pcporter on wed 14 jan 98

Can anyone recommend a good supplier for orchid plants? You know, the
usual, good quality, service, and prices. Appreciate it.

Denise zone 9 who is having a really hard time not joining in on all
the blatant sexism going on. But I resolved to behave this year

pcporter on thu 15 jan 98

Thanks, Kay. Word of mouth is always helpful.

Denise

Kay Lancaster wrote:

Kay Lancaster on thu 15 jan 98

> Can anyone recommend a good supplier for orchid plants? You know, the
> usual, good quality, service, and prices. Appreciate it.

I've ordered some really nice plants in bud from Hausermann Orchids,
near Chicago. Big hits, according to the giftees.

Kay Lancaster kay@fern.com

pcporter on fri 16 jan 98

> Just thought I'd
> let you know what I found out.

Jane,

I checked out their web page, too. I like what I saw, and their
prices are really reasonable. Thanks for all the info.

Denise

I like the idea about the orchid in your office. I'll have to try that
sometime

Jane Burdekin on fri 16 jan 98

Denise,
Here is their web site, I'm going to check it out at lunch time. Jane

http://home.earthlink.net/~fantorchids/plist.html#ONCS

Jane Burdekin on fri 16 jan 98

Denise,
The plot thickens, I went there for lunch. Of course I have a new orchid
for my office, I don't dare take it home yet. Have to wait until I can
say, Oh I've had that for a long time. It's a little tiny Dendrobium
canaliculatum with two flower stalks. It says long lasting and fragrant.
The greenhouse is pretty large, with lots of different kinds of orchids,
and only orchids. They had some that had wonderful smells, a great upper
for lunch hour tour. I didn't see any that were for sale that were over
$35 which I thought was pretty good for orchids. I also got a bag of
potting meduim that they are using made out of old used tires. They said
they had been using it for 1.5 yrs and it seems to do very well, maybe
because it gets cool at night, and warms up in the day. Just thought I'd
let you know what I found out.

Jane

Terri Bear on thu 23 apr 98

Gardening friends,

This is my first post to this list and I have been on here for over a year..
My "SO" gave me a very pretty orchid for Easter and I would love some advice
on how to take care of it. I am pretty excited about this as I love
Orchids and have always wanted to go them.

Please feel free to respond to me at terrij@cris.com or terrij@ee.net.

Thanks,

Terri

HolzwarthA on thu 23 apr 98

What type of orchid plant is it. There are several kinds with different
needs.
Anne in MA

Sohini Baliga on fri 30 apr 99

Hi all --

It's been forever since I participated in this list, but as always, I'm
glad you're still on the net since I have a gardening question.

I was at a fundraiser last week, where we got to take home the center
pieces -- orchids. Mine is a pink one, the little stake in it says

Milt. Saint Helier "Lavender Charm"

How do I take care of it?

Please email me backchannel if possible.

Thanks,
S.

Tri-County Central Office Inc. on fri 30 apr 99

This URL will give you general information on Miltonia. This is a feature of
the American Orchid Society.

http://orchidweb.org/orchids/az/index.html

Good Luck.

Tom Church
Tri-County Central Office Inc.
Tampa, FL
trico@ij.net
http://www.ij.net/trico

MargaretE Millard on sat 3 feb 01

I am so pleased...after years of me dreaming, I was given an orchid for
Christmas. Or rather I was given the paperwork and on Tuesday we picked
one up. I don't know the name, the tag was removed when he packed it up.
From my indoor gardening books of old I think it would be what they call
a Pansy faced one, as compared to a lady slipper type. It was so
expensive...but is so lovely.
It is in the bathroom both for the higher humidity, on a try of pea
stones and the protection from the cats and drafts. I will have to build
a special set up for it with heat under and more moisture in the air.
Does anyone here grow orchids? Do they get pests? I know it wasn't to be
moist but to not have wet feet...I mist it with a fine mist everytime I
go by and I don't know a great deal else. I would have done more
research but the money was a gift, the plant was there and I was afraid
we would spend the money on something else and my sister would never
have forgiven me. :?) Husband ( a real sweetie) asked me with great
concern if I was feeling worse lately as I was spending so much time in
the bathroom. He hadn't made the connection.

Annetta Green on sat 3 feb 01

Margaret,
Your Orchid sounds wonderful. It sounds as if you are taking very good care
of it. I do have orchids but they only spend a few weeks in the house each
winter. This year I brought them in from the back porch (faces north) only
to have our kitten eat the blossoms that were about to open. She has since
chewed on all the leaves of every single one. That is until I put a drop of
Tabasco on the tip of each leave.

We have had spider mites on our orchids, but a good shower got rid of them.
Other than a little scale there have been no other problems. Good luck.
Anne in FL
zone 9b, sunset 26

MargaretE Millard on sat 3 feb 01

Hi Anne, Where do the orchids live the rest of the time? You would be
consistantly warmer than here obviously so can you keep them outside? I
was thinking the tobasco idea might be wonderful....all my plants could
use some spicing up if it would save them from being ambushed so often.
I did notice Penny cat, the female, went right to the orchid the moment
it came through the door, hadn't even gotten the wrapper off it yet... I
was praying it wasn't poisonous. I couldn't find anything in my danger
plants/pets list. Marg

Annetta Green wrote:

Julie Goodfellow on sat 3 feb 01

Did the Tabasco stain the leaves? What an interesting idea. I am trying to
figure out if my new (to me) Bonsai Tree has some kind of bugs on it.
julie in utah---visualizing miniature bugs on a miniature tree

Annetta Green wrote:

---Glenn Park on sat 3 feb 01

In a message dated 2/3/01 6:33:16 PM Pacific Standard Time,
julieg1000@QWEST.NET writes:

> I am trying to
> figure out if my new (to me) Bonsai Tree has some kind of bugs on it.
> julie in utah---visualizing miniature bugs on a miniature tree

Julie:
What kind of Bonsai tree?
Glenn

Margaret Lauterbach on sun 4 feb 01

Margaret, do you grow greens for your cats to munch on? Plant some oats in
a pot, for instance. I think Nichols Garden Nursery sells oats just for
that purpose. Maybe they'd leave your houseplants alone...Margaret L

Barbara Martin on sun 4 feb 01

That's interesting! FYI Aloe vera is on the "bad plants" for cats list from
CFA -- but I have no idea how mcuh they would need to eat to have a problem
http://www.cfainc.org/articles/plants.html

Barbara Martin
ng Seed-Starting Supplies"
http://nationalgardening.com/regionalreports/inmygarden.taf?report=665

Annetta Green on sun 4 feb 01

Marg,
We are in Central FL. Where Orchids do well hanging in the trees most of
the year. I mostly keep mine on the back porch where they get early morning
sun and then are shaded the rest of the day. At this point I have about 3
orchids (was 6, but our drought has taken it's toll even with daily
watering), all purples. My FIL has a white and a red in his trees that he
has never brought inside. Both are Cattaleya's that have survived quite
well. I guess there are orchids that survive everything.

The tobasco trick worked on the leathery leaves of my orchids, but not as
well on the Dumb Cane that died this winter. Nothing could keep kitty from
eating the leaves and then leaving the evidence all over my carpets. It
went back onto the porch where it subsequently froze to death. Now that our
weather is warming, I can move the orchids back out to the porch. Where I
hope they will bloom again.
Anne in FL
zone 9b, sunset 26
care
> of it. I do have orchids but they only spend a few weeks in the house
each
> winter. This year I brought them in from the back porch (faces north)
only
> to have our kitten eat the blossoms that were about to open. She has
since
> chewed on all the leaves of every single one. That is until I put a
drop of
> Tabasco on the tip of each leave.

> We have had spider mites on our orchids, but a good shower got rid of
them.

Annetta Green on sun 4 feb 01

No the Tabasco did not stain. I put a little on my finger (less than a
drop) and rubbed it down the center of the bottom of each leave with the
biggest concentration on the tips. Kitty quit chewing them almost
immediately. Course she seemed to like the spice when it was applied to the
Dieffenbachia, that had to be moved back outside.
Anne in FL
zone 9b, sunset 26
to
care
> of it. I do have orchids but they only spend a few weeks in the house
each
> winter. This year I brought them in from the back porch (faces north)
only
> to have our kitten eat the blossoms that were about to open. She has
since
> chewed on all the leaves of every single one. That is until I put a
drop of
> Tabasco on the tip of each leave.

> We have had spider mites on our orchids, but a good shower got rid of
them.
for
> Christmas. Or rather I was given the paperwork and on Tuesday we
picked
> one up. I don't know the name, the tag was removed when he packed it
up.
> From my indoor gardening books of old I think it would be what they
call
> a Pansy faced one, as compared to a lady slipper type. It was so
> expensive...but is so lovely.
> It is in the bathroom both for the higher humidity, on a try of pea
> stones and the protection from the cats and drafts. I will have to
build
> a special set up for it with heat under and more moisture in the air.
> Does anyone here grow orchids? Do they get pests? I know it wasn't to
be
> moist but to not have wet feet...I mist it with a fine mist everytime
I
> go by and I don't know a great deal else. I would have done more
> research but the money was a gift, the plant was there and I was
afraid
> we would spend the money on something else and my sister would never
> have forgiven me. :?) Husband ( a real sweetie) asked me with great
> concern if I was feeling worse lately as I was spending so much time
in

MargaretE Millard on sun 4 feb 01

Hi Margaret, Yes I usually have potted greens for the cats. They eat
bouquets and you should see what they do to my garden plants when they
do go outside, which isn't often. I have one pot of greens that has
passed it so must get another underway. Thye love aloe vera so I grow a
stand just for them to harvest. Doesn't seem to slow them down any
though. They were wild kitties, ie living on their own in the wilds and
woods, not all that successfully so I have them I think they are
"killing" what scared them...:?)

Margaret Lauterbach wrote:

MargaretE Millard on sun 4 feb 01

I had heard that but the homeopathic vet said it was just fine for them.
I was using it to help mend open wounds and was concerned and he said
not to be as they wouldn't be hurt. Must check further into that. Thanks
for bringing it up. Marg

Barbara Martin wrote:

Anne Holzwarth on sun 4 feb 01

I went out to my greenhouse to repot an orchid that looked sad. I discovered
that it has 4 buds. I trimmed the yellowish leaves off and the rest look
good. It's in the livingroom now waiting to bloom. It is a cattylea. It
will get repotted after it blooms. Mine go out in the summer and hang on
tree limbs and on the boat trailer. It is the greatest plant rack. They are
in mostly shade all summer and do well.
Anne in MA

Megan LaBauve on tue 20 feb 01

I am new to the listserv and I finally have a question.

I have a orchid that has blackspots on its leaves. An employee of a =
greenhouse told me that I could use a rose spray on it to get rid of it. =
Well it worked, until I needed to move it back inside for the winter. =
Needless to say the blackspot is back. I don't want to spray anything =
toxic in the house, where the orchid now has its permanent home.
Does anyone have an idea on how to get rid of the blackspot using =
something appropriate for inside use.

Thank you for any help that you can provide.

Megan

Dorsett on tue 20 feb 01

Do you mean that the black spots disappeared, leaving the leaves looking
reasonably good, or that you cut out the spots on affected, and other leaves
didn't develop spots?

Were these spots dryish, or rotten, or did something seem to be growing on
top of the leaf?

In some cases...depending on the problem...a dusting of cinnamon may be
enough to heal small fungal infections and can help prevent further problems
after injured leaves are removed.
http://www.orchidlady.com/faq.html#5E

neem oil may also help, and is safe for orchids:
http://www.orchidlady.com/faq.html#B11

In any case, if it is a fungal infection, improved air circulation will
help...and sometimes, changing humidity or temperatures (usually lower) will
help prevent recurrences.

http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story.mpl/content/chronicle/features/huber
/huber97////huber0913.html

You might want to use the rose spray stuff this time, since you know it
works, just to be on the safe side......and you don't want to lose the
orchid to unproven treatments. If weather cooperates, you might want to
take the orchid outdoors, treat it, and bring it back in.

Barb in Southern Indiana Zone 5/6 dorsett@blueriver.net
A root is a flower that disdains fame.

Karen A Barker on tue 20 feb 01

The orchid society on Sanibel is always talking about spraying with
rubbing alcohol, but I think that is for pests.

Karen (PA zone 5b/6) in Sanibel (zone 10)

On Tue, 20 Feb 2001 19:45:16 -0500 Dorsett
writes:
http://www.chron.com/cgi-bin/auth/story.mpl/content/chronicle/features/hu
ber
________________________________________________________________
GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO!
Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less!
Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit:
http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj.

MargaretE Millard on mon 26 feb 01

Barb, thank you for posting these links. I have found wonderful
information there concerning my orchid. Even got to a Nova Scotia web
site...Thanks, Marg

Dorsett wrote:

Spyder Grl on thu 8 nov 01

Debbie in Williamsburg said that she has luck with Orchids so I'd like to ask a question.

I have several Orchids that bloomed, lost their flowers in due time and now I have the green leaves and lots of thick tuburous growths that seem to resemble roots but not really. From my understanding, unless the conditions are absolutely perfect, Orchids wont rebloom, and if the conditions are perfect they bloom two times only in their entire life duration? If that's the case, how do I create the perfect conditions for the orchid to rebloom, and if Orchids do not rebloom, how can reproduce them?

Raven

Deborah Green on thu 8 nov 01

Boy, there are MANY kinds of orchids. I have 3 of the "moth" orchids and
another type, even whose common name is escaping me at the moment (the
problem of having things foisted on you rather than choosing them). They
rebloom for me every year. In fact, if I am around all the time
(translation-I don't depend on the help of friends or relatives to keep them
watered) the moth orchids has often sent new bloom shoots off from the one
that is finishing bloom. Good light and reasonable levels of humidity with
not too much heat in winter is all I can tell you from my experience.

Debbie

-----Original Message-----
From: Gardens & Gardening [mailto:GARDENS@lsv.uky.edu] On Behalf Of Spyder
Grl
Sent: Thursday, November 08, 2001 10:57 AM
To: GARDENS@lsv.uky.edu
Subject: Orchids

Debbie in Williamsburg said that she has luck with Orchids so I'd like to
ask a question.

I have several Orchids that bloomed, lost their flowers in due time and now
I have the green leaves and lots of thick tuburous growths that seem to
resemble roots but not really. From my understanding, unless the conditions
are absolutely perfect, Orchids wont rebloom, and if the conditions are
perfect they bloom two times only in their entire life duration? If that's
the case, how do I create the perfect conditions for the orchid to rebloom,
and if Orchids do not rebloom, how can reproduce them?

Raven

Margaret Lauterbach on thu 8 nov 01

I have a Dendrobium, I think, that has bloomed 3 times at least. I don't
know what moth orchids are. Do the leaves look like they're stacked on two
sides of the thick tuberous growths? I think those growths are water
storage bulb-like thingies, and I think I'd better write my column on
something other than my Dendrobium...Margaret L

Barbara Martin on thu 8 nov 01

The moth orchids or Phalaenopsis are supposedly pretty easy to keep.
Shriveling would be relatied I would think to dry air. Main requirements are
very moist humid air (a pebble tray can help) and ample bright light --
without of course roasting them on a hot window sill. If the root things are
growing that is a good sign. Try upping the light and the humidity and see
what happens.

I have killed them every time! I think initially the spot where I had them
was too cold. The next spot was too dry. I have not tried a third time
yet -- not until I have either a plant room, a greenhouse, or a new house
altogether!!

Barbara M. Martin
Cottage Garden: "Restoring the American Chestnut"
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/cottage_gardening/84136
Current Mid-Atlantic Garden Report: "Paint the Town Red"
http://nationalgardening.com/regional/report.taf?regionid=13
Co-Owner, Gardens List http://www.scin.quik.com/dorsettm/notes.html
them
> watered) the moth orchids has often sent new bloom shoots off from the one
> that is finishing bloom. Good light and reasonable levels of humidity
with
Spyder
now
> I have the green leaves and lots of thick tuburous growths that seem to
> resemble roots but not really. From my understanding, unless the
conditions
> are absolutely perfect, Orchids wont rebloom, and if the conditions are
> perfect they bloom two times only in their entire life duration? If
that's
> the case, how do I create the perfect conditions for the orchid to
rebloom,

Ann B. Mullikin on thu 8 nov 01

I had a Phalaenopsis for a long time, maybe 10 years. It grew and grew and
I repotted it once. One year there were 30 blossoms on the stalk(?) which
had branches. It finally died out a few years ago. Lovely thing. Now I
have three of the slipper orchids. They are not nearly so pretty I don't
think, but are very exotic looking things. They are in a window which faces
west, gets afternoon sun. We keep a coolish house - about 68 in the daytime
and cooler at night. This seems to be a great window (bay) for a lot of
different kinds of plants. I have two night blooming cereus here that bloom
and bloom. I never see them open - can't stay awake. These two plants have
sent up huge round stalks to the ceiling where they have bent over and are
growing along there. Very strange :-) I don't do anything special to any
of these plants other than try to remember to water them and throw on a
little fertilizer from time to time.

ann
gypsy@francomm.com

From: Barbara Martin

> The moth orchids or Phalaenopsis are supposedly pretty easy to keep.

SNIP

Anne Holzwarth on thu 8 nov 01

Humidity is essential for many. Also misting daily is good if they are in
the dry air of a winter house. I have about 12 on a tray of water covered
with a grid. My cattleya are hanging in the greenhouse 60 days and 50 nights
with water every 3 days. I should fertilize them but most often ignore them
and they bloom every late winter to late spring. I had two, divided them to
5 and four years later I had 29. Mine thrive on neglect.
Anne in MA

Linda Baranowski-Smith on thu 8 nov 01

Raven,

Orchids will rebloom annually or more often if they have the right
conditions and will live many years. Their groups are often
described by their ideal night/day temperature requirements for
blooming as "cool" (50 to 70 F) "intermediate" (55-60 to 75 F) or
"warm" (65 to 85 F).

Most people have blooming success indoors with the "warm"
varieties... phalaenopsis (moth orchid), dendrobium, vandas, some
cattleyas, some oncidiums, and certain tropical paphiopedilums. They
like humidity in the 30-40% range, just like people, and they also
like good ventilation. Some like more light than others also.

I'm not an expert but after reading a lot about them, I've kept to
the "warm" varieties. Even then, I can get the phalaenopsis and
dendrobiums to bloom faithfully but nothing else. The cattleyas just
sit there, green, and my oncidiums died. A local lady who is kind of
an expert on orchids told me that the orchid will decide whether you
have the right environment. She can't get dendrobium to bloom.
Funny.

A friend of mine has a cattleya in her office at a southwest window
on the air conditioner vent. This plant blooms it's head off every
year and people come to take photos. I have a cutting of this plant
but it does nothing. Anne H., cattleyas must love you too!

So, don't try to give your plants perfect conditions. Try some
different varieties with basic care and the orchids will decide.
Linda in NW Ohio.

Annetta Green on fri 9 nov 01

Raven,
I am not an Orchid expert either, but I do have a few. Mine also seem to
thrive on neglect. They stay out on my back porch over the summer getting
watered pretty regularly. They sit on a tray of watered pebbles and have
bloomed every year.

The dendrobium loves this treatment, but my Cattleya was not so happy. She
seemed to like it better hanging in the branches of my tree out back.
Unfortunately, I did not get her in time when we had a light frost. One of
my phalaenopsis seems to be getting healthier since I was able to scrape off
all the scale that came home from the plant sale with it. I am really
looking forward to blooms on this one, it is deep purple, almost black. I
have two other Ph that are white and lavendar. One is just now finishing
its second set of blooms this summer.

All of them have been regular bloomers for me, once or twice a year. I do
have some orchid bloom forcer that I have tried. It seems to do more damage
than help when it comes to keeping them alive after that forced bloom. They
struggle and may not bloom at all the next year. I was afraid to try a
second dose, afraid I would kill it.
Anne in FL
zone 9b, sunset 26

Co-Listowner on fri 9 nov 01

This message took a short detour on its way to Gardens:

From: "Spyder Grl"
************************
Okay thank you for the response. Mine are the basic Orchids that HomeDepot
sells. We paid $25.00 for one plant, and I don't know the precise type of
Orchid that I have. I do know that the flowers were gorgeous, and they were
pink colored. Currently it is sitting in 4" plastic pot, and has four
large leaves with weird thick root like growths that are coming up from the
bottom. Should I fertilize it now? and if yes, with what? should I replant
it into a larger pot and if yes, what soil mix should I use? and most
importantly how do I get the sucker to produce those lovely flowers that it
had when I bought it!

Raven

---------- Original Message ----------------------------------
From: Anne Holzwarth

> Humidity is essential for many. Also misting daily is good if they are in
> the dry air of a winter house. I have about 12 on a tray of water covered
> with a grid. My cattleya are hanging in the greenhouse 60 days and 50
nights
> with water every 3 days. I should fertilize them but most often ignore
them
> and they bloom every late winter to late spring. I had two, divided them
to

Deborah Green on fri 9 nov 01

After my initial reply I realized that the latest "Fine Gardening" has an
article on orchids-shows repotting, discusses soil mixes, other requirements
of the basic types, etc. One thing I hadn't realized is the need for a
change in day/nighttime temps to trigger bloom. That said, take a look at
the article-it may even be available online!

Debbie in Williamsburg, VA

-----Original Message-----
From: Gardens & Gardening [mailto:GARDENS@lsv.uky.edu] On Behalf Of
Co-listowner
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2001 6:41 AM
To: GARDENS@lsv.uky.edu
Subject: FW: Re: [GARDENS] Orchids

This message took a short detour on its way to Gardens:

From: "Spyder Grl"
************************
Okay thank you for the response. Mine are the basic Orchids that HomeDepot
sells. We paid $25.00 for one plant, and I don't know the precise type of
Orchid that I have. I do know that the flowers were gorgeous, and they were
pink colored. Currently it is sitting in 4" plastic pot, and has four
large leaves with weird thick root like growths that are coming up from the
bottom. Should I fertilize it now? and if yes, with what? should I replant
it into a larger pot and if yes, what soil mix should I use? and most
importantly how do I get the sucker to produce those lovely flowers that it
had when I bought it!

Raven

Alan Zelhart on fri 9 nov 01

Hi Linda,

I've never tried orchids, but have been curious about them. Could you
use a balance Oscmote mix on the Orchids? It is time released, and does
not burn like other fertilizers, from my expericene. I use it on all my
potted plants so as not to burn the roots of mini roses, houseplants,
etc...in pots. Wonderful stuff!
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13

http://www.gizmoaz.com
Over 200 Roses and 125 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
Check out the Garden Cams on Saturday and Sunday!!
--
Delicious Autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot

Linda Baranowski-Smith wrote:

Margaret Lauterbach on fri 9 nov 01

Hey Alan, do you the brown snails (Helix aspersa M.) there? I think you
do. They're about the diameter of a quarter. Their eggs look exactly
like...Osmocote. I think slug eggs look the same too. Bon
appetit! Margaret L

Alan Zelhart on fri 9 nov 01

I've never seen snails in my garden, even by my fountain that runs all
the time. Occassionally slugs show up, dragged in with Home Repo (Home
Depot) plants. Easily gotten rid of with salt...come to think of it, I
haven't even seen any slugs this year either. It has been awfully hot
and dry this year, maybe that is why.
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13

http://www.gizmoaz.com
Over 200 Roses and 125 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
Check out the Garden Cams on Saturday and Sunday!!
--
Delicious Autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot

Margaret Lauterbach wrote:

Alan Zelhart on fri 9 nov 01

You know what..come to think of it though...I had a co-worker once tell
me she had a whole slew of snails crawling up the side of her house, and
right over her windows. She didn't know where they had come from, or
where they went...so we do have some kind of snail here...but I've never
seen it.
-----
Alan Chandler, Arizona Sunset Zone: 13

http://www.gizmoaz.com
Over 200 Roses and 125 Different varieties! Never a dull moment!!
Check out the Garden Cams on Saturday and Sunday!!
--
Delicious Autumn!
My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth
seeking the successive autumns.
~George Eliot

Margaret Lauterbach wrote:

Linda Baranowski-Smith on fri 9 nov 01

The rhythm of feeding orchids depends on individual schools of
thought. In general, fertilize orchids only during their active
growth period. Use a balanced fertilizer that is diluted by at least
50% (important) so the roots are not burned. Only fertilize when the
growing medium is already wet. This might mean water one day,
fertilize the next. Orchids need a rest period after blooming and
should get little or no fertilizer during that time.

I've never checked, but Home Depot may have orchid growing medium,
usually made up of fir bark in different grades (sizes). You would
likely use a medium grade. Some people add charcoal pieces. This is
what they do at Taylor Orchids in Monroe, MI. The key is good
drainage. I've purchased packaged fir bark at Frank's Nursery but
now I get it from Taylor Orchids which is not far from us.

Most orchids are repotted every 2 years or when the growing medium
breaks down. Large plants may never get repotted, I've read. Repot
during the dormant period, after blooming and before new growth
starts.

Sunset Publishing has a nice little book on orchids that you might
like for additional information. I think Home Depot carries the
Sunset books. Linda in NW Ohio.

Linda Baranowski-Smith on fri 9 nov 01

Gosh, Alan, I dunno. The medium is so porous that I'm not sure
whether the nutrients would be released correctly. Any other
thoughts on this? Linda in NW Ohio.

Margaret Lauterbach on tue 5 feb 02

I think mine is a Phalenopsis too. Instructions say indirect light, but
mine are presently in the greenhouse, so they're getting direct light. I
brought them inside for a while to enjoy the blooms, and it wasn't happy in
indirect light. Margaret L

Ada Davis on tue 5 feb 02

spydergrl wrote:

> The leaves are lovely and a dark green color. I don't know how to
> get it to flower.

For most plants, a dark green color is good. Orchids are strange. A dark green
leaf means "not enough light". If the plant is getting enough light, the leaves
will be very light green. Orchids like lots of *filtered* light, but
"indirect" light in this part of the world is just too little. Best place is a
hot, sunny window with a sheer curtain between the sun and the plant. (Of
course, this is winter. As it gets hotter, you will have to provide more
shade. Direct sun will burn the plant.) Sit on a humidity tray or just a
regular tray with rocks or sand under the plant container, filled with water.
Use a dilute seaweed or fish fertilizer, and mist the plant when it gets too
dry, but don't keep the roots wet. When you see it growing new, light green
leaves, then you know it is happy, and will likely flower.

Good source of information: http://www.orchidlady.com/

SpyderGrl on tue 5 feb 02

I have an Orchid a Phalaenopsi. It bloomed one time quite a while ago. It
was dormant for a while, then produced another gorgeous leaf and no stem and
no flowers. I've done research, tried to provide the proper conditions, but
no cigar :/. So now it's just there with 5 green shiny leaves and no
flowers.

Raven

still

Mary Ann Mikulski on tue 5 feb 02

In a message dated 2/5/02 1:03:22 PM Eastern Standard Time,
spydergrl@AARIS.NET writes:

<< Now if I could somehow prolong the flowering period of the Hibiscus I'd be
a
happy person. >>

If I could get mine to blossom at all, I'd be happy. My hibiscus hasn't
blossomed in at least 3 years.

Mary Ann

SpyderGrl on tue 5 feb 02

Mine said the same, although emphasized that the flowers should get some
direct sunlight but the leaves should be protected. That kind of makes
sense if you take into consideration the shape of plant itself. The flowers
are on long stems while the leaves stay towards the bottom. I repotted them
after the tuberous roots started coming up from the 'soil less' media in
which it lives. When I repotted it, it produced the 5th leaf and nothing
else. The leaves are lovely and a dark green color. I don't know how to
get it to flower.

Now if I could somehow prolong the flowering period of the Hibiscus I'd be a
happy person.

Raven

It
> was dormant for a while, then produced another gorgeous leaf and no stem
and
> no flowers. I've done research, tried to provide the proper conditions,
but
in

Dorsett on mon 9 sep 02

Sometimes weekends are busy. Sorry.

http://www.tropicplants.com/phal%20care%20tips.htm
"You can often urge a second flowering from each spike with a timely
pruning. When the last flower of the spike fades, you should examine
the spike, looking for small fleshy bumps or nodes. From the base of
the spike count out 3 nodes (count only the green fleshy nodes
- ignore any that are dried out). Cut the spike one inch above the
third node."

Repot when the media decomposes to the point that aeration is affecting
healthy root growth.

Barb in Southern Indiana Zone 5/6 dorsettb@kiva.net
Gardening: A leisure-time activity involving lots of time
and little leisure.
Gardens co-listowner gardens-request@lsv.uky.edu
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/gardens.html

Dorsett on mon 9 sep 02

> Phalaenopsis

Saw this tidbit in several different places:
Re-blooming:
Dropping the night temperature in the fall for a couple
of weeks to 13-18 ??C (55-64 ??F) by placing on a cool
windowsill or near a slightly opened window or will
induce inflorescence formation.

Barb in Southern Indiana Zone 5/6 dorsettb@kiva.net
Gardening: A leisure-time activity involving lots of time
and little leisure.
Gardens co-listowner gardens-request@lsv.uky.edu
http://lsv.uky.edu/archives/gardens.html

Margaret Lauterbach on mon 9 sep 02

Mariana, I have one orchid, and I think it's a dendrobium. I don't know
how to manage that (I think I've missed re-potting, since it's budding up
for another marathon blossoming). I sure as heck can't tell you what to do
with a phalaenopsis. There's a new book out about orchids, called "Orchid
Growing for Wimps." I haven't read it yet. Margaret L

Gardengrl on mon 9 sep 02

Yesterday I sent a request for information on what to do with the
Phalaenopsis stem now that the flowers died back. I really am surprised to
see not a single response, is it possible that none of you who participate
often, grow Orchids? or am I being ignored....

Mariana
Zone 6b, Brooklyn, NYC
See my gardens @ http://photos.yahoo.com/gardengrl911

Annetta Green on mon 9 sep 02

Sorry didn't get your message til this morning. I don't repot my orchids
til the medium they are growning in gets compacted as it is breaking down,
but I do repot them as soon as I get them from the store. We don't have
hard water problems as my orchids are watered directly from the fish tank.
I have some orchids that have only been repotted once in 10 years. That
only because it got so big as to split the pot. The rest I leave to hang
out of the pot as they seem happiest that way, and I get lots more bloom.
Course mine are outdoors for 10 months of the year and get plenty of
humidity in their outdoor environment so they don't need medium to hold
moisture around the roots. I love the stuff they are in. It is a coconut
husk blend with charcoal and the coco hair as well as perlite and
vermiculite. I have had the same large bag of stuff for over 10 years and
it is still viable and half full.
Anne in FL
zone 9b, sunset 26

It is easy enough to be friendly to one's friends. But to befriend the one
who regards himself as your enemy is the quintessence of true religion. The
other is mere business. -Mohandas K. Gandhi (1869-1948)

Libba Griffith on mon 9 sep 02

Mariana

Not ignoring you but don't consider myself very knowledgeable on the
subjuct. I have orchids. Can't say that I grow them. I just keep them and
they do well. When my phalaenopsis flowers die, I cut the stem above a node
midway down (there probably is a specific way to do this that I do not know)
and new growth usually sprouts from that spot and blooms over again. I
don't get 100% success so I am probably not telling you EXACTLY what to do.

Libba G in SC where my orchids spend summers outdoors on a gate under an
oak tree . . .unless they are blooming. Blooms go inside. I do have
access to Carter & Holmes Orchids, a large grower nearby for help.
to

Deborah Green on mon 9 sep 02

No expert at ALL, but this is exactly what I've done
with the ones I've inherited from a friend's move and
it workd for me...

Debbie leaving for Portland this morning--fly home
tomorrow!
Quoting Libba Griffith :

swaine on wed 11 sep 02

I finally gave in and bought my first orchid at the last Philly flower
show.... it was in bloom. A week later, the blooms died, then the stem they
were on died, then a leaf died. I now have kept this plant barely alive, I
do have 2 new leaves on it, but I wonder if I will ever get it back into
bloom again... WHEN am I supposed to use fertilizer, how OFTEN?

I don't plan on buying a book on orchids -- and I have not yet searched
online for orchid culture info. But I will read what folks on the LIST
say... after all, it's only a.... plant

karen in nj - too tired to go on but have dozens of Emails to look into,
delete, answer....

do
> with a phalaenopsis. There's a new book out about orchids, called "Orchid
> Growing for Wimps." I haven't read it yet. Margaret L

> Yesterday I sent a request for information on what to do with the
> Phalaenopsis stem now that the flowers died back. I really am surprised
to
> see not a single response, is it possible that none of you who
participate

Margaret E. Millard on wed 11 sep 02

Hi there, Karen,
I found that after the blooms drop, quite often there is leaf loss as
well. It seems to be the cycle for some plants. One goes, one grows.
With a new leaf coming you have a plant that is trying. I was told (I
do this with mine it seems to work well here with my phalenopsis) that
you feed 1/4 strength fertilizer for orchids every watering. Watch plant
to see how it responds. Too little food is better than too much. Rinse
thoroughly every month or so to wash away excess. Mist regularly and
make sure the crown doesn't get wet and stay wet.
Occasional washing over leaves with a good compost tea helps.
Blooms often drop as they are shocked by temperature/condition change
and if at a flower show, they may have been stressed to get ready on
time.
Mine came home with me, blooms died within days, leaves died, and colour
went yellowy, then I found that they don't want rich dark green leaves,
they are naturally more grassy coloured overall. I don't know your
orchid type so it is hard to suggest anything else.
They have a definite cycle and once you pick up the rhythm they seem to
do pretty well. If their specific needs, hours and strength of light,
moisture and air movement, temperature are met and food and housing is
adequate then they should thrive like any other plant. They aren't
nearly as scary or picky as they seem.
What type have you?
Marg, in Nova Scotia where we are finally seeing a smattering of rain
from tropical storm. Thank heaven. It is way way dry for here. Got to
batten down the hatches for the wind now.

swaine wrote:

Libba Griffith on wed 11 sep 02

What kind did you buy? Some are a lot harder to maintain then others. If
the flower lasted a short time, it might have been a cattleya. I leave mine
outside (hanging on a garden gate under an oak tree) in the summer with no
care whatsoever. The irrigation hits them and I fertilize when I think
about it . . about once a month. When they have experienced a few nights in
the high thirties, I bring them inside, fertilize them and usually they
bloom soon after.

Wish I could say that I have 100% success but I don't. My experience is
that the plants always look rather ratty.

Libba G

they
> were on died, then a leaf died. I now have kept this plant barely alive,
I
up
> for another marathon blossoming). I sure as heck can't tell you what to
> do
> with a phalaenopsis. There's a new book out about orchids, called
"Orchid
> Growing for Wimps." I haven't read it yet. Margaret L

> Yesterday I sent a request for information on what to do with the
> Phalaenopsis stem now that the flowers died back. I really am
surprised

Peg Goter on mon 13 jan 03

Well... since Mariana ASKED! heh heh... I'm a big yard saler in the
summertime. Went to one held by the family of an older woman who passed
away, in this beautiful stone house in one of our local Newport
neighborhoods, and a bunch of the lady's plants were stuffed in a corner
with a sign that said $2 each. I grabbed three orchids (all I could carry...
had to leave one behind ). Two of the three have bloom spikes on them.
All phalaenopsis, I guess. The first one to bloom has fairly large, vivid
pink blossoms. Waiting to see the color of the second one. The third didn't
develop bloom spikes, I'm thinking it didn't like the spot I put it over the
summer, so now I'm giving it more light.

Anyway, this $2 one is bigger than the one I spent $45 for at the flower
show last year! Gotta love yard sales!

Looking forward to Mariana's new photos, and I'll let you know when I've
posted mine.

Peg in RI

|
| >I'm
| > particularly psyched with one of my $2.00 specials from an estate sale!
Woo
| > hoo!
|
| Oh? Peg, do tell! please!
|
|
| Mariana
| NYC Brooklyn, Zone 6b
| http://photos.yahoo.com/gardengrl911
|

on mon 13 jan 03

Hey Marg was it not you that had a double spike on a phal the last time we talked orchids? remember how surprised I was?
well... since then, one of my phals shot another spike up, and it is probably one of the fastest growing phal that I have, and the most prolific. I have 9 flowers (each measuring at least 3"across) on the blooming spike!. The other spike is starting to produce buds!!!, and already there are 4!!!...in case you're wondering, it's a Dtps. Yokidan, I have a photo of it in my briefcase now, but the photo is about 2 weeks old and the plant produced more flowers all in the purest shade of white with a a very subtle hint of yellow in the middle!

I have a phal that was in the process of opening up this morning, by the time I'll arrive at home tonight, It should be fully open and ready for photos! which of course I'll upload to my briefcase as well...

While on the subject of plants. Does anyone know the regulations regarding bringing in plants from Hawaii to other states? Do I need a certificate, permission, permit....if yes, how does it work?
We're going to be in Hawaii in about a month or so, and I wanted to know if I can purchase orchids there.

Mariana
NYC Brooklyn, Zone 6b
http://photos.yahoo.com/gardengrl911

Margaret E. Millard on tue 14 jan 03

Yes, that is me. My plants slowed right down and are getting bigger
buds. (on one stalk and 6 on the other but that is the one that is, I
think, going to branch. Can't figure what else it will do). My buds seem
very small this time however and should do a lot of filling out to
produce three inch flowers. I may have let it come too soon into bloom
again. I don't know. Do you have more than one bud opening daily? It
takes about i week per bud to open and the same to die off when they go.
Strange. Mine are doritis (?)hybrids so they are quite pink. I would
love a white and yellow one.
I am jealous. You have so many. I am trying to add to my one but somehow
I spend the cash on something else or a snow storm cancels the trip
across the province to get to the greenhouse I want to visit.
Maybe in the spring.
I see by another post you have some new photos up. I can't see them yet
but will check back in a bit and see what happens. Marg

grdengrl@OPTONLINE.NET wrote:

on tue 14 jan 03

Date: Monday, January 13, 2003 11:33 pm
Subject: Re: Orchids

The Phal that opened up yesterday finished opening the first flower/bud and the second one was half way open around midnight last night. Though your buds might appear small, keep in mind that the flowers grow when they are fully open.

It
> takes about i week per bud to open and the same to die off when
> they go.

The Yokidan (white phals) was like that, so is the miniature phal. taipei gold. But not the Phal valentine or the other one (for which I have no id), these two seem to enjoy popping their buds all at once.

> Strange. Mine are doritis (?)hybrids so they are quite pink. I would
> love a white and yellow one.

The Yokidan is white with a yellow center, the Taipei gold is yellow. It took me a while to decide on the whites and yellow that I wanted, and I came up with these two after doing some research. The primary reason I chose them is because they are very prolific producers and spike up sometimes 3 flowering stems at once!

But I still want a pure white Phal and I'm not sure if there is one. I placed an order for a Paph. bellatulum a division of a stud plant, I want to have it when I set up my basement for growing and hybridizing orchids.

> You have so many.

You sound like my DH ....I actually have more that I have not photographed because they aren't blooming at the present time. And I do have one dendrobium that is driving me insane with it's loss of leaves!

I am trying to add to my one but
> somehowI spend the cash on something else or a snow storm cancels
> the trip
> across the province to get to the greenhouse I want to visit.

I've been trying to get out and visit a Long Island Paphiopedilum hybridizer for the past 2 months now. But other circumstances prevented me. Hopefully within the next weekend or two I might be able to get there. I can hardly wait.

> Maybe in the spring.
> I see by another post you have some new photos up. I can't see
> them yet
> but will check back in a bit and see what happens. Marg

I hope that you enjoy it!

Mariana
NYC Brooklyn, Zone 6b
http://photos.yahoo.com/gardengrl911

Margaret E. Millard on tue 14 oct 03

sounds a great plant, Bob. I found two sites that have some stuff. The
first one has some conditions and the other pictures more than
conditions. I will be interested in how you make out. I am thinking of
gathering a few "forgiving" plants together to see if i can't get people
here interested in having them in their homes. I think I ma becoming an
orchid addict. Good luck. I am sure someone else will have info to
share. You back on line yet, Marianne?
Marg, in Sunny Nova Scotia

http://www.rareplants.co.uk/pleione/formosa.htm
http://www.hardy-orchids.com/Pleione%20formosana.htm

Bob wrote:

Bob on tue 14 oct 03

As a house warming gift a friend has given us a set(?) of pleone
formosana as a present.
We have 6 blooms and about 3 more coming.
Any one know the best conditions for these.
They are bright green stems with pink and cream flowers, dotted with brown.
I so want to keep them growing
At present they are on the bedside cabinet for me to see each morning.
Today we planted some cosmos , petunias and three roses to replace those
who don't appear to have survived being transplanted.
Bob (first warm day for sometime today 27 degrees C)

Bob on tue 14 oct 03

I did not expect a reply until tomorrow our time thanks Margaret
bob

Margaret E. Millard on mon 3 nov 03

ohhh Orchids.
I went to the fall show in Halifax yesterday and I am afraid I brought
home two more. One small one "dragon's horns" and another that is a
brassia, affectionately called "big bird".
Today instead of doing what I should have done outside, the blackflies
are back to biting again, I built a light shelf, that eventually I plan
to glass in and have my collection there.

Anne Holzwarth wrote:

Amy Fernandez on thu 4 mar 04

This is a multi-part message in MIME format.

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Bunny, try matching up 200402DIA_0019 & 200402DIA_0011 with this =
Moth Orchids [Phalaenopsis =
http://www.photovault.com/Link/Orders/Flora/Orchids/Species/MothOrchids.h=
tml
http://www.orchidkb.com/den.htm
or http://www.moonfairye.com/garden/FlowerDisplay/phalpink/phal.htm
or M6254 at http://www.members.aol.com/orchids63/PicturePage1.html

this might be an oncidium 200402DIA_0018
try matching up with these
http://www.mendelu.cz/arboretum/orchids/Oncidium/Oncidium.html

http://www.thaiorchidsource.com/productdetail.php?OrchidID=3D67

http://washingtondcmetroweb.com/FlowersFastOrchids.htm

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