May 05, 2009
03:36 PM Post #6508452
| it's a dendrobium that goes dormant in the winter and drops it's leaves ,like a deciduous tree lol read this article (the last paragraph) |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
May 05, 2009
04:22 PM Post #6508647
| Thanks ArchAngel, I didn't know they did that. Apparently many species are like that. I do have a number of Dendrobiums that have dropped leaves! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
May 05, 2009
06:06 PM Post #6509097
| and after the resting period(dormancy) they are suppose to bloom as if it was spring |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 05, 2009
06:10 PM Post #6509118
| Hi!
Rachel, if you're asking about the photo with the water feature, then the tiny orchid plant next to the phal is an ionopsis paniculata (at least I still have the label for this one!)
Those photos are great - I love those dendrobiums Metrosideros! And the phals put up by Sally too. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
May 05, 2009
06:40 PM Post #6509268
| Hey, Sally! Great flowers!
I've had no idea about the leafless ones either, Gangajay. Live and learn, all my life. I'll have to read into them... |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
May 05, 2009
11:46 PM Post #6510859
| I have never heard of an orchid going into a decidious period either but heck...I think I learned that some plant's here do as well though. I need to get out more;-)
Gangajay. Maybe we are not seeing the same two plant's that I was referring to?
This one, you do have showing in your latest pic's ;-)
Thank's for sharing all that you grow there.
Rachel
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
May 06, 2009
03:15 AM Post #6511218
| Thank you. My dendrobiums mostly loose their leaves, but bloom on a new cane. Sometimes on an old one, but not often. |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 06, 2009
04:28 AM Post #6511275
| Hi Rachel,
Yes of course you're right. That'll teach me to post a reply before I've had my morning coffee! There are two clumps - one in the big terracotta pot, and the other in a smaller pot next to the water. It really appreciates the extra moisture. I have another variety which has pink-tinged leaves.
There's another small orchid which is just putting out two stalks. I'll put up a photo once it's in bloom. |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
May 06, 2009
12:35 PM Post #6512697
| Just beautiful! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
May 06, 2009
06:50 PM Post #6514130
| does anybody want to share any dendrobium canes/cuttings? |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
May 06, 2009
09:52 PM Post #6514977
| Ganga, thank's for adding the "tip" on this certain Syngonium plant. I have several but the one that I posted seem's to thrive better in a more humid environment. The leave's feel almost like velvet vs. the other's that I have. I will place this one near an in-door water fountain that I have.
Thank's much and I will look forward to viewing more pic's from you;-)
Rachel |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 31, 2009
07:27 PM Post #6623646
| Hi all,
Here's the latest set of blooms. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 31, 2009
07:30 PM Post #6623660
| And here's a close-up. I bought this at the orchid show last year. I also bought an ionopsis paniculata last year which is about to bloom for the first time! It has very pretty flowers, like pale pink lobelia. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
May 31, 2009
07:34 PM Post #6623672
| There are several stalks blooming at about the same time on this orchid (yet again I've lost the label). It blooms fairly frequently here. The picture's not very clear, but you can make out three stalks. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
June 01, 2009
10:58 AM Post #6626274
| Beautiful, Gangajay! Looks like a very healthy plant, too. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 02, 2009
02:34 PM Post #6631806
| Gangajay, they are beautiful! You're doing good! |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
June 03, 2009
12:33 PM Post #6636374
| What a lovely plant Gangajay - thanks for posting. |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 04, 2009
07:32 PM Post #6642981
| I wish I could claim credit, but I think they grow so well because this climate here is their natural one. I did buy some fertilizer from a stand at the orchid show last year which seems to work. |
Sally_OR
Eugene, OR
June 05, 2009
01:11 AM Post #6644378
| Wish I could grow mine outside. That's beautiful!! |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 05, 2009
12:41 PM Post #6646101
| Here is the first of the Oncidium 'Wildcats' for the season. I think this one is called 'Jaguar'! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
June 05, 2009
02:45 PM Post #6646579
| Oh WOW - those blooms are spectacular! They look as if they are growing "wild" in your garden, or are they in a pot? How very pretty. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 05, 2009
02:58 PM Post #6646628
| Hi Jen, they are growing in an 'Ohi'a tree. I grow most of my Orchids in trees; it's much easier than caring for them in pots. |
tropicbreeze
noonamah
Australia
June 05, 2009
08:10 PM Post #6648006
| On the comments about deciduous orchids, there are literally hundreds, if not thousands, which are deciduous. Especially amongst the terrestrial ones. They usually come from wet/dry monsoonal climates. |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 05, 2009
08:47 PM Post #6648110
| Those oncidiums are gorgeous! I'd love to see more pictures of your orchids, Metrosideros! Here in Singapore the parks board plants orchids on roadside trees. Mostly the pigeon orchid, dendrobium crumenatum, but the other day I spotted a red renanthera on a tree. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera with me. |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 09, 2009
05:35 PM Post #6665006
| Hey, Dave, that is a beauty! Where does it grow for you? Up in a tree or close to the ground? |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 10, 2009
01:54 AM Post #6667233
| It's about six foot up in a tree; I'll show the whole plant in the morning. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 10, 2009
06:24 PM Post #6670111
| This 'Wildcat' was tied on this tree about seven years ago. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 10, 2009
06:35 PM Post #6670155
| That is a happy plant! Thank you, Dave, for showing it!
The leaves on the right, they look shiny like a gardenia? Or a citrus of some kind?
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 10, 2009
06:39 PM Post #6670174
| Here is Vanilla, beginning to produce. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 10, 2009
06:46 PM Post #6670216
| Hi Alexandra, that's Gardenia augusta 'Mystery'! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 10, 2009
06:57 PM Post #6670259
| Yeah, that was my first choice! Did she flower for you this season? The Vanilla looks glorious! I think you'll have a good bean harvest!
My Gardenia looks quite sad, but she flowered for me last week! Not as many blooms as last year! makes me wonder if she misses the moving truck... last year she was a wonder after our trip, LOL!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
June 10, 2009
07:04 PM Post #6670287
| I'd love to be able to grow orchids in trees - very pretty. Gardenias fry here, too, so I'm glad to see your picture, Alexandra. |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 10, 2009
07:11 PM Post #6670318
| Gardenia season is just now ending.
Here is Veitchii.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 10, 2009
07:41 PM Post #6670466
| Kathleen, mine is in a big pot, and I can move it (well, my hubby can...). During winter, she stayed in the garage, and now it's receiving some morning sun and late afternoon, being in the shade the rest of the day. Same spot she had last year, when she was in all her glory. The wind here doesn't help...
Why can't you grow orchids in the trees? I think Miami was 10b as well, and I've seen some up in trees.
Veitchii is very pretty, Dave, slightly different than what I have, mine was ID'd here (by you!! I think that was our first encounter?) as Veitchii too, possibly 'Mistery' variety. Love the fragrance, my patio smelled wonderful from just a couple of flowers! |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
June 11, 2009
12:06 AM Post #6671708
| Very dry here usually, Alexandra and we have little cover from the sun. The only shade is under the pine trees, which puts plants right in the way of the wind and they get late afternoon sun, which is the worst. I bought a gardenia this spring and it was doing good until we had a weird heat wave and it fried - even in the screened room. The air just dessicates some things. Right now we have finished our May gray and are deep into June gloom, which is very heavy this year - so the plumeria are chomping at the bit for some heat. Sometimes ya just can't win. :-) |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 11, 2009
05:07 AM Post #6672162
| I'd love to grow vanilla, but I've never seen any plants for sale here. Are they easy to cultivate? |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 15, 2009
01:17 AM Post #6688787
| vanilla takes many many years too bloom fyi |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 15, 2009
04:02 PM Post #6691645
| Gangajay, if you're in US, Logees carries two varieties: one regular, and one variegated. I've ordered once from them a present for a friend, and the quality impressed her!
If you can grow orchids (and judging by your pics, you do!) you can grow a vanilla.
What Arch says is true, they need to grow some before they flower. I have yet to see one that flowers in pots, but growing wild or in similar conditions (like Dave's vanillas, going up and down in a tree) they are very happy! At the nursery I saw them, they were started in soil around a tree, and literally climbed and filled/hugged the tree going up and down! The soil roots receive the rains, and the aerial roots take some, but they also absorb water from the humid air.
Alexandra |
KaperC
No. San Diego Co., CA
(Zone 10b)
June 15, 2009
06:17 PM Post #6692203
| Humid air - that tears it for me! :-( |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 15, 2009
07:47 PM Post #6692617
| As Alexandra pointed out, Vanilla needs a lot of room. They like to grow up trees. A healthy vine will grow several feet per year.
It is good to grow Vanilla on small trees or on a trellis so the flowers can be reached to fertilize them.
I have seen Vanilla on an extended arbor way that was very attractive, with Vanilla vines draping over white painted arbors.
Make sure you get traditional Vanilla planifolia. If you want to grow for Vanilla beans, avoid the variegated type as it is not as vigorous a plant as the plain type.
Aloha, Dave
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 15, 2009
10:32 PM Post #6693405
| Hi all,
Ok thanks for the info. I don't think I'll have room for something that grows that large! No I don't live in the States, I live in Singapore, but there are many orchid farms here, so it's possible that some of them may sell vanilla orchids. Oh well. Kaper, don't regret the lack of humidity. It can be agony at times! Sometimes the humidity here is almost 100%, and most of the year it's very high (along with the heat), so you often feel like you're in a steam room! You can be drenched with perspiration after climbing a flight of stairs. Still, it does mean that orchids grow here very easily, which is why the parks board here plants wild orchids on roadside trees. |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 20, 2009
03:05 PM Post #6715690
| i acheived proper humidity by misting twice a day for a year and my orchid bloomed ,but boy was it a task UGH not worth it if you ask me but that was a phaleanopsis other orchids are more rewarding like my favorite is the cattleya and the oncidium hybrids i love any orchid with frangrance they smell so good but unusual as well , so smile and go get an orchid in bloom and when it dies get a refund and buy another one lol :-) |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 20, 2009
07:01 PM Post #6716508
| Yes, phalaenopsis can really test your patience. For ages mine gave me nothing but keikis, which although nice, weren't as nice as flowers. So now I have at least five phalaenopsis plants from my original two. But only two have bloomed in all that time. On the other hand my dendrobiums bloom regularly. Still, the phal blooms are amazing.
I think if I had to mist them twice a day I'd give up. You certainly have a lot of perseverance, ArchAngel! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 21, 2009
12:12 AM Post #6717587
| i have one orchid rite now and it is a vanda it's growing on my palmtree houseplant :D of course never bloomed yet :-( |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 21, 2009
03:37 AM Post #6717851
| I've never had any luck with vandas. Most of the ones grown here need full sun, and I only have a balcony that's shaded half the year. |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 21, 2009
03:46 AM Post #6717853
| condo? |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 21, 2009
08:08 AM Post #6718143
| Yup. Housing here is really expensive, so most people live in apartments. The balcony faces south, so it really only gets sun from September to March. I would love to live in a house with a garden, but I'd have to win the lottery first! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 22, 2009
02:54 AM Post #6721634
| i use to live in a condo it is horrible lol now i got a huge yard with a garden and all my favorite palms :D i hope u get one oneday |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 22, 2009
04:35 AM Post #6721694
| Me too, although I'll miss the view :) . There are some compensations for living high up. But yes, a big garden would definitely be wonderful.
You can see a bit of the view from my apartment in this photo of a hibiscus acetosella.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 24, 2009
05:51 PM Post #6733609
| Here is an unusual little Dendrobium.
This one is not deciduous.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 25, 2009
06:35 AM Post #6735740
| That's very pretty. It seems to be growing on a tree? |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 26, 2009
04:00 AM Post #6740330
| i saw this orchid at hd that was terrestrial and had pink flowers that looked like a cattleya it was called a bamboo orchid know about it? |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 26, 2009
07:56 AM Post #6740630
| Hi,
It's probably arundina graminifolia. According to one of my books (Orchid Growing in the Tropics), it is a full sun terrestrial orchid. I've seen it growing in gardens and by the side of the road here. I don't have a picture I can post, but I'm sure it's in the Plantfiles. Did you buy it? |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 26, 2009
01:50 PM Post #6741843
| The Bamboo Orchid, Arundina graminifolia. Wild in Hawai'i! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 26, 2009
08:28 PM Post #6743262
| That's gorgeous. I've never been to Hawaii, and now that I've seen all your photos, I'm definitely putting it on my travel wish list! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 26, 2009
10:42 PM Post #6743878
| yeah it was beutifull i diddnt buy it coz i was 5$ short ,it was 20$ for a 5 gallon so i bought a butterfly ginger for 15$ instead (at least its hardy here) lol wish i cood have got it tho :P |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
June 27, 2009
07:09 PM Post #6746937
| Dave, I love that Dendrobium, and the Bamboo orchid! Is it a species, or a hybrid - the Dendrobium?
Arch, you have to go back and get that bamboo orchid! It's beautiful! |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
June 27, 2009
08:15 PM Post #6747170
| The Dendrobium is supposed to be a wild species. I can't find a species to match though. The flowers measure 1 1/2 inches by 1 inch. I've been given a number of species over the years by nursery folks who say "It's a rare plant but I don't know what it is"! I still have several unknowns; this is one of them.
Here's another shot!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
June 27, 2009
11:07 PM Post #6747860
| rather get those palms im addicted got a habit of 20$ a day addiction lol |
Braveheartsmom
Kihei, HI
(Zone 11)
June 28, 2009
02:11 AM Post #6748272
| I sure wish those bamboo orchids were wild in my area, what lovely plants you have in your garden Dave. |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
June 30, 2009
06:13 AM Post #6757571
| Here's the ionopsis. It's finally bloomed! The flowers are very small, about 2cm across at the widest point and about 2cm in length. I'll get another photo when the whole inflorescence is open.
Arch, I know what you mean about an addiction. There's always some plant you HAVE to get, even though there's no room for it!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
July 01, 2009
12:58 AM Post #6762126
| yepp and when im out of the $$$$$$$ i always ALWAYS work something out to where i can get this plant that im so amazed by and want :P hope i can always werk it out :) 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
July 01, 2009
12:59 AM Post #6762127
| thats a siam ruby banana one i just HAD to get :P |
Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
July 01, 2009
01:22 AM Post #6762160
| Hey ArchAngel, is that Banana, Musa acuminata 'Rubra'?
Interesting to hear of all the talk on the expense of Orchids, etc. I bought a Haemaria discolor, Jewel Orchid, several years ago for $2.00. It's the only Orchid I ever purchased! |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 01, 2009
02:52 PM Post #6764159
| Dave, I love how your Dendrobium lives on the tree! You are so lucky to be able to give them the most natural conditions! Your flowers remind me of one of my NOID Dends (however, I think mine is a hybrid). But mine doesn't have the wavy-curly lips (see also the 7th pic in this thread for a close-up).
Yeah, Orchids can be pretty expensive here, on the continent, and in Europe, too. The cheapest I've ever seen were small seedlings for $5 each.
Gangajay, that's a beautiful little orchid! Love the blooms!
Arch, I am not yet bitten by the banana disease, I love bananas but I have none. But I can surely understand your passion, and that's a beautiful plant!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
|
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
July 01, 2009
10:36 PM Post #6766279
| I am still enjoying all the Orchid bloom's everyone.
Dave, the Phal's and the Dendro's both sale here for around $20-25.00 dollar's a piece. The three different Phalaenopsis that I purchased last year were not cheap but have alway's been in bloom and still are. Thank goodness the Orchid bug has not grabbed me to purchase more.
Rachel |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
July 02, 2009
01:03 AM Post #6766802
| yes go bananas please hahahah and the banana is MUSA acuminata 'SIAM RUBY' |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 02, 2009
04:45 AM Post #6767042
| Yes, almost all of mine were purchases. They are a little cheaper here cos orchids are a significant export. I've always wanted to grow cymbidiums but they need a cooler climate :( . Dave, I am amazed you only ever purchased one orchid! How did you manage that?
I've never thought of bananas as an ornamental plant! It's beautiful, Arch! Does it fruit? Over here they are just grown for culinary purposes. Have any of you tried eating the flower? It can be cooked as a vegetable and it tastes pretty good.
I bought the ionopsis after seeing a prizewinning specimen at last year's flower show. The picture's a little blurry. It was very difficult to get close to the plants, not to mention having to snap a shot quickly before I was mown down by irate orchid lovers anxious to take their own photos! LOL
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 04, 2009
04:31 AM Post #6775669
| On the subject of cymbidiums, a question for the Hawaiian gardeners: is it cool enough for you to grow them there? I believe they need cooler nights to flower, and it rarely gets below 27C at night here, so I wondered if your climate was better for them. |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
July 07, 2009
10:48 PM Post #6791529
| Gangajay, I am going to show you just how "ignorant" I am on Orchid's. The last photo you posted of a, aionopsis...I have never seen an Orchid plant bloom like that before. It's lovely though.
Rachel |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 08, 2009
02:12 AM Post #6792057
| Rachel, until I saw them at the show, I'd never heard of ionopsis either. In fact, when I first saw it I didn't think it was an orchid. It seems to be commonly known as the Violet Orchid. I don't know where it originates, or anything much about its growing conditions. I just thought it was very pretty. The show was interesting because it featured many small and miniature orchids. The top prize at the show went to a very tiny orchid. The whole plant, blooms included was no bigger than the size of my palm. I'll post a picture later, but it's very fuzzy. |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
July 08, 2009
02:17 PM Post #6793811
| this particular banana is extreamly new to the market and it is unknown weather it fruits or not,however all bananas fruit but most are seedy and inedible,this one is grown for its beutifull tropical appearance and variegated foliage,i have fruiting banana's as well but i havn't got my first harvest yet,i just moved so im looking forward to it,i never thought of eating the flowers! id leave it for fruit!! i geuss its so common there u guys have countless banana flowers :-) |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 08, 2009
06:25 PM Post #6794892
| Hi Arch, I think it's from the part of the flower at the end of the bunch. I'll have to ask my grandmother. She has a banana plant (or mini banana jungle to be more accurate) at the back of her house, and we usually get the banana flowers from her (not to mention tasty bananas!).
Ok here's the mini orchid from the show last year. I think it's hilarious the way the cup totally dwarfs the plant! Unfortunately it was in a cordoned off area, and I only have a point and shoot camera, so this is the best I could do. I have no idea what species it is.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
July 08, 2009
08:24 PM Post #6795377
| Most common Orchids cost from $5 to $8 here; usually Dendrobiums, Oncidiums, or Phalenopsis. Rare Orchids cost more. The Garden Exchange in Hilo is a great place to find unusual types, for a decent price.
I have been given most of my Orchid plants, or gotten cuttings, from friends and neighbors. I would buy Angraecum Orchids for my Madagascar garden, but I've never seen any for sale, and don't know anyone who has any.
Are there any nurseries that flask (propagate) Orchids in Florida, Texas, or California? That would greatly reduce their cost.
Thailand has a lot of Orchid flasking businesses setting up which are supposed to give Hawai'i a lot of competition for Orchid sales in Japan, Hong Kong, and maybe the USA.
The photo shows why some Orchids show up in Hawaiian gardens as volunteers. It is Spathoglottis plicata producing seeds! When the seed capsules ripen, they split open and the tiny dust-like seeds go floating in the breeze.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Metrosideros
Keaau, HI
July 08, 2009
08:37 PM Post #6795428
| Okay to slip an Orchid Cactus in here? 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 09, 2009
04:59 AM Post #6796695
| Wow that must be a nice surprise to see these volunteers. That's a nice orchid cactus, Metrosideros. The bloom looks very large. My grandmother used to have one called 'Queen of the Night'.
Do you have differently themed gardens? (since you mentioned a Madagascar one). That's really cool.
Sharing plants is great. I share herb cuttings with some of my friends. Most of my orchids were bought at fund raising bazaars, so I think I probably paid more than they were worth, but it was for a good cause. And they had babies, so that was good! |
ArchAngeL01
Myrtle Beach, SC
(Zone 8b)
July 09, 2009
03:11 PM Post #6798473
| i like to plant orchids between my palm trees leaf bases/petioles |
RachelLF
Rural Retreat, VA
July 09, 2009
05:35 PM Post #6799062
| Gangajay, what a sweet little Orchid and Dave, nice bloom on your Orchid Cactus.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 20, 2009
11:15 PM Post #6844694
| I'm sorry I've been missing... but everyone has beautiful pictures of beautiful plants! Thanks, GJ and Dave!
Of course the Orchid Cactus is wellcome! My Grandma used to have a huge one, I admired it for most of my life back home, though now I don't think we have it anymore. A beautiful red, day-flowering, every year full of flowers. I didn't know how they were called here, until a November night when I visited forums not known to me here, and I found the "Orchid Cactus Forum". That's when I found out their common and scientific names.
Late last fall, I've been gifted several cuttings of various types of Epiphyllums, most of them NOIDs (which really doesn't matter for me), but also 3 species and 2 named cultivars. Also purchased two more, both supposedly fragrant (a red and a pink). I am training my patience, so I'll be very happy when they'll start flowering.
Dave, do you have others as well? Is yours fragrant? Please show us more!
I wanted to tell you about the seedlings. I never tried them, as I was told they are fussier than the bigger plants (or divisions). The nursery I used to visit while in Miami has an internet offer this month, for vandaceous seedlings of their own crosses, 10 for $60, which I think it's a nice price. However, for some states (HI, AZ), the required phyto certificate rises the cost too much!
I have not found an orchid nursery close to me here, though there are some nurseries in TX, they are in the east and central TX. There is one in Phoenix, AZ, and I promised myself I'll go there when in Phoenix. We cannot find orchids cheap, not even Home Depot or the superstore here would sell an orchid for under $10! The species and named ones, we cannot find them in a box-store, well, not usually.
I still believe that on the continent the orchids are regarded as special plants, thus the higher costs? You have good friends and neighbors, that is for sure!
One of my expensive orchids (that died, btw) I bought together with my friend (it was $55), and when we left for El Paso, I didn't have the guts to divide her. After many "you take it", "no, you take it" it was decided to be mine - bad decision, it would have lived happily in Miami!
The same friend gifted me the little Tolumnia, in one of my visits to Miami last July-August. That is one of my happy campers here!
I cannot imagine how nice can it be to have seedlings growing in your garden! You have the blessed conditions for it!
Hugs,
Alexandra |
ToucanOasis
Tilaran
Costa Rica
July 22, 2009
07:27 PM Post #6852569
| For those of you that may have problems growing Phals.
I use clay orchid pots...with the slots...and a fifty / fifty mix of one to two inch red lava rock and charcoal.
The nurseries grow mostly in sphagnum for the speed of development but this is done under very controlled watering regimens.
It often fails for the average hobbyist.
Tree fern works good too but the idiots rip 30 year old plants from the rainforest and shred them to sell to the slimy likes of Homeless Despot and Walmart.
Nice collection you have there. You have got the bug. I'd say you'll have a couple hundred in the next 5 years.
I bought 2 for my wife in 1986. In 1992 I had over 3000 which hurricane Andrew quickly destroyed. I have about 600 in cultivation and maybe 100 growing wild. Love 'em !
Here's my all time favorite which grows wild here.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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ToucanOasis
Tilaran
Costa Rica
July 22, 2009
07:28 PM Post #6852573
| Here is my second favorite growing wild. Fragrant too ! 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 23, 2009
11:03 AM Post #6855073
| Toucan, beautiful orchids, and also so unusual forms!
I think that my Phal problem was indeed the potting mix. However, until I gathered the courage to move her into a bark-charcoal mix, her roots were almost gone. It lingered for about a month or two, and then I applied the "coup-de-grace" by moving in the desert. Once it started to decline, there was no way back!
I certainly got the bug! I think I learned a lot from my orchids, I was intimidated by them, even afraid of them! I'm still struggling to find the best conditions for them, given my location. It will not be soon, I believe, my next purchase... The emotional distress for every lost orchid, plus the financial aspect with some measure, keep me from purchases right now.
I have 2 more years of being in El Paso. If we're going to get out of the desert then (any place that has more than 30% humidity in the driest months would do, I think), I am sure the first thing I'll buy in the new place will be an orchid!
(I already have chosen which!!!!) |
goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 24, 2009
06:06 PM Post #6860854
| OK, my friends! Over the ocean and on the Old Continent, my sister got bitten by the Orchid Bug! Mission accomplished? I dunno! maybe she should have more than one to declare a full-fledged disease, but it's a start.
And guess what? She's trying my Nemesis... the Phalenopsis. Lookie here!
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 25, 2009
07:59 PM Post #6864975
| Hi Alexandra, nice to have you back! Good to hear you've made another orchid convert! Hi Toucan! Those are beautiful orchids. What species is the one in the first picture?
The ionopsis is now fully in bloom.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
July 25, 2009
08:01 PM Post #6864984
| And check out the brassavola: it has sent out THREE stalks. I've never seen so many on this one before. 
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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goofybulb
El Paso, TX
(Zone 8a)
July 29, 2009
10:18 PM Post #6882922
| Gangajay, I'm never completely gone! Yes, things happen sometimes, internet failure, a migraine, insomnia followed by too much sleep, worries for the family back home, a bad mood (I avoid posting or phoning then)... But I always come back.
The Ionopsis has such delicate flowers! And I took my Brassavola and showed her your photo! She should see what she is supposed to do! |
Gangajay
Marine Parade
Singapore
August 02, 2009
06:04 AM Post #6896744
| Gosh Alexandra, I hope you're taking it easy. Don't get too stressed.
I like that you showed your brassavola the photo! I often talk to my plants when they're not behaving.
Here's something else which has started to flower. It's a small dendrobium.
Click the image for an enlarged view.
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