2005 mailing list messages

2005 Archived Messages

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From: Jon Loose
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] question on Sobralias
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 10:55

"I just acquired 4 new orchids last night at the OS meeting. Two are
Sobralias and I have no cultural information for one of them and sketchy
information on the other.

I know Sobralias are not popular with growers, but I'm hoping someone can
give me a few tips...

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] question on Sobralias
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 12:30

I have seen some Sobralia species growing in drainage ditches in South
America, and when I have grown them - about three different species - I have
treated them as bog plants - standing the pots in saucers filled with water.
They liked this, but of course all species may not be the same.

( I saw one at a show once, in , I think, somewhere in Mexico - although not
perhaps a native of that country - with amazing large cattleya like
flowers, but on a plant 8 foot high - not excatly suitable for window-sill
culture ! )

The flowers generally are very short-lived, often as little as one day , but
produced in succession over a period of months.

The ones I know are certainly terrestrial , and grow out of the forest , so
presumably need good light. The rather hard leaves suppoprt this view.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pleurothallis restrepioides
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 13:00

I just wanted to inform everybody that the division I
got from Dennis is begining to show some signs of
life. One of the leaves' sheat got very fat recently,
and last night I discovered that it had just burst on
the top, and a tiny spike is pushing its way through!

I am very excited, although I guess once the flowers
open it will have to move out of the bedroom, as the
flowers are suposse to smell of carrion!

PS Dennis, many thanks for this division. It has taken
some time to start doing something, but at least I
know it's not dying yet!

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Fw: London Orchid Show (RHS)
Date: Thu, 22 Sep 2005 17:10

> I'm a bit surprised that none of our regular contributors has yet
> mentioned this show.

It arrived here and was circulated as usual, Len. No idea why you didn't
see it :-(

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Blue Phal
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 00:40

do the quotation marks indicate that the 'blue" was not a real blue, or just
'blueish'

I know that there is a Dtps Kenneth Schubert 'Blue Angel' which is reputed
to be a quite good blue. Is this the one you saw?

From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sobralias
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 02:25

Hi Sharon,
I grow a number of Sobralias and also do some hybridizing with them. I grow
them in a mixture of medium bark,some small bark and about 30% stone. This
seems to be very good for them as they grow very rapidly. They are grown
under a light shade cloth about 25% shade and are grown outdoors in
temperatures ranging from -2C to 40C. They get watered about twice a week
(Water restrictions) and I have them in pots of about 12inch diameter.
A lot will need to go into bigger pots. They do not like being disturbed and
above all intensly dislike being split up.
Fertilizing is about once a month generally with a fish emulsion and seasol.
I am always on the lookout for seed from any of the species at all as there
are very few grown here in Sydney.
Cheers
Max

From: "Schoonjans, Peter-Dieter \(IT\)"
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Fungus or pest?
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 08:15

Thanks for the info. This morning I noticed that one of my containers
with very little Phalaenopsises seems to have been infected too.
I hope that not much else has been, as I dread the idea of loosing all
my plants.

That Miltonia spectabilis of yours is still flowering :) Thanks for
naming the Miltonia honolulu.

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Francis
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 08:30

How exciting Francis! Yes please photograph it when it flowers and let us all enjoy it. Jean

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Blue Phal
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 12:30

The plant is Doritaenopsis Aida . The flowers are Doritis pulcherrima size ,
but a good shape and a lot on the spikes ( 2) . The blue is certainly as
ghood as the average "blue" cattleya - you know it is not the usual colour ,
and it strikes one as being blue - but don't stand it by a vase of bluebells
or delphiniums, or you will be disappointed.

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Dtps. Kenneth Shubert
Date: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 13:45

This is as blue as it gets in a warm climate. The
same plant grown in a cooler climate does indeed show
a much darker blue. Does anyone know of a blue Phal.
of normal size?

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: list of time to mature paph - giwalker?
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 15:30

A while ago "giwalker " was going to make a list of the time it takes paphs to get to mature (flowreing) size. Any body have any inputs on this? ( I realize that there would Ideal times bast on growing conditions etc) but clearly there are slow growers and faster growers ....

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sobralia
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 15:50

Hi Sharon,
I grow my Sobralias under warm to hot conditions with about 70% shadecloth in
summer and full sun in winter. S. macrantha is planted into a cracked
swimming-pool-
sand-filter which is about 60cm across and filled with a cymbidium-like mixture
which
has not been changed in more than 10 years. The canes grow to 1.5 - 1.8 mtr and
produce a large number of flowers in summer. On certain days there are up to 15
flowers open. The flowers last only one day and the flowering season lasts for
about
2 months. The other 5 plants are much smaller and are in 10 inch pots. Lots of
water
in summer and fairly dry in winter. Fertilizer fortnightly in summer and nothing
in winter.
Attached you find a picture of S. macrantha.
Kind regards
Peter from Blougbergstrand

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: CITES, have a look at this.
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 19:55

Have a look at this attachment [if it works] it's what we have been looking for and is a great start to our campaign to get CITES de-regulated.

So, why do I need a CITES permit to buy/import other similar mutli generics from shall we say the USA.

From:
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] list of time to mature paph - giwalker?
Date: Sat, 24 Sep 2005 20:15

Hi Jim,
Unfortunately I have not had any response so far. I was considering e-mailing known paph growerw to see if I could drum up some info.
If you have or can get any information I would be grateful if you could send me a copy.
Regards,
Gordon.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: list of time to mature paph - giwalker?
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 06:40

Maybe I was expected to answer this ( as National Collection holder) but the
answer is not very useful...

I have raised one primary hybrid to flower the entire flask - some dozen
plants -within 22 months of deflasking ( and the flask time was also short).

I am hoping to see the first flowers on one multi-floral species this winter
some 17 years from deflasking.....

All my other experience is somewhere between these two extremes, although it
is easy to see a pattern ; multi-floral species take the longest, primary
hybrids within certain sections are the quickest, etc.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] CITES
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 06:50

I could not see a date on this Roger ; if it is in force, yes it is a
brilliant step forward - but ( without wishing to carp) it has its
limitations ; it applies only to plants in flower , and effectively
mass-produced- the ones we already get from continental Europe and Taiwan.
We can get these from USA ,Australia ,Thailand etc , if the producers there
get their act together.

It won't apply to species, even if seed-raised, and of course it won't apply
to seedlings not in flower.

But I wonder why we have not heard anything about this from the trade ? I
hear plenty of moans ?

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Cities
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 09:20

Thank you Roger for the info and those wonderful orchid photos. Just the way to start my day. I intend to copy that list for all our members so that if anyone tries to confiscate them at an airport they can produce this list. It may prove very useful indeed. Thanks again. Jean

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] CITES
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 12:55

I see that the ones labelled carry the logo of one of the big Dutch growers who supply their plants to Homebase ( cost about £12 each) or Ikea ( cost £5.50). At these prices, especially Ikea, it would be pointless for individuals to import them.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: CITES, that article and hope for the future.
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 13:00

Hi to you all, especially to Geoff and Jean for your comments on, 'That article'.

Geoff, I think that I was very fortunate to have seen it on the Web, I did not even 'Favourite' it. However, as you have said, it is a good step forward, and of course why have we all not been informed about it??????????

At least it is a chink in CITES armour and one that we should all exploit, and ask them why other hybrids of the SAME TYPE are not included.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] and now 7-9
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 13:15

Great cattleya pictures Geoff. I do like V & LeC plants. A bit pricey but nice quality.

Here are a couple that I have had from them and are currently in flower. Also one from Nardotte ( the Angel Bells Suzie) A common plant I know but currently it has 7 x 5 inch flowers on a plant in a 5 inch pot and the perfume is magnificent. All that from a plant that cost me 10 euros 2 years ago.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: ventilation
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 13:30

I am really pleased with the orchid house I had built 3 years ago using triple-wall polycarbonate. The only problem I have found is with the roof vents. Basically they are expensive and not very good quality. They also invariably get condensation drips and I have lost the odd spike or growth as a consequence.

I am planning another orchid house - construction to start next month, measuring 6.5x 4.5 metres. Does anyone know of a supplier of roof vents for this material? OR I was considering using thermostatically controlled extractor fans to be used in conjunction with ground level ventilation instead. Has anyone done this?

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Conditioning dendrobiums... What next?
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 17:55

Following some advice given early this autumn by
Geoff, I took most of my dens outside on the 1st of
September and let them there day and night.

As we get a lot of snail/slug activity outside, I
check them everyday for any signs of the little
buggers.

On my routine checks, I have noticed that some of the
nobile-type hybrids have some tiny buds on some of the
nodes. I thought that they wouldn't flower again this
year, so I wasn't expecting anything like that, and
most definetely, not so quick (it's only been 3.5
weeks since I put them outside for their 'cold'
spell). There have been no changes to the
phalaenopsis-type, and nothing is happening at the
moment with Dawn Marie (a negro-hirsute type).

What do the experts think? Should I bring the
nobile-types inside now, and let them flower or should
I leave them out for another 2 weeks, as I first
intended?

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] ventilation
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 23:15

I am planning to build a greenhouse to house my orchid collection that I am
planning to bring in from abroad and have tried to find a company that could
supply a greenhouse glazed with triple- walled polycarbonate but failed. The
nearest that anyone came to this was twin-walled polycarbonate.
Can you let me into your secret, please? I shall be most grateful.

From: Janet Fabricant
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: and now 7-9
Date: Sun, 25 Sep 2005 23:20

Hi Andy,
Thanks so much for sharing the beautiful photos of your magnificent orchids.
Wirey hugs and love and xxx and licks from Janet and Asta in Boynton Beach, Florida

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] ventilation
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 00:25

Hi Andy,
We don't have anything of the size you're thinking about but we suspect that molluscs find it easier to slip through our open side vents than to fly in through roof vents (although flying-in is what they seem to accomplish around here!). However, maybe they don't like a strong headwind and your fan may be powerful enough to eject 'em.
John Stanley

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pollination
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 08:15

Has anyone pollinated Brassia arachnoidea and if so can they advise the approx. time before the seed pod was ripe?
Gordon

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dends
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 08:35

I'm not that surprised Francis that your Dendrobiums are showing buds. I've had one or two with three flowerings in a year but each successive time with less flowers. At one time I couldn't get them to flower at all and by accident discovered it was winter sun they needed. The difference in my Kingianum type orchids since putting them out for a colder spell has been remarkeable! I actually saw that they looked bigger and healthier after only a couple of weeks. I'm now standing them in full sun as it is weak and moving them to shelter when we get heavy rain. Thanks again for the suggestion on putting them out Geoff. I'll let everyone know how they progress and whether they flower. Jean

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] ventilation
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 08:50

I have used thermostatically controlled extractor fans in the past, mounted
high in the gable end, and ground level box vents in the walls, usually
open. It works quite well ; I found that the 12 inch fans I used cost well
into 3 figures ( over £100 each) and lasted about 5-6 years in a greenhouse,
which I suppose has to be acceptable.
In a wide house - and the last time I used this was in a house 6 x 9 metres
- I divided the centre by a partition extending 80% of the length, and used
two "extractor fans" , one each side, and one arranged to suck external air
in, and the other actually extract . Hence, in theory I got a complete
change of air and circulation, down one side of ther partition and up the
other. However, I think that 12inch was quite inadequate - in Paris last
week I saw that they were using 1 metre fans in a smaller house ! . Those
very large fans are much more expensive and for domestic purposes have the
further disavantage of being very noisy.

As to roof vents, there is a kind used for factory roofs, with a cowl which
sits outside and an axial flow fan inside which might do the job for you. I
have not used them in a greenhouse however.

From: Dave Blowers/UK/Tesco
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] ventilation
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 09:35

I use one 12" and one 9" extractor fan low down on a 12' x 8' greenhouse.
There is one roof vent opening automatically, the idea being that cold air
enters at the bottom and is humidified and hot air exits high up.
Everything critical in my greenhouse is controlled independently, so each
fan is on a seperate controller.
This, combined with two hydrofoggers, keeps the temperature on the hottest
summer day below 26oC with one unshaded south facing end wall and 40% shade
on the east and west facing sloping sides (in other words quite a lot of
light)

Like Geoff, 5-6 years seems to be a maximum lifespan, though it is possible
to get replacement parts that are suprisingly cheap relative to the cost of
the entire unit.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: ventilation
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 12:15

I designed my own and had it built by a builder last time and I am doing the same this time

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: ventilation
Date: Mon, 26 Sep 2005 19:00

> I use one 12" and one 9" extractor fan low down on a 12' x 8'
> greenhouse.
> There is one roof vent opening automatically, the idea being that
> cold air enters at the bottom and is humidified and hot air exits
> high up.
> Everything critical in my greenhouse is controlled independently, so
> each fan is on a seperate controller.
> This, combined with two hydrofoggers, keeps the temperature on the
> hottest summer day below 26oC with one unshaded south facing end wall
> and 40% shade on the east and west facing sloping sides (in other
> words quite a lot of light)
>
> Like Geoff, 5-6 years seems to be a maximum lifespan, though it is
> possible to get replacement parts that are suprisingly cheap relative
> to the cost of the entire unit.
>
> Dave.
>
What sort of orchids are you growing, Dave?
26ºC seems to be a very low maximum temperature.

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 13:45

Ron I don't put out my Dend.Nobile orchids. It's the Kingianum type I have started putting outside and I keep my eye on the T.V. weather people and if it drops below 8C then I bring them in. I've only had to do that once in the last few weeks and have made sure I stand them in the sun during the day as it isn't that strong now. I found that the nobile type was doing well in my greenhouse and started flowering well when I left them standing in full winter sun. I had never succeeded in getting the Kingianum types to flower well and asked Geoff's help. I am now giving them the cooler spell he suggested and there is a marked improvement in their condition so I'm hoping flowering will follow in due course. I'll let everyone know what happens. Jean

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: The List.
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 16:30

Hi to all our members Worldwide, especially those of you that think as I do that CITES needs a lot of work done on it as far as Orchids go.

I have just been sitting at my computer and I have tidied up that article about hybrids that do not require CITES.

As Geoff and a couple of you said; It was the first time that this article was known to exist.

I have E-mailed it to one who is on our side, and this man will be attending a meeting of the AOS Trustees in a few weeks time.

I will E-mail it to other people who I think could use 'The list', but if you want to pass it on to anyone you think will be pleased to see it, then please do.

Having tidied the list up, it is very plain to see that Vuylstekeara is missing.

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: cities list
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 18:15

Thank you Rocky for this very useful article. I'm going to run off copies for our local members. I'm taking a list with me in future whenever I go abroad. Jean

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobium subclausum ssp. subclausum
Date: Tue, 27 Sep 2005 19:20

Just would like to share a picture of my flowering Dendrobium subclausum
ssp. subclausum, a lovely cool growing species from PNG.
I purchased it from Dick Warren about 6 years ago as a small plant mounted
on a small piece of tree fern.
It is now growing on a large piece of tree fern. It only flowers on leafless
canes. The flowers last about three weeks.
The whole plant must have had 60-80 flowers at its hight of flowering.

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: CITES
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 07:40

Hi Rocky,
The list is something that should have been there in the first place. CITES is
not for hybrids, but for endangered species and this list does nothing for
species that are not endangered and also not for species that are artificially
propagated. This list does not help the hobby orchid grower. You and me,
we are not interested in mass produced hybrids that can be bought cheaply
in the corner shop. We are interested in the unusual cross that is created
by a small nursery and only available in limited numbers. Furthermore the list
states that:
(a) are traded in flowering state and (b) are professionally processed for
COMMERCIAL RETAIL SALE , so, regrettably, this is not for us.
I cannot understand why it is not possible to send any plantlets that are grown
from seed and are still in flask from A to B wherever this may be in the world.
Even a stupid official could be trained to see that plantlets in a flask are not
stolen from the wild.
However I apploud you for your effort in this matter and maybe you may succeed
one day with some sensible relaxations in CITES.
Keep up the good work.
Kind regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Conditioning Dens
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 07:50

Hi Francis,
keep your nobiles out in the cold for as long as possible or until the
temperatures stay above 5º C and do as Jean writes, put them into
full sun and keep them out of the rain.
The phalaenopsis - types and Dawn Marie you should keep inside.
They do not like low temperatures.

From: Silvio a Beccara
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: New member
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 16:05

I've entered your list about a week ago, and have been lurking since then. I
must say I am really happy to be able to join a list about orchids hosted on
a European webserver. Moreover, from what I've read so far, people in the list
seem to be quite knowledgeable.
I think now it's time for me to at least say hello to everybody and maybe
introduce myself a bit.

I have mostly Phalaenopsis and Cattleya hybrids, plus a few Phalaenopsis
species. I grow them in my flat, under fluorescent lights. I must say I am
quite satisfied with my Phals, but no flowers from Catts yet.
I also do micropropagation, i.e. seed sowing and node stem propagation. So far
I recently de-flasked my first Phals from nodes.

I look forward to having some good hints from you all and maybe exchange some
informations.

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Dendrobium subclausum ssp. subclausum
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 18:10

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: CITES wording!
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 19:10

"Artificially propagated specimens of orchid hybrids of the taxa listed below are not subject to the provisions of the Convention when they: (a) are traded in flowering state, i.e. with at least one open flower per specimen, with reflexed petals; (b) are professionally processed for commercial retail sale, e.g. labelled with printed labels and packaged with printed packages; (c) can be readily recognized as artificially propagated specimens by exhibiting a high degree of cleanliness, undamaged inflorescences, intact root systems, and general absence of damage or injury that could be attributable to plants originating in the wild; (d) plants do not exhibit characteristics of wild origin, such as damage by insects or other animals, fungi or algae adhering to leaves, or mechanical damage to inflorescences, roots, leaves, or other parts resulting from collection; and (e) labels or packages indicate the trade name of the specimen, the country of artificial propagation or, in case of international trade during the production process, the country, where the specimen was labelled and packaged; and labels or packages show a photo of the flower, or demonstrate by other means the appropriate use of labels and packages in an easily verifiable way. Plants not clearly qualifying for the exemption must be accompanied by appropriate CITES documents."

Point [a]. We orchid buffs from all over the world do not care a damn if the orchids that we buy have a flower spike on it, or if one of the flowers is open. We normally wish to just receive the plant in good health and capable of flowering the same year or next year, sometimes several years on. The point of having at least one flower open is maybe to aid and assist the Customs people to identify it, heaven help them!!!

Point [b] No problem. I would love to see ALL packages with the names of the orchids on the outside. Also the name of the supplier, and, if CITES was really on the ball, a Worldwide serial number, given to the supplying people by CITES.

Point [e] Yes, yes, yes, this is what we all want. But to get it into the heads of CITES I hope that we can help and educate them about orchids that are artificially propagated.

We the orchid buffs/hobbyists want to be able to import orchids from anywhere in the world, without the need of a CITES permit. How do we do this you might ask? Easy, CITES WILL issue a Serial number to any orchid nursery/supplier that ASKS for it. Obviously CITES WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE for keeping this list. Then, when orchids are despatched from the nursery, the following details WILL be visible ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PACKAGE. Also, duplicate copies will be on the inside of the package. So, on the outside of the package will be:

Declaration stating that the orchids packed herein are not required to have a CITES permit.

Finally, may I remind CITES that all persons are INNOCENT until PROVEN TO BE GUILTY.

What I mean by this is that, we hobbyist importers are honest upstanding people and should be allowed to import orchids as we wish, without any hindrance or annoyance from anyone, however,if an unscrupulous dealer does try to sell ENDANGERED SPECIES using this method, he or she will feel the full weight of the law.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Your List of exemtions.
Date: Wed, 28 Sep 2005 21:15

Rocky,
Wow! I almost feel pity for the Customs inspectors. Well done and congratulations.
Ronbow

From: aeranthes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: benvenuto
Date: Thu, 29 Sep 2005 09:40

Benvenuto Silvio! How nice to meet one of our Italian enthusiasts. Some of our members have been buying orchids from an Italian Orchid Nursery and have been very pleased with the plants they have received. I have had many wonderful holidays in Italy including one earlier this year so it's particularly good to welcome you here. I've picked up many useful tips from our members and am sure you will to. Jean - by the way my nickname is Gianna and that is what I'm called by one particular friend and by some Italian relatives in Vicenza.

From: Anguel Iordanov
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Cymbidium care
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 09:15

Two weeks ago I bought a really nice Cymbidium from M&S. The plant looks
very nice but yesterday I noticed that some of the leaves are turning
yellow. For the two weeks I had the plant it has been watered twice. I dip
the pot in water for 10 - 15 mins and then let it drain. The plant is placed
on the floor of my south facing kitchen next to a glass door.

I was wandering if any of you can give me an advice of how should I be
looking after this plant. Until now I never had any luck looking after this
plants and eventually they all died.

I know there is a lot on the internet but what I am after is some advice
from people with experience and especially if you are growing the plant
indoors.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: ventilation
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 17:40

Thanks Geoff and Dave for your comments. I think I will have a go using extractor fans and I will report later on the venture

I have used thermostatically controlled extractor fans in the past, mounted high in the gable end, and ground level box vents in the walls, usually open. It works quite well ; I found that the 12 inch fans I used cost well into 3 figures ( over £100 each) and lasted about 5-6 years in a greenhouse, which I suppose has to be acceptable.
In a wide house - and the last time I used this was in a house 6 x 9 metres - I divided the centre by a partition extending 80% of the length, and used two "extractor fans" , one each side, and one arranged to suck external air in, and the other actually extract . Hence, in theory I got a complete change of air and circulation, down one side of ther partition and up the other. However, I think that 12inch was quite inadequate - in Paris last week I saw that they were using 1 metre fans in a smaller house ! . Those very large fans are much more expensive and for domestic purposes have the further disavantage of being very noisy.

As to roof vents, there is a kind used for factory roofs, with a cowl which sits outside and an axial flow fan inside which might do the job for you. I have not used them in a greenhouse however.

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: cymbids and Italy
Date: Fri, 30 Sep 2005 18:35

Anguel what kind of pot is your orchid in and what size is it? It sounds to me as though it's having too much water and if it's in bark that can remain wet for quite some time. On mine I pour about a litre on each one in the summer but they are in large pots - some in pots of around 8 - 10 inches. I find too that some plants bought at non-orchid stores have often been greatly overwatered before they sell them. It's as well to check as carefully as possible before buying. They are great at recovery though so good luck with it.
Silvio
I haven't been to Vicenza for about 6 years but went several years in succession just before that. Our cousins have been coming over here most years. This year we took our oldest son to Florence, Rome and Sorrento. As everyone does he loved it and can't wait to get back. I have also visited Stresa, and our cousins took us on a wonderful car tour to see places off of the tourist route. We saw San Gimiano, Sienna, Padua, Lucca as well as many other small towns on route. I have a degree in Italian Renaissance art and wanted to visit the places I had studied. If I couldn't live here at home then Italy would be my choice as I feel very at home there.
I have about 200 orchids of various kinds, Cattleyas, Cymbidiums, Phalaenopsis, Laelias, Sarcochilius, Dendrobiums and so on.......Caio - Gianna/Jean

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

September 22—30

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