2005 mailing list messages

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From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: location, location, location
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 03:30

This is one of the 5 clones that I have of Den. Adrasta. I do spray a little fertilizer on them from time to time. Some are in palm trees that are too hard to reach, thus they are on their own. I will post another picture when they are in full bloom. They grow well because I have a good location for them. I don't try to grow tulips or Odontoglossums

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Renathera imschootiana
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 09:40

I think most vandaceus plants will do this kind of thing , and Renanthera
does grow into a confused shrubby mass in the wild, so it must be fairly
normal.

If you take any off - when rooted - and want to sell one or two , I'm your
first customer please Brenda !

I have had this plant for many years and it blooms every year, last year it
threw out a spike as usual but when only 6" long this spike just turned
yellow and died off. a few weeks later I noticed a new growth emerging from
the top of the plant and since then another 5 have grown all from the top
between the two topmost leaves, no roots on them yet so can,t cut and pot
them. has any member experienced this with Renantheras?

From: Roy Lee
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Renathera imschootiana
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 12:20

Brenda, it sounds like your plant has a problem in the
main stem, a fungal disease that could be killing the
plant. The new growth from the top is the plants way
of survival. Keep an eye on it. I wouldn't cut the top
off yet, I would prefer to see some roots first. If
the main stem looks bad them cut the top off leaving
some stem, dip in a good fungicide powder and pot the
plant an hour or two later. This gives the powder time
to seal up the cut.
Hope this helps, Roy.

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: humidity and Renanthera
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 18:30

Many thanks for the information Geoff! That was what I remember from a
couple of years back. I'm going to print it out this time!
Brenda I had a Renanthera for years but unlike yours, mine never flowered
and eventually died!! I think you have done wonders to get it to flower
every year. I obviously can't help with your query but maybe it was just a
blip and a bad year - better luck next year. Jean
Jns I'm green with envy! What wonderful Dendrobiums!

From: Bhotplant
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: humidity
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 19:35

sharon
why not an atractive water feature plus foggers
i have built small pond/waterfall in mine

From: Rudolf Günnel
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Ascocendas Care
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 20:25

I am not the great Vanda/Ascocenda expert because most of my plants are
Paphs but I grow some Ascocendas, too. I grow them indoor and I think
you meant the same
when you said „in the house- you didn‹t mean a greenhouse.
When I grew the Ascocndas as been advised in every orchid book they
didn‹t grow well.
The advised culture is: bare roots, high humidity, spraying the roots
every day, dip the roots into water for 30 minutes once or twice a week.
Indoor you can‹t reach the required humidity for that culture with the
result that plants get withered often. Dipping the roots into water for
only 30 minutes is just
to short because the water reception of the roots takes much more time.
One year ago I started an attempt to grow them better and so far it
works well.
I put the plants into a cache-pot (I use clay pots) bare rooted without
any compost. I fill water or water/fertilizer solution in. The surface
of the water should approach
the bottom edge of the plant stem. I keep the water inside the pot for
2-3 days !!!!!, then pour it away (water other plants). The rest of the
week the plants stay without any
water and then I repeat the treatment „ that saves a lot of time (no
spraying, no dipping etc.).
Ascocenda ›Princess Micasa“ is spiking now for the second time within ½
year. Last flowering was in October /November last year. With this
treatment the plants are growing well, new roots are emerging and the
leaves are strong.
Needless to say, they need as much light as can be given, so a south
faced window with bright light is what they need.
I attach a one year old photo of ›Princess Micasa“ „ now there are much
more roots and the plant is bigger.
I think it is one method among others and worth to have a try.
BTW now I grow Ascocentrum ampullaceum in hydroculture and it works
well, too.

Hi, I have recently been given two Ascocendas as presents. I have
plenty of paphs, phals, etc. But the Ascocendas are new to me. I will
never be able to maintain the humidity (80%) and temperature (22C) in
the house. Has anyone any experience/advice on keeping Ascocendas or
orchids in aquariums or
similar ??
regards Pete

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Disgusting blatant mistake.
Date: Fri, 22 Apr 2005 20:50

I was looking at different websites that showed information on the United Kingdom 'Early Purple Orchid'. One that I looked at is: www.isbuc.co.uk It tells about the Early Purple, botanical name and so on.

Yes, bloody hell, no wonder people who want to learn about our wild orchids get confused or put off.

From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Blatant mistake.
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:15

Talking about mistakes with wild orchids - last week I noticed an unusual
furl of foliage in the garden, about an inch and a half high (3cm), with a
compact flower spike beginning to show. At first glance it looked like an
aroid - we have a lot of Arum maculatum comes up in the garden (cuckoo pint,
lords & ladies and other common names in the UK). I realised it wasn't and
that it looked like a twayblade orchid vaguely remembered from when I used
to do volunteer conservation work. I confirmed that it is a common twayblade
this week which is amazing considering that I haven't seen any wild orchids
within a 4 mile radius of the house, which is in a heavily arable remote
rural area and I've lived here for 8 1/2 years. Not only that but I must
have missed it growing every year until it reached flowering and the garden
isn't so big - maybe 40ft by 70ft including the house and garage. It was
tucked away at the join of the grass lawn and a bank topped with a hedge,
quite mossy and picked around by the blackbirds. I was quite pleased even
though they are fairly unimpressive when they come into flower - discreet
little spikes of green flowers.

If anyone's interested though, I'll take photos as it develops and post them
in.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pleiones
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 17:35

In an attempt to keep my orchid addiction without
being thrown out of the flat by either my partner or
the plants, I have now moved to hardy orchids that
will stand being summered outdoors and then in the
winter, put away in a dry plastic small 'greenhouse'
type of thing that I was given by a friend to keep
gardening equipment.

Today I added a Habenaria radiata, Bletilla striata,
Pleione formosana and pleione tongarina.

I have not tried many terestrial orchids before (only
Dactylhoryza sphagnicola and Orchis italica, but they
are not doing to well). This time I have tried a
different mixture of compost to see if I'm luckier.

Just a question, looking for information on them,
couldn't find anything at all on Pleione tongarina. It
is as though it doesn't exist, and no sites on the
internet contain that name. Does anyone know anything
at all about it?

From: Brenda Beale BB
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Renanthera imschootiana
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 18:25

Thank you for your comments on my plant I will keep a close eye on it and also try to encourage roots to grow on the prolific growths. And yes Geoff if they make it to transplanting size I will send you a couple of them.
Brenda
ps I have R.monachica in bloom at the moment the second time in 9 months. it has been in bloom for weeks.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Jon's Twayblade.
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 19:15

Very pleased indeed to hear that you have a Twayblade growing in your garden. It's one of my favourite wild orchids. I know that you said..........I was quite pleased even though they are fairly unimpressive when they come into flower - discreet little spikes of green flowers.

Well, maybe I can change your mind about them. When they flowers are fully open, just do yourself a favour.

Put a Jewellers Eyeglass to one eye, hold the flower with one hand, with the other hand, hold a tooth pick between finger and thumb. Then very carefully just touch the grey glue bag/sack that is under the pollinia, and as soon as you have touched it draw the toothpick backwards as fast as you can. Never have I been able to do this without finding that the pollinia has stuck to the toothpick. It's that quick. That's Nature at its best.

Oh yes, one other thing. You may notice the nice little pool of nectar at the top of the lip, and the tiny ribbon of nectar that has dribbled over and run down the lip. I guess to entice the insect visitor. One person wrote that the liquid ran uphill !!!!!! Tell that to my old science teacher.

If you like I could always post a picture of a close up of the part that I talk about.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Disgusting blatant mistake.
Date: Sat, 23 Apr 2005 19:20

Think you are being a bit hard Roger ; many of our UK natives are quite
hard to distinguish - unless you are lucky enough to find a perfect specimen
in its prime. And for example the Delforge book I was quoting the other day
says of the Early Purple - "Distribution : more-or-less
Mediterranean-Atlantic, but area not well known due to confusion with
neighbouring taxa"

The other thing , in real; life is that the picture was put in by the
web-master of the site, who knows as much about orchids as I know about him
; there was 50% possibility he would have put the picture in upside down !
Be thankful for small mercies.

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: pleione
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 09:40

Jon - there is a website devoted to Pleiones and although it doesn't show the one you have, why not send him an email asking if he has heard of it. It looks as though if anyone is likely to know more about this orchid then it will be him. This is the url: http://www.pleione.info/ - Good luck - Jean

Jon - I've just had another look at that site and he does actually have it
listed under his 'hybrid' section. Jean

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: OUR Wild Orchids
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 10:20

Geoff, thanks for your comments, but really and truthfully speaking, they should know better. And the people that want to ENJOY our wild orchids have nothing to fear, because if they get a good book of PHOTOGRAPHS of the orchids, then they will soon see how easy it is to tell one from t'other.

Don't buy books that have paintings/illustrations, that is unless the artists actually sits down and records what is there. Unlike the plonker who drew the spur of the Early Purple Orchid and the Green Veined Orchid facing the wrong way........only 180 degrees out!!!

Our wild orchids are such a delight to investigate and learn about, BECAUSE you can actually sit down beside them and observe what is there.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pleiones
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 11:30

It is quite possible that the plant was wrongly
labelled and it is meant to be Pleione Tongariro. A
hybrid. The pics on the net and the ones on the pack
do look quite similar, although the coloration is not
quite the same (maybe a glitch from the camera?).

I'll have to wait until they flower and send a pic
here to see if anyone recognises them.

From: MARK GRIFFITHS
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pleiones
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 13:50

Hi, it's a hybrid, "Tongariro". For parentage and info go to www.pleione.info the most complete website on Pleiones. If you want more pics and info, look at my website, www.inspiringplants.org

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pleione.
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 15:40

Just a thought..........the second name of your Pleione, could it be badly written, or maybe a spelling mistake and should read 'tangarina'. Possibly to do with the colour.

One person that would know I am sure would be Ian Butterfield....the 'Pleione Man'.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Epicattleya problem
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 19:10

For the second year running my Epicattleya Purple Glory has thrown up a good fat spike but the buds have shrivelled and died. Any ideas what might stop this happening?

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Rootless cattleya
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 19:20

I bought Laeliocattleya Star Garden a few months ago only to find it had no live roots. As usual I potted it into pure perlite but still no root growth - in fact the leaves are starting to look a bit crinkled. Any tips to get this going - I do like it so and don't want to give up on it. Would some botton heat help?

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Blatant mistake.
Date: Sun, 24 Apr 2005 22:05

Our neighbour in Bath is very interested in wild orchids and has created
a very good album of photographs of them so I would like to show her
your pics.
Ron

Talking about mistakes with wild orchids - last week I noticed an
unusual furl of foliage in the garden, about an inch and a half high
(3cm), with a compact flower spike beginning to show. At first glance it
looked like an aroid - we have a lot of Arum maculatum comes up in the
garden (cuckoo pint, lords & ladies and other common names in the UK).
I realised it wasn't and that it looked like a twayblade orchid vaguely
remembered from when I used to do volunteer conservation work. I
confirmed that it is a common twayblade this week which is amazing
considering that I haven't seen any wild orchids within a 4 mile radius
of the house, which is in a heavily arable remote rural area and I've
lived here for 8 1/2 years. Not only that but I must have missed it
growing every year until it reached flowering and the garden isn't so
big - maybe 40ft by 70ft including the house and garage. It was tucked
away at the join of the grass lawn and a bank topped with a hedge, quite
mossy and picked around by the blackbirds. I was quite pleased even
though they are fairly unimpressive when they come into flower -
discreet little spikes of green flowers.

If anyone's interested though, I'll take photos as it develops and post
them in.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Epicattleya problem
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 10:45

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Rootless cattleya
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 10:50

I looked up the parentage , it is 50% C.guttata and a good chunk of
C.bicolor too . ( I won't spel out the family tree - it is 7th generation
with 17 different elements.

Many of these cattleyas ONLY produce new roots from a new growth , and only
at specific stage of development of that growth.

Perhaps potted in well soaked , but wrung-out sphagnum , and a gentle
misting from time-to-time to prevent dessication - it will be able t take in
moisture through the leaves !.

From: suzy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Rootless cattleya
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 11:10

take it out of its pot, cut off dead roots, but in a bag with damp moss,
blow air into it, tie up and hang up in warm place. thats what i'm doing
with my rootless cattleya. should start regrowing roots in that warm humid
conditions.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Rootless cattleya
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 13:05

Whenever I've had a sick orchid, my best option has
always pot them into sphagnum moss and nothing else.

This way I have saved my first phalaenopsis ever, two
catlleyas with no roots and a growth of a Burrageara
Stefan Isler whose main growth decided to rot and
spread to the other two new growths.

They are now fine, and roots are coming back in all of
them. In fact, phalaenopsis is throwing a spike.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Rootless Cattleya.
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 15:40

Your rootless Cattleya..........just up my street. This is what I do. Soak the plant, rhizome and all in tepid soapy water for say twenty minutes or so. Then I take an old toothbrush to it and scrub away any dirt etc. being very careful to scrub in an upwards direction around the base of the bulbs. This is to remove the old bracts. Then I take a pair of sharp pointed tweezers to the bracts and carefully peel of as much of the old bracts as possible. This is to enable any eyes that are there to start into growth with nothing impeding them.

Then pot it, making sure that the rhizome is on top of the medium, or only half buried, no more.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Purple Glory.
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 15:40

Your 'Purple Glory'. It happened to mine last year. So far this year, oh, and mine is on bark, it is just pushing out a new growth which is about ten millimetres long. I'm hoping for another new growth to show soon.

Only thing that I can think of is that it became to dry around the plant area. Mine hangs up in the roof of the greenhouse, or it did, as I have moved it to a lower position.

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Disas in the UK
Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2005 23:20

I have hit 25 years of growing orchids this year, but I have never grown
Disas due to their poor press.

I would like to try to grow a couple. I have been told to start with
hybrids. Are there any nurseries in the UK that sell a reasonable
selection of Disas?

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: more help with new greenhouse please?
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 05:20

I am desperately trying to figure out how to do things in my new greenhouse, and would really appreciate a bit more help if you don't mind.
I finally got the temps down to a max of around 30C with 60% shade cloth, 2 fans( l of which is blowing cooler shady air from outside over a cool mist vaporizer) and 2 fully open roof vents. So, I got to wondering about what kind of light levels there were in the GH with the shade cloth. I borrowed a light meter from a pro photographer. Today at lpm (bright sunny day, no clouds) the readings were as followed (changed to foot-candles from the chart on orchidlady's website):outside in full sun 2000fc, inside greenhouse under shade cloth 700fc, inside greenhouse unshaded area 1200fc. Impossible! Then I realized that the light meter is reading ambient light adjusting for neutral grey, not reflected light off a white piece of paper! Then I compared that to the meter reading with a good SLR and REFLECTED light, which was 4 stops higher than the light meter reads. Doing the conversion, it would seem that outside is 25,000fc, inside no shade cloth is 16,000fc, and under the shade cloth is 8,000fc. Now that makes more sense doesn't it?!! Does anyone know how many foot-candles there should be on a bright sunny day?? Does 25,000 sound about right?
So that is more than enough light for the cymbidium and probably way too much for everything else! So now what do I do!! I can't wait until I get this thing figured out!!
Thanks for your patience and any help you can offer!
Sharon in Calgary

From: dr chong-yee khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Disas in the UK
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 12:00

Sylvan Orchids used to do a good selection, but I believe has closed down. You
may be able to find out more from the owner 01293 785784.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Disas in the UK
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 12:00

Sylvan Orchids had the best selection , but since Allan and Sylvia sold out,
the successor has not been seen very often - I think he trades under the
same name, so that is where I should star5t looking. Peter Williams also
had a few , and is now out and about again after his op.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] more help with new greenhouse please?
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 13:25

In Europe we are entirely metric with scientific stuff , and we use Lux „
which is a measure „per square meter „ and when I try to convert back to the
old ›imperial“ measurements, of foot candles , I may get in a muddle „ but
I am thinking aloud so that the scientifically literate amongst us can/will
correct me - or confirmŶ

I think that a Foot Candle reading has to be multiplied by 11.2 to get Lux .
(Because there are 11.2 square feet in a square meter).

So your rather complicated ( although necessarily so) arithmetic arrives at
rather more than ¼ million Lux outside „ pointing the meter at the sun ?

I do have a lux meter , and I do use it to take incident light readings on
my plants AND on plants in the rain forest if and when I get there.

The reading now „ 1.15pm BST = 12.15 GMT with clear sun , after rain ( very
clear air) on the English South Coast „ latitude 50 degrees N „ the sensor
pointed directly at the sun , is 93,000 Lux. And incidentally, this is one
of , if not THE highest reading I have ever seen. In North Thailand, the
reading on Vanda coerulea leaves ( a plant notoriously needing high light)
in early afternoon , bright sun , in August , was 60,000Lux.

The lowest reading I ever got on an orchid in the daytime was on a jewel
orchid, on the forest floor in dense dark rainforest , late morning , a
rainy day , same place and time ( August , North Thailand) and that was a
mere 43 Lux.

The readings I have in my greenhouse at the moment „ I have just been and
taken some -are between 4500 and 8000 lux „ these being obtained by placing
the sensor on the leaves but directed towards the sun.

I have one layer of bubble-pak plastic ( heat insulation) and one layer of
50% shade cloth on - the inside shade/air temperature is 29 deg. C..

I suspect that when you depart from the grey test card and make a 4 stop
difference, this is more related to the latitiude and tolerance of modern
photographic materials and sensors than it is to true incident light values.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: New greenhouse.
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 14:10

You are no different than how many of us started off with a new greenhouse. We had heard about all kinds of contraptions/readings/sayings and whatever.

Your light levels, 'Foot candles'. What I am going to say next is meant as a great help.

I once asked this question. If I was watching a football match on a winters evening and all of the floodlights went out, and if all the people had bought a foot long candle with them, and were asked to light it, what would the light be light ???

Sharon, just have a nice sit down and have a good think about it all and I am sure you will soon find out what suits you, your plants and your greenhouse best.

My greenhouse has polystyrene up to the eaves, and the roof inside had fleece pinned up to keep out the strong rays of the sun. There is still plenty of light.

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Disas
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 15:30

The Newbury orchid show is in June. There are normally two large Disa growers/sellers in attendance. Their best plants normally go on Saturday.
Regatds

From: "Wood, Michael $WG$"
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: mail
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 15:50

Can anyone help ? i'm looking for a Bonatea speciosa ...... a plant - not a flask ( i'm not confident enough to try flasks ! )

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: thanks
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 15:55

Hi Roger: OK, I am obsessing!! I guess it is mostly because the whole orchid thing has been such a great expense, and it could all turn on a dime, as our wonderful moderator has found out. Another part is the combo of scientist/artist in me, and perhaps the greatest is that I tend to obsess about anything I am passionate about. It is very confusing for a relative newby (just had my l year 'orchid obsession' anniversary -moved from l to 50 kids in that year) when you hear all the talk about mediums, exact conditions for coddling these beauties into bloom, and everyone else's wonderful successes, to then just sit back and have a cavalier attitude about your culture methods. Although I must admit I am rather surprised all the time when I hear just how many people are confused by this whole thing, including people who have been at this a good deal longer than I have. A good reminder, and one that I think I will hang in my greenhouse "These are just plants, this isn't LIFE!".
Thanks for your patience and I am sorry if I have stretched it a bit.
Sharon in Calgary

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Greenhouse light
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 16:35

I tend to agree with Roger. I spent ages with my SLR trying to work out light levels then gave up after I bought a Moisture/light meter from the local garden centre. This has a needle that moves from full sun to no sun. This I place in the plant and point it to the sun. It means that I can measure the light at each position in the house and it gives a good indication of full sun etc. The cost 5yrs ago was £12 or about $9.
Regards

From: Thomas Hillson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] more help with new greenhouse please?
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 16:55

Where are you measuring your temperature at in the greenhouse?
I have my greenhouse setup so I can measure at several points and
several heights. I can have temperatures of 35C at 7 foot and 25C at
3 foot. The East end of my greenhouse is usually 4C warmer than the
west end next to the incoming air vents.

The light reading you have make sense for your conditions. What you
need to do is try your plants under the shade cloth and see if they
do well. Depending on the type of orchids you are growing they should
do well. My greenhouse has similar light conditions here in Iowa in
the US, I find that by hanging my plants that need more light and
that can take the heat at the 7 foot level I create more shade
beneath them for the plants that want the shade. I created layers in
my greenhouse with plants that want more light hanging and those that
like more shade on the benches. I used my light meter and found that
some areas at the bench top were at 4000 foot candles and others were
at 7 to 8000 foot candles. I adjusted my plants into the areas that
fit their needs. This makes a very mixed collection under the hanging
plants. I can not put all my Cattleyas or Phalaenopsis in one area.

I also put a misting system up above the hanging plants. I have it
come on for a few minutes during the day to help cool the plants and
to provide them with more humidity. I found that this really helps my
Ascocendas and related plants produce roots. The few Laelias,
Cattleyas and even Paphs that I hung also like the extra humidity. My
Rothschildianum hybrids are blooming better with the high light
(9,000 foot candles).

Be ready to move plants around and adjust things in your greenhouse.
It may take you a year or more to get everything figured out in your
greenhouse. I know it took me three years to get mine organized so
the plants all liked it, and I am still moving things around.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New greenhouse and foot candles.
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 17:30

Hi Roger,
While agreeing with your general sentiments re; illumination and the measuring of, the old 'bright', 'cloudy bright' etc was pretty good for film emulsion and is a good guide for greenhouses too.

However, I have to point out that a foot-candle is not a foot-long candle but the illumination from a 'standard' defined candle placed one foot away from the illuminated subject. Your spectators' candles might not illuminate the match but, all placed a foot away from the same spot on your white card, might give an intense light. Trouble is, you couldn't get more than two or three very friendly spectators close enough to each other to achieve the effect so better to retire to the pub and talk orchids!
John Stanley

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Rootless cattleya
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 17:40

Yes, bottom heat would help, better still, put it in a plastic bag with some moist
spaghnum moss around the base, close the bag and put it in a warm place without
any direct sun. Do not open the bag before new roots are emerging.

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re-potting Phalaenopsis.
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 17:50

Yes Rocky, aerial roots will die if they are covered by any potting medium. It is a
well known fact that the velamen around the roots is different once the roots grow
out of a pot. The only way around is to place the roots on top of the potting medium.
It is also strange that those roots may grow into the potting medium and function
and serve the plant.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Rootless cattleya
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 21:50

Thanks to Suzy, Francis, Geoffrey and Roger. I shall try some of your ideas and see how it goes. By the way I also have Cattleya bicolor which I like very much. So far it has not flowered for me though it does have roots.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Epicattleya problem
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 21:55

I bough it in flower 2 years ago and it seemed happy enough. Last year and this the buds shrivelled even though the groweth looks ok. We shall have to see Rocky what transpires - mine is in hydroculture.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 26 Apr 2005 22:15

Last year I asked about conditioning dendrobiums to get them to flower. In the end I moved them - the cooler growing ones that is one my bedroom windowledge for 6 weeks between october and december. They stood in pure water and the window was open at night. I am pleased with the results. Here are some pics of what's in bloom at the moment - 4 of these had the above treatment.

From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] thanks
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 08:20

Don't be ashamed to be keen! You have to look at this as a long-term hobby -
you will have fantastic successes and dismal failures. You will _always_
learn new things and slowly but surely your plants will get better as you
learn which ones you grow well and how to grow them better. Eventually you
can forget the rules and just do what you feel will work when you have
absorbed more than you realize.

From: Beccy Holmes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Early Purple Orchid propagation
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 08:20

A friend of mine is very excited about the Early Purple Orchids growing on
the bank outside his house. However twice now someone has come along and
stolen them, leaving only one or two plants. He's wondering if, to preserve
them, he can lift them and move them to somewhere less conspicuous and how
to propagate them. I've had a non-exhaustive look on the internet but
wondered if anyone else here could help? Are they happy to be divided, do
they grow easily from seed and is seed available commercially?

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk]
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 08:45

You might get it from Isobyl la Croix ( Uzemara Orchids) - she is the best
source I know for African orchids.

I tried a couple of years ago , and she did not have it at that time, but
intended to try and get some seed I remember. I saw a superb plant of it at
the South African Botanic Garden and they did tell me that seed would be
available.

I did get B.bracteata from Isobyl , which has grown well , and I now have
two pots full of the tubers , just starting to emerge from their winter
sleep.

Can anyone help ? i'm looking for a Bonatea speciosa ...... a plant - not a
flask ( i'm not confident enough to try flasks ! )

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: bonatea speciosa
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 09:20

Michael, have a look at this website which advertises several hybrids:
http://www.maxvend.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=3172&Affiliate=raven

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Re-potting Phalaenopsis.
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 10:00

I don't try to put aerial roots into the pot because they are too brittle. I do notice however that they grow down into the water reservoirs and look plump and healthy - often with several inches of the root tip bright green.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk]
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 11:00

Contrary to what I said a few minutes ago , I do have this plant, and its
growing quite well - at least three new growths this year , so far ( still
emerging ? ) . However, with the image of the plant I saw at Kirstenbosch in
mind, I don't want to divide it yet.

However, if you are not successful , keep me in mind, and maybe in a year or
so I may feel differently , or - if it goes on multiplying at its present
rate , I may even need to divide it.

I recall that it had two flowering growths last year , and made a few more
grtowths which were only three inches high when I put the plant into rest ,
but which came through the rest and may continue to grow this year . I only
saw one or two of the flowers, as they were only just starting to open when
I went away for a few weeks, and they had got horribly infested with aphids
whilst I away , and my destroy the aphids campaign on my return pretty well
destroyed what was left . I hope for better things this year !.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: those Keukenhoff pictures I promised...
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 11:05

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Replies.
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 11:20

Hi Sharon, When I first started I tried to look in every one of my friends greenhouses that I could. Also, I just follow my instincts, whatever they may be, and I translate your saying as 'Follow what Nature does', if you can.

Hi John, and thanks for the correct explanation of a 'Foot candle', I never had this explained before. Love the humour.....Up the Saints.

Hi Pete, I really do appreciate your input about the 'Aerial roots', but knowing me as you do, I am about to ask what the difference is. If the two types of roots were viewed under a home microscope, would they still both have that lovely honeycombed cell structure? I must try and have a look at mine.

Hi Andy, 'The Dendrobium King'. You sure got that cracked Andy. Would you say that for that type of Dendrobe that they require a quite cool drop for some weeks?

Last but not least, did someone ask about Disas ? I seem to have mislaid the E-mail. If it was one of our members who lives in the Alton, Hampshire area, then I may be able to give them the name of someone who grows them very well.

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] thanks
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 18:25

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Greenhouse light
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 18:25

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: michael
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 18:55

I'm sorry Michael. The last url I suggested was just for prints of orchids but these two do have seeds and I think plants are sometimes available from the other. It's worth contacting them and asking. Jean
http://www.b-and-t-world-seeds.com/a1.asp?title=Herbaceous+Border+Plants&list=43

From: Pete Bice
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: RE Asconcenda-Care
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 21:55

Hi Rudolf
I am new to orchid-talk. I hope I have found the correct way of replying to messages.
Thank you for all the information. You are right, I do mean in my house not my greenhouse. My greenhouse is not heated, but I hope one day to reach the level of keeping orchids in a heated greenhouse. But I have a lot to learn first.
I have not found your photos on the website yet.
I will try your watering technique, I do not know what a cache-pot is, but I will look it up.
How do you maintain a constant temperature of 22C in a house with central-heating where the temperature can drop to less than +10C overnight in winter? It has been suggested I try using a ' reptile heat mat' under my orchid fishtank. Do you have any comments or suggestions on managing temperature?
regards
Pete

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Early Purple Orchid propagation
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 22:10

Hi Beccy,
First, although the intention might be more respectable, you would probably
be breaking the law as much as the thief.
Secondly, populations of wild orchids seem to be very picky about where they
grow and you probably couldn't guarantee success if you moved 'em.
It is, at least, encouraging that in spite of having been pinched twice,
they are still thriving there.
You could try a sign close to them - "telephoto CCTV protected" (but don't
make it from aluminium or that'll be pinched as well)
John Stanley

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Early Purple Orchid propagation
Date: Wed, 27 Apr 2005 22:35

It is illegal to dig up any wild flower plant in UK without the permission
of the landowner. Assuming it could be obtained, it is essential to find
the same soil type , and take plenty of the soil with the plants.

For advice about propagation , contact the Orchid Unit at Kew , which has
done a lot of work on raising UK orchids from seed ( and planted out many
thousands of rare species in suitable sites , too.)

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Greenhouse light
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 09:05

That would make a very hard dollar „ I think Dennis has the cart before the
horse „ i.e. $12 might be £9 ( at it‹s best - for us here in UK - a few
months ago , $12 was not much more than £6 . At it‹s worst in the past few
years, $12 was in danger of costing £12 „ but never more pounds than dollars
).

( Do not despair Dennis „ when I worked , I had a client who exported to 94
different countries and employed 20 or so people in Accounts Department ;
the MD told me one day that he only had one person who really understood
foreign currency , and who could be relied on not to get it wrong - ever ;
and another story ; when as a young professional I signed my first set of
foreign currency papers „ in those days one had to obtain Treasury Approval
to buy foreign currency beyond a £15 limit „ and I got the conversion wrong
, and the Bank telephoned me to ask if I really wanted to pay this Italian
lawyer the sum of twopence-- ; the lira was at 2200 to the pound, and I had
divided instead of multiplying , or something like thatŶ)

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Concertina leaves.
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 09:30

I read a note from one of our members about 'Concertina leaves', and that it was down to erratic watering.

Maybe yes, maybe no. I have read no scientific facts to support it. However, I have seen it in my garden on the leaves of Montbretia and another sword leaved type plant which I cant remember the name of.

Thing is, it always seems to appear on just certain Genus of orchids, Miltonia seems to get it and other similar types.

My point that I would like to make in respect of the garden plants that show 'Concertina leaves' is that rainfall is erratic, always has been and always will be, and yet only a very few plants show this abnormality.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Early Purple orchid.
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 09:40

First point is, that to dig or uproot or pick any wild plant is against the law.

However, if the bank is within the boundary of your friends property then no problem. If by MOVING them, and the MOVE is not seen as STEALING them....................................

Tell your friend to move the Early Purples whenever he likes to do it.
As long as you take a good clump of soil and the main tuber/tubers are
well within it all will be O.K. And plant it on his side of the fence.
Then if the thieves are caught, hang them up by their 'tubers'.

Point to note. The tubers are often well down in the soil, maybe seven
or eight inches or more, so take a damn good spade and go down deep
enough to ensure all will be well. It will be heavy, but worth it.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Help ?
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 10:20

I had all this - of course - but in transferring info' from my old PC to my
new all-singing, all-dancing 64 bit processing wonder , they seem to have
gone walkabout in cyberspace.

And I have a couple of plants which maybe I'd like to name , if I am first
in line.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Greenhouse light
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 16:30

But I'll bet he was worth it every penny of the 2d !
(ps. note the authentic 2d, none of your 2 pee stuff
John

( Do not despair Dennis - when I worked , I had a client who exported to 94 different countries and employed 20 or so people in Accounts Department ; the MD told me one day that he only had one person who really understood foreign currency , and who could be relied on not to get it wrong - ever ; and another story ; when as a young professional I signed my first set of foreign currency papers - in those days one had to obtain Treasury Approval to buy foreign currency beyond a £15 limit - and I got the conversion wrong , and the Bank telephoned me to ask if I really wanted to pay this Italian lawyer the sum of twopence-- ; the lira was at 2200 to the pound, and I had divided instead of multiplying , or something like that.)

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help ?
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 16:45

I have now found the answers to my question - by searching my earlier
e-mails still on the system.

From: dr chong-yee khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help ?
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 17:15

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help ?RHS address and email
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 17:55

Hi Geoff,
Is this the info you need? (below)
The rhs changed its web-address to this some time ago ("some time" means that I'm not sure if it was yesterday or last year!)

Incidentally, the orchid you gave my wife when we visited you at your old address (we had your little microscope) flowered this year.

1. http://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/registration_orchids.asp
2. If you have a further inquiry about the names of orchid hybrids and/or their parents, it should be made to the International Orchid Registrar, at the following address: 2 Albert Street, Stapleford, Nottingham NG9 8DB, England
telephone/fax: 00 44 115 939 2828 (from outside UK), 0115 939 2828 (UK internal)

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Greenhouse light
Date: Thu, 28 Apr 2005 20:25

I must have had a senior moment but the instrument is adequate for my requirements.

From: Orchids
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sophronitis Articles
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 05:05

Can anyone assist me in getting the Sophronitis Article from the 2004 The
Orchid Review.

The Orchid Review Volume 112 Number 1259 September-October 2004 Sophronitis
Page 278.

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: red phal leaves?
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 05:40

I have a phal that has deep burgundy leaves -always has. It is right beside 2 others with bright green leaves. The phal with the red leaves has red-violet flowers. I have another which is white with burgundy blotches and its leaves are more burgundy than green, but not as burgundy as the first one I mentioned. Is this a function of their natural colouration, or is it that these red flowered phals are more sensitive to light?? One is spiking now, and the other just got a new leaf. I will try moving them back from the window a bit (in a west window with a lace curtain and 4 supp. CFL's)
thanks
Sharon

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] red phal leaves?
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:30

Some of the species have this red coloration , and sometimes it carries
through to the hybrids ; it seems to be associated with flower colour, but
not necessarily so and of course many so-called phalaenopsis are actually
Doritanopsis ( Doritis x Phalaenopsis) and the Doritis used - D.pulcherrima
often ghs strongly coloured leaves. . I don't think it is just light ,
although over-bright light wqill turn green phallys red very quickly.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: slugs again...
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:35

Another weapon in our armoury ; look for Bio ( trade name) Slug Barrier .
This is made from crushed sea-shells , and used as a mulch on the surface of
a pot , or as a ring around a plant, is said to form a barrier which is
decorative , does not bio-degrade, and is not crossed by slugs or snails .
Comes in a 3Kw box which must be almost a gallon - say about 4 litres of
the product - should cover quite a few pots.

It is still necessary to ensure that the plants leaves do not touch other
plants , making a bridge over the barrier, and also there is the question of
slugs gaining access through drainage holes, and damaging roots . But to
protect flower spikes on a special plant , its worth a try , and I can't see
why it should not be 100% successful.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: slugs again --- ps
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 09:35

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] red phal leaves?
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:20

The coloration of plants is due to the amount of
chlorophyl they contain. Most plants contain only
green chlorophyl, and so, their leaves are always
green. Some plants contain a mixture of both green and
red chlorophyl, and is the amount of red chlorophyl
they contain that gives the leaves that red hue, or
even red leaves, as it is the case with your phals.

If you get the plants away from the light, then the
leaves will turn greener, but I don't think that
colour would be more benefitioa to their growth.

I have a red phally too. It use to grow in a darker
area and it was lovely green, but it didn't flower for
two years and it nearly died. Now it is closer to the
light and the leaves growing are reddish, and a new
spike is coming through. The plant also look happier
and healthier than it did before.

If your phallys are groing healthy and well, then
don't move them away from the window. They also add a
bit of coloration to an otherwise, quite simple
looking plant, don't you think?

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Keukenhoff pictures
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:50

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Roots
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 14:55

Hi Rocky,
I don't know what the difference between the two root types is either, but when
you look
at the colour then there is a visible difference. The aerial roots look a
silvery/grey/white
colour and the pot roots look white and rather translucent.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Shows...
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 15:30

You will need to pay to enter Wisley Garden - unless you are an RHS member.
Not sure about paying to enter the show after that.

I believe the trade is Ray Bilton (Orchid Answers) and Ray Barrow (Royden
Orchids)

Wisley is on the A3 London- Portsmouth Road, just about south of the
junction with M25. Very easy of access .

Not sure about opening times - but almost certainly from lunch to 4.30 (
which is definitely the close).

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Red Phally leaves.
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 18:40

I have quite a few Phallys, and the leaf colour range is quite wide. From light green to dark green and through to the purple red types.

I believe their leaf colour is quite natural, as is the length and width of them.

From: Theta Sigma
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] slugs again...
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 18:50

Thanks very much for that great tip. For my garden I obtained some
decolate (carnivorous) snails - they ate all the slugs and other types
of snails (over 2 year's time) and now I'm slug- and snail-free. I do
not know if decolate snails also eat plants though I've not seen any
evidence of it.

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sophronitis Articles
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 19:10

Sophronitis coccinea only had a mention in this article on miniature
orchids - about 25 words only. regards

From: suzy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] slugs again...
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 20:45

copper tape is good too. i grow my hostas in old brass or copper coal
scuttles, not a leaf gets munched.

From: Orchids
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Sophronitis Articles
Date: Fri, 29 Apr 2005 23:05

Many Thanks Dennis you never know what's in Articles when you don't see them
first.
I find it hard to find Things on Sophronitis so always chasing to learn what
i can about them as I'm mad about the little ones.
Many Thanks
Les

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] slugs again --- ps
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 00:00

How do you define 'wildlife' Geoff? Aren't our very own molluscs of that category?
(That isn't to say I'm not sympathetic. Here in Crewe I suspect they fly in through the roof
vents at dusk!)
John Stanley

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: slugs again --- ps
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 20:20

It is a fascinating question - does safe to wildlife mean it won't harm
snails ? Well , it is not poisonous ; they will not cross it ; hence it
will not harm them ; ergo - it is safe to slugs and snails too !

Incidentally, I in my original message I added a long paragraph arguing this
through in my own mind - reached these conclusions, and deleted it . Waiting
for someone to raise it ...

One of the benefits/disadvantages of being a lawyer is that you can always
see both sides of the question , and - if doing one's job properly - argue
either side ( if appropriately recompensed of course ! . This pro bono
publico stuff is strictly for the PR men ).

(footnote - writing this after returning from a very long day at the OSGB
show at Wisley- where ( dare I mention it ?) I got 3 firsts, 2 seconds and
one third ) - and after a bottle of wine to celebrate and try and unwind
after the drive . In vino veritas or what ? )

From: Olga Caussade
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pumice
Date: Sat, 30 Apr 2005 20:35

BonbonsAlways trying to find the best compost for semi-hydro culture, I am starting with a new one, pumice. Please, does anyone here have done this? It seems that the italien one is the best. Technic composition is:
SiO2 = 70,90 %
Al203 = 12,76 %
TiO2 = 0,14 %
Fe2O3 = 1,75 %
FeO = 0,64 %
CaO = 1,36 %
MnO = 0,09 %
MgO = 0,60 %
Na2O = 3,23 %
K2O = 3,83 %
P205 = 0,015 %
CO2 = 0,04 %
SO3 = 0,21 %
H2O+ = 3,58 %

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
May	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31	June	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-30
July	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31	August	1-7	8-14	15-21	22-31
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

April 22-30