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2006 Archived Messages


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Links to all the Photos and other images accompanying the list messages can be found on the Images page.

MONTHDATEDATEDATEDATEMONTHDATEDATEDATEDATE
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

February 15—21

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] MGI PhotoSuite 4 digital photo
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 05:45

Encyclia would be immediate guess. Here's a link I found:
http://www.rv-orchidworks.com/orchidtalk/showthread.php?t=403

/jan

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Ron's 'Octopus'
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 09:10

Mornin' Ron,

Are you pulling our legs ????

I am sure that you must be having a 'Senior moment' because when I tell you that the 'Enc' stands for Encylcia you will kick yourself.

But don't worry..........people like you and I with many years of information stored in our brains find that it sometimes takes longer to access than normal.

Kind regards, Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: PETER WILLIAMS
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: THAILAND CITES
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 11:35

Peter is a quiet listening member of this list −
Regards 'Thailand and orchid imports from' − The UK CITES office will not issue Import Permits until they have seen the original Thai Export Permits or copies of such. This means that you need to know what you are going to import before you go there! Difficult as you always see more plants on your wanted list when you are there!
Peter has the advantage of being in Thailand for around seven months of the year and hence can obtain and send to tour members the required Thai CITES permits − enabling them to obtain the UK permits before they arrive.
Any plants which tour members must have when they are there on holiday which are not on the permits are held on his nursery in Thailand and posted back to the UK after additional permits have been obtained.
Re China: the best way to proceed would be to check with your local CITES office as to what paperwork is required and whether there is a list of approved nurseries from where you can buy plants.
Hope this helps,
Peter.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: So what if we do loose a few orchids now and then !!!
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 20:50

Hi all,

My 'Subject' line tells it all. Yes, we do loose some orchids now and then, especially those of us that live in a climate that nearly always has a cold and damp winter with little sunlight.

Hence my photo taken recently at a Mayan Indian site in Costa Maya. I think the orchid is a Schomburkia, and believe me the old flowering spikes were six to nine feet long.

I mumbled to myself, 'Eat your heart out boy'.

Kind regards, Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] MGI PhotoSuite 4 digital photo
Date: Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:25

Correction − the name should have read Octopussy − a James Bond enthusiast,
no doubt!

Ron

Ronald Newstead wrote:

I recently bought this orchid (a Dutch import) which was described as "Enc.
Octopus".
What does the Enc. stand for?

Ron N.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] THAILAND CITES
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:10

Thanks for the information − I thought it would be something like that,
but it is good to hear from someone who has tried − and actually
succeeded ;-).

Now, one impression I got from the discussions that have raged on this
list was that it would actually be less hassle to import to eg. France
first and then to UK − is that actually true? I might be worth arranging
a stopover on the way home simply for that reason alone − plus, spending
a day in Paris shouldn't be all bad, I imagine; as they say, worse
things happen at sea.

/jan

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] So what if we do loose a few orchids now and then !!!
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:15

Yes, it seems outrageous that some orchids are almost considered noxious
weeds in their home coutries. If only mine behaved that way.

/jan

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Enc.
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 13:00

It is correct that Enc. stands for Encyclia, however this is not the core=
ct
name for the plant in question. The correct name is Anacheilum cochleatum=
.
Here is the history of the plant's names:

Epidendrum cochleatum, 1763 described by Carl von Linn=E9 (Linnaeus)
Anacheilum cochleatum, 1842 transferred by Johann Hoffmansegg
Encyclia cochleata, 1961 published by Robert Dressler
Prosthechea cochleata 1997 transferred by Wesley Higgins
Anacheilum cochleatum, 2004 resurrected by Carl Withner and Patricia Hard=
ing.

I'm N O T going to change the name of my plant to any other than what
I bought it with and that is Encyclia cochleata.

Kind regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Nuns Orchid
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 14:35

A while back there was some discussion on the Nuns Orchid and we were advised that it was Phaius tankervilleae. Here is a couple of pics. of my P. tankervilleae 'Alba'

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] MGI PhotoSuite 4 digital photo
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 15:25

Ronald Newstead wrote:
I recently bought this orchid (a Dutch import)
which was described as "Enc. Octopus".
What does the Enc. stand for?

I would say it stands for Epidendrum. The taxonomists
are having a field day with the names we know. We
haven't seen anything yet. I am enclosing a pic of a
C. skinneri alba 'Lizzie' AM-AOS. I had this plant
awarded last year an it was published as
C.(Guarianthe) skinneri alba 'Lizzie' AM-AOS. I don't
plan on changing the name of my plant. Will any of
you change the name of your C. guatamalensis to Cg.
guatamalensis and how would you pronounce Cg?
I have a Epi cochleatum in my garden that I bought in
the late 40's. In the last 60 years the plants name
has changed, but not in my garden or my mind.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Name changes.
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:10

Hi JNS,

I am completely with you one hundred per cent. To hell with all of this name changing.

Cattleya citrina will always be the same to me no matter what the boffins call it. And that goes for all of the other orchids that have their names engraved in my brain over the past thirty eight years.

Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Catasetum.
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 16:35

Hi all,

I apologise if the file size of the three attachments causes some problem to some of our Club members, but to some extent I am 'Testing the waters', so to speak, and finding out just how many of us are on 'Broadband'. As two of my friends have just moved over to 'Broadband' I would hope that it is soon a standard item all over the world.

Got that of my chest, so now on to the three photos of a Catasetum.

These, like the previous photo that I posted to the Club were growing in the Mayan ruins in Costa Maya. What I did observe was that there were many flower spikes, [ optimum growing conditions ! ] and especially that in the so called dry season, the bulbs, and the overall state of the plant looked wonderful.

We all know that even in the dry season, the plant MUST get enough of what it needs to keep it looking so healthy.

How I treat my Catasetums will now change !!!

Regards, Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Dennis's plant.
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 18:15

Hi Dennis,

Now that sure is one healthy looking plants, that anyone would be proud of.

Any special tips that you could pass on ?

Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Orchid Works
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 20:55

Thanks, Jan. Very Interesting!
Now where is Arkansas..............'

Ron

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Catasetum.
Date: Thu, 16 Feb 2006 22:50

On 16 Feb, in article ,
Roger Grier wrote:
> Hi all,

> I apologise if the file size of the three attachments causes some problem
> to some of our Club members, but to some extent I am 'Testing the
> waters', so to speak, and finding out just how many of us are on
> 'Broadband'. As two of my friends have just moved over to 'Broadband' I
> would hope that it is soon a standard item all over the world.

It is worth remembering that some small villages will not have Broadband
for quite a while.

That said, the only problem I personally have with your pictures is the
amount of screen real estate they need, which is more than my 19 inch LCD
monitor at its highest resolution can display... They display perfectly
well at half size so why not send them ready-scaled?

Certainly they make my catasetums look a bit sick!

--

Tricia

If at first you don't succeed, skydiving is not for you.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Orchid Works
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 06:45

Ronald Newstead wrote:
> Thanks, Jan. Very Interesting!
> Now where is Arkansas..............'
>
> Ron
>
I know that! It's a city in Canada ;-)

/jan

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: photos
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 16:00

Wonderful photos Rocky and Dennis. No problem for me as I have Broadband. What a thrill it must be to have seen such an orchid when you were away Rocky and Dennis − I'm sure we would all love to have such a splendid orchid. Please tell us more about the conditions you grow it in − thanks − Jean

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Nuns Orchid
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 19:15

I was told that Phaius tankervilleae grows in marshy ground and so mine is potted in John Innes No 3 − three parts and perlite − one part. For non Brits this is a strong loam based potting compost and a light weight stone medium. I water twice a week with a fertilizer at 600 micro seimens and never let it dry out. The minimum temp is 15C (60F).
I hope this helps as it is a rewarding plant to grow.
Regards

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Unknown plant.
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 20:20

Hi all,

Another very nice orchid growing as nature intended it to grow. Still in the grounds of the Mayan ruins.

I do know that I have similar photos in one or more of my orchid books, but my mind will not give up the answer as yet.

Maybe a Brassavola ??

Regards Rocky.

Once again I have been playing with the size of the photo. I have managed to get the width correct so that it fills the pane in Outlook Express, but of course the height will be up to you, as you can adjust the pane that shows the message sender.

Only thing that I do not know is this........the picture in Corel Draw is quite small, but when it appears in Outlook Express it is MUCH larger. And I am not too old to be told how this happens, but I am too old to go chasing menus till bedtime.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Unknown plant.
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 22:10

It looks like Brassavola glauca to me. Maybe some
would have a new name for it. It grows best in full
sun here in Florida.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Erica
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Unknown plant.
Date: Fri, 17 Feb 2006 23:20

Hola Rocky:
I think is a Cattleya unifoliata or Epidendrum (ciliare is very similar).
Regards
Erica
Erica Morón de Abad
www.biorquidtropic.com

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: nancy
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Unknown plant.
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 01:20

Hi Rocky -
That statuesque foliage looks like Rhyncholaelis
digbyana, but it's hard to tell without the flowers -
you will have to go back!
Regards − Nancy

~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Mediocrity knows nothing higher than itself,
but talent instantly recognizes genius."
-----Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930)

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Unknown plant.
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 07:50

On 17 Feb, Roger Grier wrote:

> Only thing that I do not know is this........the picture in Corel Draw is
> quite small, but when it appears in Outlook Express it is MUCH larger.
> And I am not too old to be told how this happens, but I am too old to go
> chasing menus till bedtime.

Much better, Roger. I can only guess that Corel Draw scales the *view* of
the picture (not the actual file). Nice picture too.

--

Tricia

You can't have everything, where would you put it?

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Dennis
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 11:30

Thank you Dennis. I may well be tempted the next time I spot one for sale.
I'm sure this will help me. Jean

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Catasetum
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 13:55

Hi Rocky,
The pictures are way too big. Half the size would be just right. It took ages
to load them down.
I do not think that the majority of viewers are on broadband. Yes, it is the
way to the future and it is a step in the right direction, but the costs. We
have
the highest telphone costs in the world and that is just not acceptible for
a pensioner. So, for the time being I have to stay out.
Regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: mojca klancic
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Name changes.
Date: Sat, 18 Feb 2006 22:10

Hi,

I couldn't agree more. The problem is, when looking for info about a plant, lets say in a book. You cant find it in the index nor under the first letter, so unhappy with the search you happen to find the picture of that your plant. Look, now it has a completely different name! It is confusing and quite iritating, don't you think? How to get to know all the sinonims?

Wishing you lots of healthy flowers,

Mojca from Slovenia

"Roger Grier" wrote:

Hi JNS, I am completely with you one hundred per cent. To hell with all of this name changing. Cattleya citrina will always be the same to me no matter what the boffins call it. And that goes for all of the other orchids that have their names engraved in my brain over the past thirty eight years. Rocky.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Name changes.
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 15:05

Hi Mojca,
The problem with books is that they are often out of date by the time they are published (unless they are the publications in which name-changes first occur). Unfortunately, many of the most useful identification books are too general to get us nearer than genus or family with any reliability and yet we insist on specific accuracy. There really isn't an answer to the problem other than becoming a specialist in the group youself and, for most of us, life isn't long enough for that! At least, the problem is all aacross the living world and not just with orchids.

However, since you use email you will probably also use the web and a search for the plant name and "synonym" may well produce the answer.

Have a bit of pity on the taxonomist; he/she is expected to advance knowledge in a group and that often involves re-assigning plants to other genera or correcting old misnomers. Don't forget, names and groups aren't discovered but devised by humans and we are fallible! They take a lot more blame than they deserve for simply doing their job.

When names cease to change it will either be because no more research is being done or because there's nothing left to learn. It would be sad for all of us if the former happened and most unlikely that we'll ever see the latter.

Irritation is a part of the learning process.
Keep growing the flowers!
John Stanley

-------------------------------------------------------------

From:
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Unknown plant.
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 16:20

Greetings Rocky, from across the Pond;
Your picture looks to me like a "Cattleya Type". Although it may be
Rhyncholaelia (aka Brassavola) glauca or digbyana. To bad it wasn't in flower.
Does look like a healthy plant. Take care & have a good one. Rick B.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From:
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Ron's 'Octopus'
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 16:25

Rocky;
It's like the search engine is running at low speed & skipping every
once in a while. Rick B.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Enc.
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:45

Thanks, Peter.
I'm going along with you, on the basis that I disagree with all this
preoccupation with name-changing, so my plant will be labeled Encyclia
Cochleata (Octopussy) − much more evocative, don't you think?

Ron

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Orchid Works
Date: Sun, 19 Feb 2006 19:45

Now pull the other one! It's just North of Louisiana in the USA. And, yes, I
looked it up. Geography was never my strong point.

Ron N

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Alan Garner
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Small circulatory fans
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 09:00

Hi!

Does anybody know of a supplier of small output circulatory fans -other
than Simply Control? We have tried their fans and although they do the job
they do not last very long.The internet has not shown up any suppliers with
what we want-the emphasis is on low output for plants which need gentle
movement of air around them. Perhaps somebody has found a different
solution.

Thanks for any help.

--

Boss

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Small circulatory fans
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 09:15

Try this site.
Gordon.
www.growell.co.uk

"Alan Garner" wrote:
> Hi!
>
> Does anybody know of a supplier of small output circulatory fans -other
> than Simply Control? We have tried their fans and although they do the job
> they do not last very long.The internet has not shown up any suppliers
> with
> what we want-the emphasis is on low output for plants which need gentle
> movement of air around them. Perhaps somebody has found a different
> solution.
>
> Thanks for any help.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Silvio a Beccara
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Small circulatory fans
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:05

I use PC cooling fans: they come in different sizes, can be driven on a range
of voltages (0-12 V), and are reliable and not very expensive. So far I've
had very good results.

Hope this helps

Silvio − Italy

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Small circulatory fans
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 10:15

You could try Maplins or RS Components. I use old fans that have come out
of old computers.

Peter Fowler, Alton, U.K.
Birthplace of William Curtis.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Small circulatory fans
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:15

Alan, I wait for a Homebase or B&Q or etc and buy a cheap oscillating fan.
The normally last about 3 years.
Regards

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] A trip to China − and CITES etc.
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 14:45

Two points to bear in mind.

To import plants into UK anyone will need both export and import licences
under CITES , but the procedure is that to obtain the import licence you
have to first produce the export licence. So the would -be-grower in UK must
make up his/her mind what he /she wants to buy , tell the Chinese supplier,
and receive the export licence from China, then apply for the UK import
licence − which may take 6 weeks − typically − to obtain , and all of this
must be in existence and produced at the moment of import.
It means that impulse buys − when you see a plant you did not know , but
want , are rather difficult − at least, in order to buy , and bring home
with you.
Peter Williams got over that , by letting you choose, and subsequently he
would do the paper work in Thailand, and his sister in UK did the UK paper
work, and several months later your plant arrived.

AND you need a phyto-sanitary certificate granted and issued by an authority
recognised by the UK authorities. I have heard that at one time orchids
could not be legally imported from India because there was no lab recognised
for the purpose in India.
And I have note that some USA nurseries say no International orders, not
because they can't do the CITES but, but because the nearest authorised
phyto -granting lab is on the other side of the State, and its too much
hassle to deliver the orchids for inspection etc

And by the way , CITES is not saving the tiger − alas − poaching for the
Chinese medicine market is the problem − or so they say in the Tiger
Reserves . I did jestingly suggest that we petition for Viagra to be made in
red yellow and black striped pills instead of blue , and offered to the
Chinese as a substitute....

Geoff.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: AMANDA
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: [Orchid Talk] Geoffs scale problem
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 17:35

Hello Geoff,

In dealing with Scale, the best time to spray is in the spring, this is
the only time the mites are actively mobile and can spread, also at this
time they have no protection from a waxy shell. Provado seems to do the
trick. Fortunately the Scale eradication season will soon be upon us.

Good luck

Amanda

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Catts and hydroponics [was: Catts]
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 17:45

I am keeping humidity up with a Jaybird humidifier via a hygrometer − set to
70%, which is certainly much higher than I had before − which affects things
; and I thought that one flood per week ( using what I buy as baked clay
pebbles − 12-15mm diameter − and which may be your LECA ) was keeping them
too wet .This is in the Sep 2004 -onwards period.

Incidentally I have just been doing some capillary rate comparisons − well
washed Perlite is wicking at a higher rate than LECA , including a further
size LECA -6-8mm . I also tried ordinary horticultural grit − siliceous -
the kind you see as shingle on the beaches of Sussex − and nominally 5-8mm
size . That is lower still.
The actual rates of wicking (identical conditions for each sample) were
250ml for the shingle, 35o for the LECAs and 450 for Perlite . I deduce that
plants in these various materials , all in the same tray of water, would be
dryest in shingle, and wettest in Perlite. On this basis, shingle would be
better for cattleyas,

My recent trials with plants only started in January , so it is too soon to
think of measuring growth rates until some new roots are made- maybe by
mid-summer

Geoff.

Silvio a Beccara wrote:

Hi Geoffrey,

thanks you very much for your reply (how were tigers back in India?). I had
erroneously assumed that you had been growing Catts in hydroculture with
very good results in the past, but this doesn't seem to be the case.

Anyway, based also on your recent trials, could you suggest which
conditions should be OK for Catts? Now I am watering them (flood'n'drain)
once a week, for about 15 minutes each time. The pots are the usual ones,
filled with LECA, and they are also placed on a LECA bed in a tray (about
3'' deep). The water gets to about the same height during flooding.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] A trip to China − and CITES etc.
Date: Mon, 20 Feb 2006 19:25

Yes, it is rather depressing; still it is at least possible, if not
easy, if one has enough determination, or so it seems. But is it not
true that if we were talking about seedlings in sterile containers, then
it would a whole lot easier? At least that is the impression I've got.

I personally always prefer to buy seedlings, mostly because they are
cheaper. Now if only one could adult plants in sterile containers...

/jan

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] A trip to China − and CITES etc.
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 07:15

No ; CITES is wanted for live orchid "material" which includes flasks of
seedlings. Seeds too − on the interpretation of some sets of regulations,
but not of others......( Soputh Africa says no CITES for seeds − USA says
CITES for seeds.

One German customs man even said CITES for a herbarium specimen − a plant
dead for a hundred years, and got punched on the nose by the exasperated
German botanist who had borrowed it from Kew, and could not get it released
- as the story goes....its a good job it was not an over-zealous customs man
in London who might have condemned the sheet for destruction because it did
not have the right papers.

Incidentally, a phyto is still required too − which is a great nonsense -
how can sterile plants in vitro possibly be contaminated with anything
except a plant virus (?) and a phyto does not certify that the plants are
virus free !

We live in a farcical world − come back Kafka, all is forgiven.

Geoff.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ronald Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] A trip to China − and CITES etc.
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:05

What about bringing flasks of seedlings into the UK?

Ron

Geoffrey Hands wrote:

No ; CITES is wanted for live orchid "material" which includes flasks of
seedlings. Seeds too − on the interpretation of some sets of regulations,
but not of others......( Soputh Africa says no CITES for seeds − USA says
CITES for seeds.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [Orchid Talk] Geoffs scale problem
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 12:20

Amanda,
As they suck the sap from the plant, Systemics are fatal to scale insects at
any time, with or without the shell.
Ronbow.

-------------------------------------------------------------

From: "SKELLAM, Richard"
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: fans & books
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 17:40

Hi,

In response to the question about fans, I have been using second hand
computer fans for a few years now. I did not expect them to last long ,
but the only casualty was one I dropped in a bucket of water (rather a
severe test!).

I bought a power supply from Maplin for ?19 (one that provides a 12v car
cigarette lighter supply converted from 230v ac mains.) but they do not
need this − any small transformer costing around ?5 will do. The
advantage of the bigger supply, however, is that I can just keep adding
fans wherever I want them. I currently have seven fans running from it.

I tend to use 24v fans on the 12v supply as this gives a gentler air
movement. I suppose it would be fairly easy to provide some form of
variable control if you wanted to be more precise. At about ?5 each they
are a lot cheaper than Simply Control, whose products I find to be very
expensive. For example they do a remote wireless humidity / temp gauge
at about ?50, whereas I got two (for the price of one offer) from Maplin
for ?14. I also got a fogger for ?13 − I think simply control sell it at
around ?40. Not that I want this to be an advert for Maplin ( If you've
not heard of them they are like Radio Shack who are probably better
known) − I buy from there despite, rather than because of the staff!.

In contrast I recently bought two books & thanks to all who recommended
them to me through Orchid Talk . Dendrobiums & relatives by Laverack & A
Beginners Guide to Orchids by Geoff Hands. Both are as good as
suggested. The Dendrobium book is comprehensive and all of my
dendrobiums are covered. I particularly like Geoff's Beginners book as
it credits the reader with the ability to learn and provides information
accordingly. Too many avoid addressing questions other than in a
superficial way. I haven't encountered any other orchid book for example
that discusses e-c meters, yet here it is, straightforward and
informative. It took me a couple of years to find out about e-c meters,
yet surely they are more useful to the beginner who cannot fall back on
experience. Thanks Geoff. − tho I have to say I got both of these books
second hand through Amazon, paying ?11 for the Laverack book (instead of
?40 ) and ?3.50 for Geoff's book (sorry Geoff). These must be the best
value orchid purchases ever!

If you are now thinking I am a cheap skate, getting everything on the
cheap, I'm afraid you are probably right! − it doesn't always work tho!
- I keep buying small paph. rothschildianums and they do not survive
-would a bigger one have been a better bet?

Finally I have a small Encyclia Mariae x vitellina which I am struggling
with. I have been successful with Mariae on its own (at intermediate
temperatures, but lost a vitellina after a couple of years of struggle.
It seems to be going the way of the latter − any advice welcome!

Richard

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From: aeranthes2
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: neofinetia falcata
Date: Tue, 21 Feb 2006 18:20

I thought I'd share this with you. As secretary of our local O.S. I take two
British orchid magazines, one American magazine and one Australian magazine
and there are always interesting articles in them. The Australian one has a
computer corner section and the website orchids australia has a beautiful
free orchid screesaver which rotates about a dozen orchid photographs. The
other interesting item is the url they give for an article on a Japaense
site which has Japanese and English instructions. The article is how to pot
up a neofinetia falcata and I found it very good so have a peep if you are
interested the url is below:

http://www.newworldorchids.com/pages/neopotting.htm
the free screensaver which you can also see in action is here:
http://www.orchidsaustralia.com/Screensaver.htm
Jean

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