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From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] AERIDES HOULLETIANA
Date: Mon, 22 May 2006 10:55

It's not the best picture, but it was taken from a photograph.
At least it gives you an idea of what it looks like.
Regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] AERIDES HOULLETIANA
Date: Tue, 23 May 2006 22:25

Thanks for this Peter. By the way, well done with the Stenoglottis − excellent specimen. I have just recently bought one − well labelled as S longifolia but it has spotted leaves so maybe S fimbriata? Anyway I am lookingt forward to it flowering in due course

It's not the best picture, but it was taken from a photograph.
At least it gives you an idea of what it looks like.

From: LEONARD HANDLEY
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Roots in water
Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 09:25

Could someone provide any definite evidence one way or the other on this topic. Most books/articles for beginners warn against allowing pots to stand in water, sometimes claiming that the roots will rot and the plant will die as a result..
At a recent OSGB meeting, the speaker, Ian Parsons ( an expert on Ondontoglossums) said that all his plants stand in water.
I am tempted to stand mine in perhaps 1cm of water but I would appreciate hearing more on the topic.
Len Handley

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] AERIDES HOULLETIANA
Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 17:45

I think I have read that the two species are now considered to be varieties
of the same single species , and should be subsumed into a single species.
Certainly there is very little difference to the layman's eye.

Thanks for this Peter. By the way, well done with the Stenoglottis -
excellent specimen. I have just recently bought one − well labelled as S
longifolia but it has spotted leaves so maybe S fimbriata?

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots with wellies on?
Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 23:10

Len
Might it be the case that to have roots standing in (stagnant) water in a non-porous pot (a pot within a pot) is a rather different set of circumstances from having roots wetted by controlled circulating or replenished water in a hydroponics set-up?

In any case, many orchids grow under conditions where, in nature, it would be most unlikely that they would get 'wet feet' with any regularity while others thrive in ditches. Books written for beginners tend to make generalisations on the basis that their readers may well start with common orchids from supermarkets etc. Keep your orchid in the undrained dressed-up fancy pot you might buy it in and you will quickly prove the point for yourself. In a nutshell, out of 20-30,000 orchid species, some like it dry, some like it wet and a lot are in between

From here in waterlogged Crewe at this late-ish hour I can just hear Geoff''s keyboard rattling. He's your man for advice on jacuzzis for orchids! He's been there, done that and has the tee-shirt. I'll bet his 'send' button'll be pressed before morning!
John Stanley

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 07:50

I have been growing many hundreds of plants standing in water for
approaching ten years now.

BUT it will be dangerous unless you have the right 'compost' , in other
words, the water is only half the story.

I would think that a peat compost , for example, would get so waterlogged as
to kill the plant fairly quickly. It must be a very free-draining ( lots of
air spaces) compost , so that waterlogging does not occur.Moreover, any
organic compost , e.g. bark , will break down much more quickly if kept
permanently wet. Perlite is ideal , and cheap too !

And again , remember that bark and other organic composts release nutrients
as they break down, and hence little feed is needed. Inorganic ones don't ,
so more is needed.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots and the rattle of Geoff's keyboard
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 09:10

You see what I meant Len, I told you so!
The rattle of Geoff''s keyboard really does travel far!
(Thanks for those comments Geoff; can't recall if your Boxhill system had circulating water or periodic flooding. From what I recall when I saw it, it was especially good for some but no better than traditional methods for others.Could you remind us what it was unsuitable for?)
Cheers
John

From: Alexandra 69
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Help − bug infestation!
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 22:35

Ignorant but in love with my orchid. It's a two month old present, suddenly two leaves have dropped off, one flower, and the moss it's rooted in is WRIGGLING with very tiny little bugs!

The bugs look like tiny tiny pale bige woodlice about 2mm max in size but also all sizes up to this.

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Plants standing in water.
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 22:45

Graham Westmore of The North Hants OS experimented with standing a number of
plants in water. I remember some of the Odont. bulbs grew huge, but did not
follow it through to see how well they flowered or if the roots eventually
rotted.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: roots in water
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 08:15

I agree that is is airlessness of soggy composts that damages roots − maybe chemical build up too in some compost mixes. Here is what one of my hybrid catts has to say on the subject of standing permanently in water

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots and the rattle of Geoff's keyboard − hydroculture/hydroponicas − and change of subject − Promenea citrina
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 09:45

My main ( first/original) Cotswold greenhouse was a pit house . Low light,
high humidity , low roof too ! This used static water tanks in which the
plants stood all the time, extremely successfully for the thin-leaved,
bulbed plants especially South American oncidiniae , all the multi-generic
odont ,like plants such as Miltassias, Alicearas, Burragearas, etc. I call
this system hydroculture .

I did use it for a lot of other genera with useful but less spectacular
results . ( useful because it cuts down on chores, looks after plants whilst
away from home or too busy to water them by hand , and is very economical
with water ).

Later, at the same house (dwelling) I had another greenhouse using flood and
drain ( I call this hydroponics) which I used with enormous success for
Vandas and much less success for cattleyas . This was a conventional Alton
wooden greenhouse, with very little shade applied.

I must remind readers that all cultural aspects are important. The vanda
success came with high light , and then these plants loved being watered
every 4 hours and then allowed to dry out again ( high summer). The oncid‹
success came in low light, high humidity and with the plants never allowed
to dry out.
Paphs grew moderately , and in retrospect ,conventional culture in the same
pit house also produced (only) moderate growth.

It is interesting to observe that in my 2nd year in a different dwelling
house here in Dorset , I think I am getting back to the kind of growth ( for
paphs) which I had pre-cotswolds , in the late ’80s , which I had forgotten
was possible , a much better and faster growth rate than I ever got in the
Cotswolds in the pit house. More light is the answer here I think !

In my 1st year here I used hydroponics for the oncid types (but not for
Vandas or Cattleyas) but could not get the flood frequency right , and so
over-watered with some root loss, and plant loss too, and so went back to
hydroculture . Plants are now recovering ; I have been trying this
(hydroculture) also for cattleyas , starting with a dozen new acquisitions
in January , and adding more all the time , I now have 60 or so plants in
this system, and very well pleased with them.I shall see how they are after
the winter , and then maybe think of moving the bulk of cattleyas into
hydroculture , from the coarse bark mixtures at present used.
I am also becoming confident that phals are growing well in hydroculture.
The paphs in this ( hydroculture) have not yet surprised me , and so far I
have no plans to transfer more.

BTW the only reason I am now growing vandas conventionally, is that they
will grow hanging up , and this gives me a second tier of plants in the same
space − see picture.

The other two pictures have nothing to do with this subject , and are a
couple of Promenea citrina plants I have just bought from my local garden
centre ( £9.50 each , not bad I thought ! ) ,interesting because of the
different lips. Both in sphagnum , but one now into Perlite and
hydroculture.

From: nancy
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help − bug infestation!
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 17:40

Hi Alexandra -
I suspect your varmints are thrips − pretty common
in/on moist potting material. Some info here:
http://www.homestead.com/ipmofalaska/files/thrips.html
They are not hard to control, but need persistence.
They can damage roots, plants, and flowers, so you'll
want to knock them out.
Good growing − Nancy

From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Stenoglottis
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 17:50

Hi All,
Stenoglottis longifolia has plain long green leaves and the lip is five lobed.
Stenoglottis fimbriata has spotted shorter leaves and the lip is tree lobed.
Generally the flowers are also somewhat different is colouration within
each species. S longifolia is lighter in colour and S. fimbriata is darker
in colour.
Regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Bud ridden plant.
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 19:15

First things first. What is the correct name of your plant that is if you know it, or does the label help.

Third, without a name or a photo, I would re-pot the orchid, and first of all make sure that you have taken every piece of moss etc away. Then wash the roots in some tepid water. You can add a little detergent if you wish.

Cut away any dead roots. Dead ones are those that are not firm to the touch between finger and thumb. Cut off any dead part of a good root. Cut into the good part.

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Fri, 26 May 2006 22:10

The orchid house in Bath is nearing completion and, if it were not for the
bank holiday, the electrician and the plumber would be finished this
weekend. Don't tell me again that the Latin countries are always on holiday!

As you know, in Portugal I was experimenting with 'flood and drain' and I
have not made up my mind whether I am going to continue it in the UK.
Which types of orchids would you think most likely to enjoy sitting in
shallow water − given the appropriate rooting medium, of course?

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Roots in water.
Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 10:50

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 11:40

Ron , I'm growing cattleyas and phals successfully in standing shallow water
, plus oncidium based hybrids, dendrobiums, zygos etc. I'm even trying some
terrestrials (Thunias) and they too are looking good.
For compost I use Perlite or Hydroleca.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water.
Date: Sat, 27 May 2006 23:35

Rocky,
Unless I am misunderstanding your response to Ron, "to be honestly brutal and to the point", I think your response is nonsense. I saw Geoff's former setup a few years ago , (though not his current one) and I can assure you that his results were excellent apart from the occasional plant or two he reckoned showed no improvement on conventional methods. I'd go along with the implication that it may not be appropriate for everyone's facilities, inclination or standard of expertise (maybe not for mine perhaps) but I have seen his evidence and it is very positive. I think you are misleading those who might be tempted to try it. I wish our plants were all as good as his!
John

regarding the recent bug problem, sounds to me like mealy bug, which look like small white or grey woodlice and produce a white substance which looks powdery a bit like cotton wool. wipe away as many as poss. then treat with a suitable spray. hope this helps.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Writhlington School − The Times Newspaper, and Chelsea Show,,
Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 10:55

A nice double page spread appeared in the colour magazine of yesterdays
Times -"The Orchid Boys" -I wish that some of the idler teenagers ( and
don't get me wrong , I'm not making the ridiculous generalisation of
condemning all of the youth of today ) would take the advice given by Callum
and Chris .

The piece was written before they got a very well-deserved gold at Chelsea (
in the educational section ) but I reckon that a couple of the specimen
plants of unusual species which they showed were worth a medal too.

Some pictures of their exhibit attached.( Not including the mentioned
plants unfortunately − there seems to be a corruption in just half a dozen
files of the couple of hundred I shot at Chelsea Flower Show − including
those two.)

From: Rudolf Günnel
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 17:00

I was just arriving from a short weekend trip and therefore I read your
mail just now.
I think Geoff said most of what has to be said to this subject already.
Let me supplement some notes from my experiences.
I‹m an indoor grower and I grow successfully orchids of different genera
in hydroculture (in the sense Geoff used this word), such as
Phalaenopsis, Chysis, Catasetum, Ascocentrum, Oncidium, Cattleya and
Dendrobium. Also I made attempts with Paphs in hydroculture and it
worked, but in the end I keep on growing them conventionally with the
difference I use an inorganic potting medium.
In my opinion and experience the problem is not the missing of air
surrounding the roots or the permanent wetness − the real problem is the
increase of the nutrients/salt concentration in a permanent wet organic
potting medium due to the decaying of the organic compounds. The
solution for hydroculture is to grow the plants in an inert inorganic
potting medium − I use cut or shreddered Styrofoam. The advantage is
beside its inert characteristics the loss of pores where the
concentration of salts can increase ore salts can crystallize above the
water level. In my system all salts are in solution and it is easy to
measure the salt concentration with a conductivity meter and direct it
by adding of nutrients (increasing) or rain water (lowering).
I wrote about this topic several times already and I was sending a
picture of Chysis bractescens roots grown complete underneath the water
level (you can see it in the November 2005 image collection on the
Orchid Talk web site).
Also the Rossioglossum grande bloom image was taken from a plant which I
grow in pure hydroculture (see my mail from Jan. 31st and the images in
the January 2006 collection).
BTW the water level within my pots is higher than 1 cm − ca. 3-4 cm
without any problems.

Could someone provide any definite evidence one way or the other on this
topic. Most books/articles for beginners warn against allowing pots to
stand in water, sometimes claiming that the roots will rot and the plant
will die as a result..
At a recent OSGB meeting, the speaker, Ian Parsons ( an expert on
Ondontoglossums) said that all his plants stand in water.
I am tempted to stand mine in perhaps 1cm of water but I would
appreciate hearing more on the topic.
Len Handley

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Roots in Water
Date: Sun, 28 May 2006 22:30

Regarding Plal roots in water.
I raised this matter last year, October When I said I had young plants growing that way and wondered whether to continue as they needed potting on. The responses I had, including one from Geoff, who seemed to think I was trying to save the cost of bark, was yes, so I did and the results are splendid, some of the young plants have flowered after 12 months with me. I don't know when they were germinated but most, when I got them, had 2 leaves about 1 inch long but some a bit bigger. Regarding my adult plants I have about 40 Phals growing in stones, some mixed with Perlite and standing in water, and most are doing well with plenty of leaves and flowers. There is of course always the odd one that sulks. In practice mine stand in not more than 1 inch of water which I let evaporate then leave them dry for a day or so. I did mention a little while ago that I was using, for some of them, a method similar to Geoff's flood and drain and using polethene. Of my plants in bark, as they need repotting I put them in stone and /or some inert material. Some of you may recall I had some correspondence about the Phal leaves being some what narrower when grown in stones. There is the odd plant that way but I think it is just the way that particular plant grows whatever it is in. I do have a few Dendrobs as well as Zygos in stone, but not enough for a comparison, but they do grow and flower OK.
However I do agree that plants in inert material do need more and careful feeding. I use 30.10.10 Peters soft water fertiliser and a balanced 20.20.20.
One other point, a standard orchid pot of stones weighs in at 3lb+ 10 or so plants in a tray takes a bit of muscle, but the pots don't fall over.

On another matter. I want some more plants, Phals. Named species or hybrids named or unnamed, but can't find any. I been to some local showers which had nothing that I would have taken home. I would be grateful if I could be pointed to a source, preferable in the UK. I looked at that Italian suppier,Ithat some members suggested. Lots of plants but not Phals.

Just a thought. www.firstrays.com is interesting if you havn't seen it and deals with semihydroculture. (His term.)
Regards,
Ronbow

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Roots in water.
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 08:50

My thoughts on roots in water is not to put people off trying this method which does work very well for some folks, but the 'problem' is John that I have always lived too close to nature. I just try to grow plants as nature intended to grow them.

At least our Club members can have a go at one another and still be friends and give up some very interesting ideas.

And I am damned if I can fathom out the best compost for Paphs !!!!! Or in fact why their roots are so different than most other orchids.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] phals − a source of named plants
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 12:20

I can recommend Elsner Orchids in Germany BUT if you insist on buying in UK
, they are due to attend some ( at least one) orchid show in UK this year *
. They have a list of 20 (?) phal mericlones , lots of the latest types,
and I recently bought a dozen from them. The average price was a bit less
than a conventional type from a supermarket . they were sent by mail, and
arrived in 2 days, and for whatever reason I don‹t know, I paid for them by
a Euros Bankers Draft after they were received ( I have bought from them
once before, but can hardly be called an old customer except in the sense
that most are younger than me ! ).
Most were in spike or flower , several had two spikes . I put them straight
into Perlite in hydroculture. They are very good plants and would have been
good at twice the price, I think.
Look at their web-site , www.elsner-orchids.com

* They might bring plants for you , you could e-mail them from their site,
and ask about it.
Geoff.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] photos
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 12:25

For Andy − sorry that this message seemed to have got stuck in my send tray
. Better late than never ?
Shop for it under the cross details − roth x tig − or vv.
Ratcliffes have just starting bringing in plants from Florida ( they are
leaving and coming back to UK)

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] photos
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 13:15

Excellent, thanks Geoff. By the way I see my P St Swithin has quite a few
new shoots at the botton too.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water.
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 21:15

Hi Rocky,
I wasn't being hostile! I simply thought that the force of your comment to Ron didn't fit the evidence. I'd be with you all the way on growing plants as nature intended but,unfortunately, she didn't intend tropical plants to grow in Crewe and, it seems she didn't intend folks of my economic stature to swan off to a private tropical island! Of course, some might argue that nature intended humans to be inventive and growing orchids in water is certainly that! Keep your wellies handy!
Best wishes
John

At least our Club members can have a go at one another and still be friends and give up some very interesting ideas.

And I am damned if I can fathom out the best compost for Paphs !!!!! Or in fact why their roots are so different than most other orchids.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] phals − a source of named plants
Date: Mon, 29 May 2006 23:35

Geoff, I have ordered 12 adult plants from Elsner. I've requested in spike
or about to spike. I have not totted up the price but they seem to average
18 Euro plus carriage, not bad and no hassle. I'm trying to recall the name
of the Italian grower that was mentioned and recommended some time ago but
as I recall they didn't have much in Phals. Perhaps some one will remind me.
Thanks again. Ronbow.

I can recommend Elsner Orchids in Germany BUT if you insist on buying in UK
, they are due to attend some ( at least one) orchid show in UK this year *
. They have a list of 20 (?) phal mericlones − lots of the latest types,
and I recently bought a dozen from them. The average price was a bit less
than a conventional type from a supermarket . they were sent by mail, and
arrived in 2 days, and for whatever reason I don't know, I paid for them by
a Euros Bankers Draft after they were received ( I have bought from them
once before, but can hardly be called an old customer except in the sense
that most are younger than me ! ).
Most were in spike or flower − several had two spikes . I put them straight
into Perlite in hydroculture. They are very good plants and would have been
good at twice the price, I think.
Look at their web-site -

* They might bring plants for you − you could e-mail them from their site,
and ask about it.
Geoff.

From: LEONARD HANDLEY
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: Roots in water
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 10:30

Hello all,
It was very gratifying that my enquiry stimulated so many replies and an interesting discussion. My thanks to everyone concerned
The use of inorganic potting media has been mentioned several times but the clay product "Seramis" from Germany has not been referred to. I have sometimes used it and have found it very good as regards water retention. Hwevever the particle size is rather small, with quite a lot of dust, and it is quite expensive.
No doubt it is cheaper in Germany so perhaps Rudolf (and others) would care to comment.
I know this topic has been discussed before, but not recently.
Regards,
Len Handley

found this article can post www. if wanted
Contrary to popular belief, keeping Phalaenopsis plants wet was not harmful.
In fact, the plants grew faster and produced larger leaves and more flowers
with a constant water level and likewise daily watering. The minimum and
maximum number of flowers produced in each treatment are as follows:
Table 1
Treatment
Minimum number of flowers per plant
Maximim number of flowers per plant Constant water level
10
18 Watered daily
7
12 Watered every 3rd day
4
7 Watered every 5th day
3
7 Watered every 10th day
0
6

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Phals and other matters
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 11:20

They are good , and good value, but as you say, not into Phallys very much ,
if at all.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] phals − a source of named plants
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 11:55

By the way on the subject of what grows in hydroculture − you are welcome to
come and see my set up. I am only 12 miles from Bath and I have over 2
hundred different types of orchid all grown by this method.

From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: old canes on dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 12:00

Are there any dis/advantages of cutting off old canes of nobile or it's hybrids?

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Roots in water
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 16:40

This is aimed at those growing orchids in the one inch of water.
Do you have a particular depth for the roots in the pot and do you still have the neck of the plant above the medium? Further at what age do you put the plants in this system of growing?
Gordon.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] roots
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 16:50

> found this article can post www. if wanted
> Contrary to popular belief, keeping Phalaenopsis plants wet was not
> harmful...

From: "Schoonjans, Peter-Dieter \(IT\)"
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] old canes on dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 16:55

I don't think that they grow flowers again the following year. As
previously suggested by someone in the group, I cut them off and put
them in a humid place.
After two weeks keikies appeared, so the upside is you can have more
plants.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] old canes on dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 16:55

Andy, I once asked this question in the form of what should I do with the old canes. Got no response! Will be interested in what you get. Ronbow.

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] old canes on dendrobiums
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 19:10

Andy, I found that cutting off canes that had finished flowering and had lost all their leaves promoted a flush of new growth. Regards

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Serimas.
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 19:45

The Seramis that you speak of.........is it the type that is the colour of terra cotta, and is the size of large rice grains?

A friend of mine uses it extensively for potting his terrestrial orchids in, and he has great success.

The only reason that I would never use it for epiphytes is that it is so loose. The space between each grain is very small. I would rather use an inorganic medium that has larger air spaces.

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Rootys in water
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 19:45

I have been following the arguemnts/discussion on various types of hydroculture with interest. For the first two weeks of March I was with a group looking at orchids in EcuadorOur guide for the tour was provided by Ecuagenera and we all had an informative introduction to South American Orchids.
Now to the point we saw phragmipediums growing in full sun and full shade, on a rock face with water runnig over their roots constantly. Also in very dry conditions with the moisture 2 inches below the surface. We saw Masdvallias on branches as well as rock running with water. Odontoglossums at 3000 ft in high humidity as well as at 13000 ft cold and dry − cactus country. We saw the Oncidium familly growing on trees, rocks and on the ground.
As far as I can see we find the best way to grow orchids in an environment totally hostile to their natural areas. Each grower has unique conditions and by trial and error will find the method that suits him/her the best.
I do not beleive there is a holy grail for growing orchids − just trial and error killing a few on the way'
Regards

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] roots
Date: Tue, 30 May 2006 19:55

From: Alexandra 69
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: RE;Bugs & thankyou...
Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 01:45

My orchid ( my baby!) is a bog standard Phalaenopsis, called Brother Golden Wish. She's lost another flower and the last leaf is a little yellow...hope I'm in time.

Interestingly, when I was about 14 I had a room full of plants and got some bugs in a miniture fushia − despite them not being human-infestible in anyway, I irationally felt so itchy that I did what for me seemed a radical measure before I could sleep in the same room...I repeatedly rinsed the root sytem with detergent and water! Imagine my sense of irony!

I'll give this a go and get some insecticide for later, AND try the oil technique I've just seen in the archives....greatly appreciate all your responses.

From: LEONARD HANDLEY
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] roots
Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 09:15

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 13:30

I find it desirable/essential to wash all mineral composts
hydroleca,
Perlite or whatever, before using. All it takes is a bucket of water,
chuck
it in , stir, and then take handfuls out for the potting.
The Seramis I have seen Jean is rather keen on it by the way or
was, but
did not use it hydroculture I think (?) has been of rather small
bits
like rice ; I found it did not have enough air-spaces for my culture and
roots rotted.
But even quite 'expensive' minerals are cheap compared to good bark
; my
last purchase of good bark was I think at £35 for 100 litres ; I am
just
buying coarse grade Perlite for £8.50 per 100 !

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Roots in water
Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 20:25

Geoff,
From whom please do you get the coarse grade perlite? I can only find
medium grade, about the size of rice, I use in my none orchid potting mix
and which I feel is too fine and would preclude air. Do I get this right.You
put your Phals in this Perlite, nothing else, then stand them in static
water. If that is so it would be a lot easier than the heavy stone I use.

I find it desirable/essential to wash all mineral composts − hydroleca,
Perlite or whatever, before using. All it takes is a bucket of water, chuck
it in , stir, and then take handfuls out for the potting.
The Seramis I have seen − Jean is rather keen on it by the way − or was, but
did not use it hydroculture I think (?) − has been of rather small bits -
like rice ; I found it did not have enough air-spaces for my culture and
roots rotted.
But even quite "expensive" minerals are cheap compared to good bark ; my
last purchase of good bark was I think at £35 for 100 litres ; I am just
buying coarse grade Perlite for £8.50 per 100 !

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk list
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phals and other matters
Date: Wed, 31 May 2006 21:35

Yes Geoff that's the place. Had a good look again. Nothing of interest. No Phals. RB

_Frequency of Watering and the Growth of Phalaenopsis_
(http://www.orchidtrek.com/rotor/phalwater.html)

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

2006 Archived Messages

May 22—31