February 8-15 2005 mailing list messages

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From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] De-ionised water
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 09:15

As you're intending to use distilled water for the fact that it does not contain mineral salts (or at least a lower concentration of salts than plain tap water), then for these purposes deionised water is the same as distilled water.

Distilled water is obtained through evaporation and condensation. Deionised water has its salts removed some other way (e.g, through an ion exchange column, or less likely reverse osmosis). The first process and RO will essentially remove all solutes, whereas ion exchange will remove only charged ions (leaving for example uncharged organic molecules in solution).

There might be some indication on the package as to the quantity of dissolved salts remaining in the deionised water - do check.

From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Thermostat.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 09:20

Try Two Wests and Elliott - www.twowests.co.uk, tel 0870 444 8277. The latest catalogue lists one under the "Watering" section - but for £50. I have not used this before.

From: len.handley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Bletilla
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 09:45

This was a very large file for such a small item; I think it should have
been cropped before e-mailing it
Len

From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: D kingianum [was Re: What's wrong with my two Orchids?]
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 09:50

What are you doing asking a bunch of non-Aussies how to grow your native plants!?

Seriously, though, Dendrobium kingianum is a highly variable species, with several sub-species and a large number of distinct clones in cultivation. These can differ by size of flower and stature of plant, flower colour, fragrance, need for a rest period, ease in flowering, the length of the growing period, when this starts, the growth rate, and of course ease in cultivation.

I have a number of clones of this delightful species, and I can say that they all behave rather differently. One grows like a weed, but didn't like flowering in my cold room until I put it in the greenhouse this year (it's covered with deep purple flowers now). Another grows well, and flowers very easily without a rest, but loses its leaves if I hold back water too much. A third was huge, grew well, but the flowers were not as attractive, so it's no longer with me now. A fourth was romping away in the middle of winter, without resting. A fifth and sixth are "typical", growing well in summer, and resting and flowering now with pink and white flowers respectively.

The only advice I can give is to vary the cultural treatment you are giving them, and see what happens!

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] De-ionised water
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 15:40

It comes to the same thing - no ions, means no ionisable salts - which
is what you get with RO water or rain water, and more or less ( lets
not get into a chemical argument) with distilled water. Use it.

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Thermostat.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 15:45

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Have you thought of the Simply Control Tropical Stat ? Uses a probe on
a lead, which you hang exactly where you want the reading , and you can
buy a set-back version to give you different day and night temperatures
. This is 21st century growing. rod stats are old hat now - their
technology is not only simple - its crude..
Geoff

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Bletilla
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 15:45

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From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: What's wrong with my two Orchids?
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 15:45

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They like a short dry and cold rest at the end of the growing season ,
then keep them barely moist until they start growing again. When they
do , they produce a new shoot and turn it into a cane in a very short
time. So they actually look very quiet and not moving for most of the
year. Don';t worry if it doesn't dtart again until early summer - and
don't cut anything off !

From: Thomas Hillson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] De-ionised water
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 15:55

Deionized water should be good if the did a
proper job of deionizing it. The deionized label
means if was run through a process that should
have removed over 99% of the dissolved ions. The
problem is that this sometimes replaces the
material you want to get rid of with salt,
harmless to humans, but toxic to plants.

If you are wondering about water quality buy an
inexpensive conductivity meter, they range from
$50 to 150 dollars, get one the looks like it
fits your needs. You can do a Google search to
get one, or check your local greenhouse supply
stores. I have both a pocket one for spot
checking things and to do a more specific job
when I am fertilizing.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Bletilla.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 16:15

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From: Lisa Thoerle
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: De-ionised water
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 17:55

I think that would be an ion replacement scheme, such as one sees in
household water softeners, rather than a deionizing system. Those are
deadly!

I have well water with a fair amount of calcium, to which the plants
don't object but the misting system certainly does (and it creates
calcium deposits on the leaves of the plants, which they DON'T like).
Rather than install an RO system, which is difficult for a low pressure,
very cold water system such as we have, I chose to install deionizing
tanks. It doesn't waste a lot of water, unlike RO; it's easy to manage,
no storage requirement, no float valves (just turn on the tap); and the
product is just as good.

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Lisa,Rocky,Luis
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 19:00

Hullo everyone,
I'm just back from two weeks in the Canary Islands - Gran Canaria where it was disappointingly cool for that region. We did see the sun but it didn't reach the usual late 70's to 80's except for brief periods. The one advantage is that it doesn't seem that cold here now we are back! What a great treat to log on and see that beautiful red orchid - Rocky's I think. Is it a large flower Rocky? Could you let me have it's exact name and I'll keep an eye out for one.
Luis! Glad to see you've come in from the shadows!:) Hope your Dendrobiums take off and do really well. It'll be interesting to see what other members think.
Lisa, you sound as though you have been really busy! Yes please I would love a copy.
thank you. Jean

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: I forgot
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 19:05

I forgot to add that I visited an orchid house at the park while in Gran Canaria and thought their display better than ever. I have taken lots of photos so if they are good ones I'll send along one or two. Jean

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: all those funny figures at the end of lines.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 19:35

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Odd , that they suddenly appear in my message - I haven't changed my
software ...

> Try Two Wests and Elliott - www.twowests.co.uk, tel 0870 444 8277. The=
> latest catalogue lists one under the "Watering" section - but for
> =A350. I=
> have not used this before.
>
> Chong-Yee
>
>> Help required to find a good rod, or similar type of greenhouse
>> thermostat.=
> In my cool house I use a conventional electric fan heater, but the=
> thermostat in the fan heater is not reliable or accurate enough.
>>
>> So, do any of you know of, or have experience of a good rod
>> thermostat, and=
> do you have the web site, address, or phone number please.
>>
>> I guess something in the range of =A330.00???

From: L de Leon
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Luis's Dendrobes.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 22:00

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Yes I do have a digital camera and while this exercise does not quite fall
into the category of ultraviolet sterilization and humidity measurement, I
am not motivated to show off my failure and parade the victims. Specially
the way Chong-Yee described his collection and show evidence to Geoffrey of
what I have been cutting off! Australia has a very good record when it
comes to orchid rights and I will not take the neighbourhood down with me.

I will give the photographs a miss, if you don‹t mind, and thank you all for
the replies.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: all those funny figures at the end of lines.
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 22:40

I think it's because you are using US-ASCII charset which displays the
pound sign as A3 and the equal sign for linefeeds (or carriage return),
whilst Chong-Yee and Roger are using iso-8859-1 which is more standard.

From: Beccy Holmes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Bletilla
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 23:30

Oops, sorry all. You're right, too early in the morning for full brain
functioning perhaps.

len.handley wrote:
>This was a very large file for such a small item; I think it should have
>been cropped before e-mailing it
>Len

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: What's wrong with my two Orchids?
Date: Tue, 08 Feb 2005 23:35

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Hi Lisa, thank you very much for the lists:) No problem at all. It was just
that while away on holiday I cancelled the 'list' deliveries and just opted
for the 'digest' delivery and I use different email address for them. The
one I normally use comes straight to my mail box here, the other I have is
an online mail address. Better 2 than none at all. It looks most helpful and
interesting, thank you for making it available to us.
I read somewhere (can't remember exactly where) in the last few weeks
that these odd squiggles are something to do with which format is used i.e.
'plain' v 'html' If you receive one kind and your computer is set to receive
the other kind and vice versa you will see these odd marks. Before I went on
holiday all was working well but today I see I am receiving lots of
squiggles including my own messages! I probably forgot to send my mail in
'plain' format. I will do so with this one so we'll see what happens. Jean

From: L de Leon
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] What's wrong with my two Orchids?
Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2005 20:40

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They are in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, just at the foot of the
Dandenongs. The air is humid and the temp is a couple of degrees below
Melbourne. They are hanging underneath a leafy non-native tree, gets morning
sun but that‹s about it.

From: L de Leon
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Luis's Dendrobes.
Date: Wed, 09 Feb 2005 21:15

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My Dendrobiums are leathery leafed, or four of them are with deep green
colours. The 5th Dendrobium is more light leafed almost like a normal plant
except it does not have many leaves like a normal plant. That is not to
infer I consider orchids as abnormal.

As you can see and with reference to Chong-Yee‹s disapproval of my seeking
foreign assistance to solve a local problem, my compatriot from WA has come
to the rescue!

From: L de Leon
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] D kingianum [was Re: What's wrong with my two Orchids?]
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 05:25

Well, this is what I ended up doing, just with the one plant that looks like
it really needed surgery.

I opened up (un-potted and cleared of potting material) the roots and there
must be a dozen pseudobulbs (stems) all bunched up in a mess and most of the
roots are dead. Amongst all these are some small growths in roots and new
foliage fighting through the congestion. I ended up splitting into two
plants, rightly or wrongly, as it looked like the right thing to do. I have
repotted them in two pots, using potting material very sparsely.

I will contemplate what to do with the second non-grower. I suspect this
chap is just having a rest.

From: L de Leon
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Next Question: What do you do with back bulbs?
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 09:05

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I think they are called back bulbs „ the ones with no leaves anymore in my
beloved Dendrobiums. I read a book which says I take them off during the
repotting process.

Yes? Do I just pull them off, i.e. like splitting? Look for telltale signs
of new life before amputation? Show no mercy?

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: squiggles again
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 10:05

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I think I've cracked it!! I said yesterday that I thought it was something to do with 'plain' v 'html' text and it seems to be right. I sent my letter yesterday in 'plain' format and set my 'options' to receive 'plain' text and it arrived back today in perfect condition - i.e. no squiggles! Give it a try and see what happens. Jean

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: oh dear!
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 10:05

I have just sent off a letter re 'squiggles' and forgot to chanage it to
'plain' format! If that one has squiggles and this one does not then that
definitely proves the point. Jean

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: squiggles
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 19:25

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Thanks for letting me know Gordon! Oh well, think again:) I am absolutely sure that I read it somewhere recently but where I have no idea! Anno domini striking I expect! Jean

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: What's wrong with my two Orchids?
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 21:00

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They like a cold rest for just a few weeks at the end of the growing
season ,i.e. autumn
Geoff
On 7 Feb 2005, at 13:56, L de Leon wrote:

> Hi Geoffrey,
>
> The two offending guys are both Dendrobium Kingianum. I bought one
> from a nursery (not an orchid specialist) and the other was gratis
> from a collector who I have not met, to help ›start me off“, so I am
> not surprised with the latter. It looks healthy but stunted. They both
> have dried things sticking out that used to be flowers which I have
> since cut off so they seem to have had happier times.

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Next Question: What do you do with back bulbs?
Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 23:50

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NO, NO do not take them off . Yes, they are back bulbs, but without a
few of them, the plant will not flower. In general , you need at least
4 bulbs ( canes in this case - the word bulbs is used for ones nearer
the shape of an onion ) . If there are more than 4 , explain , and we
will tell you what to do.
Geoff
On 10 Feb 2005, at 04:05, L de Leon wrote:

> I think they are called back bulbs „ the ones with no leaves anymore
> in my beloved Dendrobiums. I read a book which says I take them off
> during the repotting process.
>
> Yes? Do I just pull them off, i.e. like splitting? Look for telltale
> signs of new life before amputation? Show no mercy?

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Luis's Dendrobes.
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 09:40

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J.N. Rentoul. [Died a few years ago] He was a regular contributor to one of your Australian magazines called, 'Your Garden'.

Lothian Publishing Co. Pty. Ltd.
Melbourne. Sydney. Auckland.
ISBN 0 85091 155 9 [Paperback] 241 pages.

I rate J. Rentouls's books very highly and for sure he knew what he was talking about.

From: len.handley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: wet & dry bulb thermometer
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 16:10

I grow under lights and would like to measure the humidity fairly
accurately. There has been recent reference to the wet & dry bulb type and I
would like to buy one (unless there's a better option). Is there a UK
supplier ?
I've tracked down an American supplier but they appear to supply the US
market only.
Thanks in anticipation.
Len Handley

From: jppichardie
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Paph books
Date: Fri, 11 Feb 2005 17:45

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Hello all,
I have just received the recently published The Paphiopedilum Grower's Manual by L. Birk. Very interesting. I recommend it. It is no coincidence of course but his strictures on CITES echo Geoff's. The cultural notes are most interesting. Many spelling mistakes but the worst on that point is Cribb and Averianov's Slipper Orchids of Vietnam. The text is hopelessly corrupt and the number of spelling mistakes and missing words is just outrageous--considering the publishing house, the authors, and the association with Kew Gardens. You'd think Dr. Cribb, or one of his research assistants, might have proof read the volume. Some passages are just gibberish. Kew Gardens should be ashamed.

I won't be seeing you in Dijon, I am not going--it is bound to be the flop of the century. Sorry.
Yours
Jean-Paul

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Jean-Paul and the book!
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 08:45

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Jean-Paul's comments about the spelling errors and missing words come as no surprise to me, as I have seen slightly similar errors in modern books.

One book showed illustrations of British Wild Orchids. Two of the illustrations showed orchids with the spur/nectary in the wrong position. Where the spurs should have been shown going upwards...................they were shown going downwards!!!!!

And another author stated that the liquid which formed a little pool to attract the insect visitor ran uphill!!!

Books can be a source of valuable information, but sadly some of them are just glossy photographs with hardly any information. As long as they make money for the author, who cares.

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Paph books
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 10:40

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It does sound like an utter disaster ( Dijon) but having paid up-front,
and they tell me if I cancel I get nothing back , I guess I am having a
week in Dijon and maybe I shall see some orchids - maybe !
Geoff

From: jppichardie
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Paph books
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 13:50

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Dear all,
At least those of you booked up for Dijon can visit the vineyards. Côte de Nuits produces superb wines (Romanée-Conti amongst others for those who can afford it) but do not forget Côte de Beaune further South near Beaune, which produces the outstanding whites--Meursault and Puligny Montrachet--as well as excellent reds--Pommard may be overvalued but Volnay can be just perfect. Montrachet is horrendously expensive but there variations on the name which are well worth a visit and a taste. The small producers tend to be very friendly. Well worth renting a car as a group. And the landscape is just beautiful.
Yours
Jean-Paul

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] wet & dry bulb thermometer
Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2005 17:50

Len, there are several UK specialist shops . Try putting "buy
thermometer UK" into your search engine, and you'll reach them.

I am buying a temperature logger , hopefully to run with my PC and with
remote sensing from my study , from one of them , and I found out all
about this in my thermometer searches only 2 days ago - but having
found the place I wanted, I made a phone call and info is in the post
on its way to me, and I then dumped the search pages.

From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pleurothallis sp. unknown
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 13:45

I have a Pleurothallis which I can't identify from any books or photos but
then I'm no expert. Lisa, perhaps you know or maybe someone else here does.
The flowers weren't very long lasting and mostly seemed to stay semi-closed.

From: nancy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Back bulbs
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:30

Hi Luis -
I think that if the leafless canes are brown and
crunchy, you can just snap them of when you repot (or
at any time). If they are still green and firm (i.e.,
alive) leave them on the plant - they help to make
food for the rest of the plant!
Regards - Nancy

From: Beccy Holmes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Paph books
Date: Sun, 13 Feb 2005 21:25

"jppichardie" wrote:
>
>Hello all,
>I have just received the recently published The Paphiopedilum Grower's
>Manual by L. Birk. Very interesting. I recommend it. It is no coincidence
>of course but his strictures on CITES echo Geoff's. The cultural notes are
>most interesting. Many spelling mistakes but the worst on that point is
>Cribb and Averianov's Slipper Orchids of Vietnam. The text is hopelessly
>corrupt and the number of spelling mistakes and missing words is just
>outrageous--considering the publishing house, the authors, and the
>association with Kew Gardens. You'd think Dr. Cribb, or one of his research
>assistants, might have proof read the volume. Some passages are just
>gibberish. Kew Gardens should be ashamed.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Jon's Pleuro.
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 09:20

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I do not know much about Pleuros, but have you tried some of the excellent web sites to try and identify it?

As I said, I do not know that much about Pleuros, but, I notice the odd/strange patterning of the two colours, especially the markings on the ovary.stem. I once saw this on a British wild orchid. Do you think your plant has some sort of natural fault. Possibly an abnormal plant, or the dreaded word 'Virus'.

From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Pleurothallis sp. unknown
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 10:20

Thanks for the replies everyone. I think Lisa has correctly identified it as
Pleurothallis restrepiodes. A photo is on Jay's Internet Orchid Encyclopedia
where I should probably have found if I had looked harder.

Yes Geoff 1500 species makes it tough. Why can't people start publishing
online which must be cheaper than a print run?

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pleurothallis sp. unknown
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 11:50

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Unfortunately there are so many Pleuros , maybe 1500 of them. Luehr (
think I have that name right) is publishing a series on them - but they
cost £40 (?) per volume and I think he is up to number 23 so far - and
these are often the only published pictures ( botanical drawings). Just
call it Pleuro.sp.

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Barbosella
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:15

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Hi Everybody,
I bought this Barbosella australis as a small little thing in 1996 in RIO at the
WOC.
It flowers every year in autumn, but never with such a mass of flowers. It
really is
spectacular. I thought to share this delight with everybody.
Kind regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobs
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:20

Luis - I have found what could be useful information for you regarding your
Dendrobs. - Take a look at the url below - Jean

From: Lisa Thoerle
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: mystery pleur identifed!
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 14:20

Yes it is big and looking on Jay Pfahl's site I see it. Somehow I hadn't
come across a photo of this one in my searches even though I know the name
and suspect it is common, I hadn't ever seen one in flower. We don't have
too many pleurothallid enthusiasts around my way.

From: Lisa Thoerle
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Pleur pubs
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 17:50

The first fifteen volumes of Luer's green books (the pleurothallidiots'
bible) are available on a CD ROM for $50. Many, perhaps most, of his
diagnostic drawings are on-line through the Missouri Botanic Garden's
TROPICOS database--FREE! The problem with the latter source is that
you really have to know what you're looking for in order to find it.

MOBOT really does believe in disseminating information, and I think they
do a great job of it via the web.

From: Dave King
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] mystery pleur identifed!
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:30

I have recently become interested in Pleurothallis and been recommended to
look at C.Luer's 'Icones Pleurothallidinae'which is a massive collection of
systemic descriptions of all the known species. Some volumes are available
in print but others aren't - usually the one that you want!
The whole scientific work is being made available on CD for $50 - I can't
remember the website but you will find it if you google 'luer orchids'; an
index (the pleurothallis section of the index runs to 14 pages) is also
available to download from a Dutch site - sorry I haven't the time to send
links but I found them easily

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dends and Cymbid
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 18:35

Good luck with them Luis. It's the way we all learn best - experience:) I
thought I'd tell you all what happened yesterday. There has to be a lesson
here somewhere! We visited my brother-in-law and sister-in-law. He has also
been interested in orchids for a few years - after seeing mine! The
difference between us is that I tend to fuss mine and he more or less
ignores them!! He had one of the best Cymbids I've seen with masses of
healthy foliage and several strong spikes about to open! It looks in better
condition than most of mine. With this particular one he had left it in an
unused bedroom and had forgotten to water it for 3-4 months! It is
flourishing while most of mine are just acceptable! His are left outside
from May to Oct (as are mine) and he just leaves them to the elements but if
he happens to think of it he throws a bucket of water over them or if
watering the lawn soaks them with the hose (very occasionally). Mine get
fed, watered and sprayed regularly but are nowhere near as good! Seems a bit
unfair to me! - Jean

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Kew Orchid Passion... But is it really?
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 19:10

I didn't remeber it like that from three years ago,
but then maybe I didn't see it all last time (I
remember being dissapointed at the little variety of
orchids on display). I quite enjoyed seeing all the
orchids on display, although I was dissapointed at the
little information given in the different species
displayed. And also at the fact that there seemed to
be thousands of phalaenopsis hybrids, but very little
of other species, and then again, some really
beautiful pleurothalids were just imposible to see
because they were displayed kind of far from the paths
(not very good when the flowers they produce are
minuscule, is it?).

However, the biggest dissapointment was the orchids
for sale on the shop. There were only phalaenopsis (by
the bucket), some dendrobiums and a few paphs. All of
them looked very suspiciosly like they had just
arrived from any of the Dutch nurseries. In fact, the
only good I got out of it is the name for an unknown
den I bought recently from my local garden center (I
can't stand looking at how they slowly kill orchids
there, so I have to buy everytime I go there).

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] mystery pleur identifed!
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 21:55

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I have P.restrepiodes - the AOS awarded form ( Dragonstone is the cv
name). It bears no resemblance whatsoever to the pictures put up. I get
a row of 30 (?) I have never counted ! flowers hanging down, rather
like Solomons Seal - if you know that English cottage garden plant,each
flower up to 2 cm high , and very dark solid purple - almost black.
Comment ?
Geoff

From: geoffrey hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Pleurothallis sp. unknown
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 22:15

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I have just looked at Jay Pfhal's pictures - the shape and habit is
exactly right except that - and I think this is very important - he
only shows one small portion of a spike which always - and my plant has
flowered for maybe 7 years now - had spikes 9-15 inches long with very
many flowers . The colour difference I mention could well be that
Dragonstone is an exceptional form, and what Jay show is the typical
one. But if the plant in question only has three or so flowers, I doubt
if it is the same. I note that Luer seems to have created a
restrepiodes section now, and one assumes that all plants in that
section will have a lot in common with this one.
Geoff

From: Lisa Thoerle
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: A little bit about Pleurothallis restrepioides
Date: Mon, 14 Feb 2005 23:55

It's true that Dr. Luer established a subgenus of Pleurothallis
called Restrepioidia--unfortunately, P. restrepioides is not one of its
members. In 1986, he assigned only four species to this subgenus: P.
hemirhoda, P. biserrula, P. hitchcockii, and P. tentaculata. P.
restrepioides is a member of the subgenus Elongatia. It is a very
variable species, and the awarded clone 'Dragonstone' is not
particularly representative of the species, as is the case with so many
awarded plants. In 2001, the Kew bunch moved P. restrepioides into the
genus Stelis. In 2004, Dr. Luer established the new name Elongatia
restrepioides for this fellow when he elevated the subgenus to generic
status.

While we'd really need a flower to dissect to be certain Jon's plant
is E/P. restrepioides--given what we have, it sure looks like it.

From: jppichardie
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Barbosella
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 07:50

Thanks Peter. I've just sat down at my computer and you made my day. What a
show!
Jean-Paul

> Hi Everybody,
> I bought this Barbosella australis as a small little thing in 1996 in RIO
> at the WOC. It flowers every year in autumn, but never with such a mass
> of flowers. It really is spectacular. I thought to share this delight
> with everybody. Kind regards Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: "Wood, Michael (WG)"
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Kew Orchid Passion... But is it really?
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 08:45

All the "garden centres" around here in sunny Aberdeen are of the "pile them high - sell them cheaply" type ..... especially Dobbies ..... I have badgered them for years to get species other than Dendrobium , Phal's and Cymbidium ..... with absolutely no luck whatsoever !
The plants they have are also treated very badly whilst they are there .... and are often binned when the flowering finishes ......

From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Icones Pleurothallidinarum
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 10:45

The whole scientific work is being made available on CD for $50 - I can't
remember the website but you will find it if you google 'luer orchids'; an
index (the pleurothallis section of the index runs to 14 pages) is also
available to download from a Dutch site - sorry I haven't the time to send
links but I found them easily"

Icones Pleurothallidinarum: Volumes 1-15 on CD ROM
Carlyle Luer
Series: ICONES PLEUROTHALLIDINARUM
Missouri Botanical Garden Press
CD | 2004 | £55.23 | approx. $104/¤81

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Barbosella
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:30

Well done Peter, you have grown it very well. It is my sort of plant, the
little interesting ones.

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Kew Orchid Passion... But is it really?
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 12:35

Francis, Kew do buy most of their plants for the exhibitions from Holland
by the lorry load. They are quite open about it. Apart from Phals. they can
buy Odonts. from Holland just to break it up a bit.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pete's Barbosalle.
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 16:00

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That plant sure is every orchid growers dream. What is it growing in..........type of container, and what type of compost please.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Kew Orchid Passion... But is it really?
Date: Tue, 15 Feb 2005 22:20

I didn't know that about them, but thanks for the
info, it makes more sense now.

However, if they have nurseries where they raise some
orchids, and they have a show about the orchids they
grow and are (apparently) saving from extinction,
wouldn't it make sense to have a number of them up for
sale at their shops for special occasions like this
one?

Just thinking that most people interested in orchids
will not really want to buy something they can get a
lot cheaper from any local garden centre.

--- Peter Fowler
escribió:
> Francis, Kew do buy most of their plants for the
> exhibitions from
> Holland
> by the lorry load.

MONTH	DATE	DATE	DATE	DATE	MONTH	DATE	DATE	DATE	DATE
January	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31	February	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-28
March	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31	April	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-30
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September	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-30	October	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31
November	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-30	December	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31

2005 Archived Messages

February 8-14