Orchid Talk 2006 mailing list messages

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From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Ascocenda.
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 08:45

Peter, you mention the possible cause for the elongation, but, have to disappoint you my friend as this plant stands between a few other Vandas and they all show the normal growth.

It sure is a strange thing to happen to this plant. Maybe I will look at the parentage very closely and see what I can turn up.

-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Erias
Date: Fri, 15 Sep 2006 11:50

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Erias
Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 09:40

Rocky,
LOL can mean "Laugh Out Loud" or, I believe "Lots Of Love".
Now we're back to the acronym issue again!
John

From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Erias
Date: Sat, 16 Sep 2006 17:15

Ron, I like your answer it is a RWF (real warm fuzzy). I think the
standard interpretation of LOL is "laughing out loud" it is akin to ROFL
"rolling on the floor laughing" used when something is REALLY funny. I try
only to use them in exchanges with my familiars but sometimes I lapse. They
certainly do save keystrokes especially if text messaging by cell phone!!

The following link provides quite an extensive list known as the Canonical
Abbreviations:
http://www.astro.umd.edu/~marshall/abbrev.html

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: New ISP
Date: Sun, 17 Sep 2006 22:10

I am in the process of changing my ISP. This may lead to some temporary
interruption in internet and email service beyond my control.

Under the circumstances, I would suggest that you ask for confirmation of
receipt of any important message and, when in doubt, use my alternative
email address which is

From: Kevin McNeill
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Importing to Australia
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 12:55

Hello all, Does anyone have any experience with importing orchids into Australia? I am particularly interested in bringing in say maybe 20 or so Pleiones from the UK.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Same old problem !
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:40

I cannot remember where I got a plant named Brassocattleya Pink Diamond, but as you can see from the photos that I have included, the problem was with the wad of coconut fibre that it was growing in.

I noticed that the rear of the plant had many dead and almost dead roots, but the new section looked alright. So I de-potted it, cut away all the dead parts, washed, cleaned and cut away the last of the dead roots, teased away the sheath like cover to see what was below and then repotted it. The coconut fibre held far too much moisture. Brilliant for the commercial guys, but no good for me. When I squeezed a piece I was startled when I saw how much water dripped out!!!

As you can see, by teasing away the sheath which covered the bulb and eyes, I was ensured that there were no bugs or problems. Also, I always believe that this action gives any dormant eyes a greater urge to come into growth.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pleiones.
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:45

I do not have the answer that you need, but I feel sure that some of our other 'Oz' members will be able to help you.

If you do get an answer and go ahead, please can you let me know how you get on with regards to a CITES piece of paper.

If for instance you imported from our very good friend Ian Butterfield and all the ones that you ordered were hybrids and were not therefore 'Endangered Species' I would like to hear from you on the outcome.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Kevin's pleiones.
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 17:55

I have just been on the phone to Ian Butterfield, and he tells me that he does not export outside of the U.K.

He also thinks that where hybrids are concerned, especially the fact that many of his are raised and grown in his nursery, then CITES should not cover such plants.

As I have said before, in this case I do believe that CITES are acting in a fraudulent manner.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] CITES again
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 19:15

While often playing 'Devil's advocate' and probably seeming to be completely supportive of CITES maybe you'll excuse me if I stick an oar in again;

Sure, there are many plants that aren't endangered or, in the case you describe, are actually grow in a nursery and are for all practical purposes − artificial (although they needed plants for the hybridising!). However, if CITES absolved itself of interest in such plants, how long would it be before all sorts of rare goodies were being exported/imported under the guise of that category. If CITES is in any sense a policing system surely ot must have an interest in all species/hybrids − and sadly for us all, the service (!) doesn't come free.
I suspect a major problem is the funding to CITES. It's a pound to a penny that they haven't the wherewithall to employ the expertise in sufficient numbers to always do the job properly. I know legal importers who, after having declared their imports, have then had a visitation from CITES . . . a couple of years after the event! Others seem to get legal imports confiscated − some get through with plants they certainly shouldn't be importing. But isn't this the case with all well intended policing systems?
John

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Importing to Australia
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 19:20

Kevin, The problem of CITES can be overcome with patience but the problem with importation into Australia is Phytosanitary clearance. The Australian government agencies are verging on a phobia about introducing any bugs plants or animals that will endanger their country. After the cane toad debacle I agree with them. Why not enquire about importing seedling flasks.
Regards from Devon

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Cites and hybrids....
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 19:40

Phalaenopsis hybrids were exempted from CITES at the 12th meeting of CoP
( Conference of the parties to the Treaty)- these meetings are scheduled by
the Treaty itself, as are all the procedural matters relating to them.

At CoP 13 , the exemption was expanded to include all interspecific and
intergeneric hybrids of Cymbidium, Dendrobium ( D.nobile and D.phal sections
only) and Vanda.

There has been some difficulty with everyone concerned, about the
exemptions, and there is much interest in extending this to the Oncidiniae.

However , the exemptions were vigorously opposed by representatives from the
countries − especially South and Central America, where the parent species
grow.
Frankly , they have no interest in promoting trade „ they don’t do any (
IMHO)- and naturally, their representatives are drawn from the botanists of
the world, not the orchid growers of the world. I have previously pointed
out the difference in natural interest of the two groups. Asking botanists
to relax CITES is like asking Greenpeace to support a campaign to eliminate
the whale „ whatever the merits ( and maybe that was a not a very good
simile ) you know what their answer will be to start with.

However, there is to be one of the periodic revisions of the Appendices (
which separate the sheep „ CITES possible „ from the goats „ CITES never )
so there may be some changes which will interest us by this time next
year.

From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Same old problem !
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 20:25

Rocky, I am a peeler too. Thanks for the validation. It reminds me of a
snake struggling to shed its skin. In nature, wouldn't there be forces that
would help that process to happen?

I just unloaded two 50 liter bags of clay pellets. I'm in for a marathon
session of organic to non-organic repotting! You all have sold me on the
'stones' issue. I have less than 3 dozen plants still to be 'converted'.

It's a beautiful, sunny, very breezy day in Pittsburgh. After two weeks of
dreary skies and rain, we can use the cheering up!

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 22:40

My question does not seem to have appeared. Here it is again and I would
very much appreciate a reply

> In the new orchid house, I am proposing to devote 20% of my space to a Flood
> & Drain tank. What are the most suitable types of orchid to grow by this
> method?

From: Kevin McNeill
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Kevin's pleiones.
Date: Mon, 18 Sep 2006 22:40

Hi Rocky, Thanks for the lightning reply. That's funny, Mr Butterfield was actually the person that I had contacted in the UK. It was some of his hybrids that I was after.

I just got his reply to my letter, saying that he does not export to Australia because of the costs and paperwork involved.

Hmm, I'm happy to pay the costs involved. I would even be happy to send a deposit. But I suppose that I can't do any of the paperwork involved, except for the paperwork and permits on this end.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cites and hybrids.and hieroglyphics...
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 00:25

Geoff,
I see you've gone all mathematicky and codey again Geoff!
Or are you learnin' textin'?
Cheers
John

Phalaenopsis hybrids were exempted from CITES at the 12th meeting of
CoP
( Conference of the parties to the Treaty)- these meetings are scheduled
by
the Treaty itself, as are all the procedural matters relating to them...

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Clay pellets.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:00

I see that you are from Pittsburgh, so I would suggest that you might try and find an old catalogue from Fennel's Orchids of Homestead, Florida. They used to grow [maybe still do] in a similar type of clay pellet called 'A to Z Pot 'n Grow'.

If you would like to read them, then I can E-mail them to you. All three that is.

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Kevin's pleiones.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:15

Kevin,
Check out the French nursery sites as I think you might have success there.
Gordon.

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:15

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: CITES.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 09:20

I welcome your statement very much indeed and could not agree more with what you have said.

This comes at a time when I do believe that CITES is being hit with a broadside of canon fire from many people.

Also, I read [well, tried to read ha, ha] Geoff's piece which will be interesting to read when he sorts out the problem.

The main thing is John that we should not be all tarred with the same brush. CITES should not seemingly brand us as cheaters when WE DO NO WRONG.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cites and hybrids.and hieroglyphics...
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:10

Must be the power of my brain , doing all the digital stuff in the
background, and since it is so, so powerful , it just beams out...

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:30

I can't help you very far with this Ron . I did use flood and drain at
Minchinhamptpon , and it worked very well indeed for Vandas , and rather
more doubtfully for Cattleyas.

But when I moved to Dorset , I tried it for all of the thin-leaved South
American things which I used to grow so well at 'Minch ( but at 'Minch I
used hydroculture − shallow standing water − NOT flood and drain) − and by
thin-leaved I mean Oncidium, Miltassia, Burrageara, Odontonia, Odontocidium,
Aliceara etc ( all Oncidiniae) plus Zygos, , Promeneas, and lots of minor
genera.

But I did not do well here using this technique. I think the problem is
getting the flood frequency right , using a much finer media .Even once per
week seems far too much with these. At 'Minch I used the large clay
pebbles − 12-14mm , which are fine for thick rooted Vandas, and OK for
medium rooted cattleyas, and a frequency going up to every 4 hours day and
night in mid-summer . Here I used Perlite for the thin rooted stuff , and
of course Perlite holds the water longer − much, much longer.

So I took them all out of flood and drain, and grow them all in hydroculture
- 1-2 cm of standing water, and by-and large , all in Perlite.

PS , maybe we will be able to see you over the Weston week-end − the unknown
at the moment is when I am wanted on the Growth Tech' stand.

From: Ron Newstead [mailto:ron.newstead@ukonline.co.uk]
Sent: 18 September 2006 22:43
To: Orchid Talk List; orchid Jean
Subject: RE: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain

My question does not seem to have appeared. Here it is again and I would
very much appreciate a reply

In the new orchid house, I am proposing to devote 20% of my space to a Flood
& Drain tank. What are the most suitable types of orchid to grow by this
method?

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Kevin's pleiones.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 12:40

Someone else may be better informed than I am , but I have a feeling that it
would not matter what you did yourself, as either Ian B. is registered as a
licensed exporter of plants ( of any kind) or he isn’t , and if the latter ,
he simply can’t do it. Or maybe these days, licenses are area specific or
something.

I traded myself some 15 or so years ago , for a short time „in Vandas „ and
I had a few inspection visits from the Ministry of Ag and Fish as it was
then , on such questions ( as to whether I should be allow3d to be a
licensed trader, and for what and where, although I had no ambitions to
export at all.

Curiously enough I recall an incident connected with the Ministry and with
Pleiones which I used to grow too at that time „ the Inspector asked why I
had so many dying plants − I did a double take and said that I thought all
my plants were healthy „ and it turned out that he was referring to the
yellowing leaves on the Pleiones . This was of course in late Autumn when
they drop their leaves − being annually deciduous. I told him that , and he
looked very scornful and told me that all orchids were evergreens. So much
for the knowledge of the Inspectors I thought !

From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Cites
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 17:30

I think you all know my attitude to the ad nauseum discussions on the EU and CITES but I did post this on orchid digest as Phrag. besseae was discovered before CITES. P. besseae seems to be thriving in Ecuador as it is no longer worth harvesting and it begs the question '' could this have been the same with P kovachii.''
Regards from Devon in an Indian Summer.

> I asked the question on Phrag. besseae as when I was in Ecuador they were
> growing by the side of the road where I could easily take a photo and
> many could be seen further up the cliff. They could easily have been
> 'harvested ' but as some had young seed pods I assume it is now not worth
> collecting as so many better plants can be had from nurseries at a
> reasonable price. This begs the question that if P. kovachi had been mass
> propagated, as P. besseae, P. k. would not be under such threat. I am not
> against CITES as it protects many desirable, but less commercial,
> plantsbut at times reason and common sense should be considered by the
> applying authority.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Cattleyas without sheaths.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 19:55

As Cattleyas are just about my favourite orchid then I would like to be able to answer your question as to why your plants do not show a sheath.

1. Have the plants flowered before.
2. How old are the plants.
3. Is the newest pseudobulb as big as or smaller or larger than the previous years growth.
4. Do not forget....some Cattleyas do not make a sheath.

From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 21:50

Thank you Rocky. I would very much like to read them. We have had other
postings here on the subject, but I would benefit from more information on
the topic.

On 9/19/06, Roger Grier wrote:
>
> Mornin' Barbara,
>
> I see that you are from Pittsburgh, so I would suggest that you might try
> and find an old catalogue from Fennel's Orchids of Homestead, Florida. They
> used to grow [maybe still do] in a similar type of clay pellet called 'A to
> Z Pot 'n Grow'.
>
> Also there are a couple of articles in the A.O.S. Journal from way back.
>
> If you would like to read them, then I can E-mail them to you. All three
> that is.
>
> Kind regards, Rocky.

From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Rainbow Orchid comic strip
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 22:20

Greetings all, A few weeks ago I happened upon a web site containing an
online comic strip titled "The Rainbow Orchid". (www.rainboworchid.co.uk)
There are 200 strips at present with most of them colorized. I found it to
be very well done. It's an old fashioned comic − story based in the 1920's
and reads like a good adventure and mystery story should. It revolves around
a gentlemen's agreement (drunken wager), an orchid competition, and a search
for a mythological orchid. It is in the style of "Tintin" or "Blake and
Mortimer" I'm hooked and can't wait for more installments. The author is
Garen Ewing, and I find him remarkably talented as a storywriter and
illustrator.

Just thought to post it here.. perhaps some of you might like to have a
look. (www.rainboworchid.co.uk)

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:15

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:15

From: Kenneth Bruyninckx
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: updated catalogue
Date: Tue, 19 Sep 2006 23:50

We have posted an updated catalogue on our web site http://
www.akerne-orchids.com yesterday.
If you are attending the BOC at the end of the month and want us to bring
some plants along for you for pickup at the show, then please let us know
before next week Thursday.

Kenneth Bruyninckx
Akerne Orchids
Laarsebeekdreef 4, B-2900 Schoten, Belgium
tel. +32 (0)3 651 40 36 fax +32 (0)3 653 06 76
kenneth@akerne-orchids.com
www.akerne-orchids.com

See us at the following shows and events in 2006:
*British Orchid Congress, Weston Super Mare, UK (30/9-1/10)
*Internationale Orchideeënshow Limburg, Bilzen, Belgium (3-5/11)
*3rd Brussels International Orchid Show, Brussels, Belgium (17-19/11)

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Beaming out − brains and blue orchids.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 01:35

Yeah,
I know how it is with a powerful brain. I have one too but I haven't discovered how to render it recognisable to everyone else yet.
Incidentally, did you ever solve the digitally off-colour blue orchid syndrome Geoff?
Way back in the summer I made the interesting discovery that my camera's monitor has a different colour balance than I'd have expected
Cheers
John

From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Flood & Drain
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 06:00

Ron,
I don't know about others but a friend of mine grows hundreds of Masdevallias and Disa's using a flood and drain method. I grow entirely in water the following plants, Cymbidiums,Dendrobiums both soft cane and a couple of hardcanes as well as several different Cattleya hybrids. These all do very well. I am also growing a couple of Oncidiums and several Phais the same way.
I think that it would be possible to grow most orchids in this manner but I suggest that you try a few different ones and see what works the best for your particular climatic conditions.
Cheers
Max

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:05

It was the home of Fennels Orchid Jungle until the hurricane blew in. That was about fifteen years ago. I believe the owner then won the lottery so that was the good news.

The correct name is: [or was] Fennell's Orchid Jungle. 26715 S.W. 157th Avenue. Homestead. Florida.

I guess that your contact in Florida will be able to find out if they are still going.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Beaming out − brains and blue orchids.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 10:55

Yes I did solve the off-balance question , at least as far as understanding
it ; Nikon tell me that energy beyond both ends of the visible spectrum are
involved, which CCD sensors render as if visible light . In other words,
Infra-red which mere human eyes does not register is shown as red , and UV
likewise as a blueish purple , so naturally the colour of the image is
different from what I see. They did give me some tips for improving matters
„ the one I intend to pursue the next time a suitable flower is out and I
have an afternoon to spare, is to make a 32 bit image ( Photoshop CS2 has
the tools for this ) and see if I can get the results I want from that .

From: Janet Fabricant
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Homestead
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 13:35

Hi Ron,
Homestead is about 35 miles southwest of Miami International Airport. There are many major growers located in and near Homestead. If you would like more information, I would be happy to supply it.
Wirey hugs and love and xxx and licks from Janet, Bobby and Asta in Boynton Beach Florida

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 14:40

Homestead is 25 miles south of Miami. The Fennel
family had a tourist attraction called 'Orchid
Jungle'. Four generations of the Fennel family were
active in the jungle. Small tourist attractions
disappeared when when Disney World took over. The
first Fennel was before my time but I knew the second
and third generation. It was on the third generations
watch that the jungle closed. He won the Florida
lotto of about 6 million dollars and continued with
the jungle as an orchid nursery. But when a major
hurricane devastated the jungle he closed the
operation. I went to this Fennel's funeral and after
the service invited some of my friends over to get a
piece of specimen orchid the Tom Fennel had given me
(see the attached flower). The son (fourth generation)
started an orchid nursery north of Homestead. I
didn't get to know this Fennel. His nursery has been
closed for a few years.

From: mojca klancic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 21:35

If I remember well, the Fennel family story was described in The Orchid Thief, by Susan Orlean.

From: mojca klancic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cattleyas without sheaths.
Date: Wed, 20 Sep 2006 22:20

Dear Rocky,
The plants I am worried about are adult, that have flowered before. Some with me, some had signs of old flower steams when I bought them. I just took a picture of a plant that grew two growths at the same time from the same PB after flowering. One with, one without sheath. At the back there is another small growth just starting and is about 4 cm high. Is it possible that it is not getting enough light? Maybe the leaves are too dark green. Maybe I watered it without leaving it a short dry period after the PB were grown, or the water has too much mineral salts. I noticed some of the plants have their leaves tips brown. But still, the most confusing, why one growth has, the other hasn't developed a sheath?
It is true, that my passion for Cattleyas is quite new, a couple of years. The youngplants grow nicely, every new growth is bigger than the previous. With the adults I get nice new growths, but not far that much sheaths.
The other picture I took yesterday is the lady of the night (Brassavola nodosa), bought last year and flowered now for the first time.
I appreciate every idea,
Mojca

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay pellets.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 04:00

Mojca, most of the older orchid growers in the Miami area knew all of the characters in that book except for the few fictitious ones. Now there are too many growers to be close to all of them.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Mojca's Cattleyas.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 09:05

First of all, how would pronounce your first name, and where do you live as I always think it is nice to be able to 'see' where club members are.

Your Cattleya looks very well. I am sure that many people would be proud to own such a plant. I notice some white/grey spots on the leaves........do you water them with tap water, if so is there some chalk in it? This is why in my area of England which has a very high chalk content that I NEVER water overhead with tap water. Only rain water, and if it is difficult to get, then bottled water.

One in sheath.....one without sheath!!!!! If you have the name of your plant can you tell us please. Also, it may be a hybrid, therefore it may be prone to this type of behaviour. I can see nothing wrong with it. Keep doing what you are doing and send us a photo when it blooms.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Neem Oil and scale
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 09:05

Did I not say thank you at the time Peter (?)„ very naughty of me „ please
accept apologies.

If you ever read Eveleyn Waugh’s Vile Bodies , I think it was, where the
hero of the book used to say ‘Up to a point Lord Kapper’ „ meaning maybe
yes, maybe no , you will gather my answer.

My technique ( repeatedly) is to handle every plant in the greenhouse, and
physically inspect for nasties, and wipe off with cotton wool dipped in
alcohol ( Isopropyl/water 50:50 „ when I can get it, meths/water 50:50 when
I can’t ). When I have done the lot, spray everything „ takes about 10-15
gallon to do the whole greenhouse with a power prayer and very fine jet „
using Neem oil at the recommended rate .

Then a couple of weeks later , if I remember , do it again. It takes a whole
bottle each time „ of the size which I have obtained from various suppliers,
under various names „ at an average cost of say UKP10 each time ( or is it
more than that ? „ it’s some months since I bought a six bottle pack, and
still have two left. I have tried at least three different ‘brand names’ .
Currently I have Nirvana ‘absolutely organic’ Neem Oil ,a 40% solution to be
used at 3-6ml per litre and like all Neems needs to be used in water above
20 deg.C and pH below 7.0 ; also ‘Pest Off’ which I have been told is a Neem
product, but presumably much more dilute, since it is used at 25ml per litre
and is to be used a minimum of twice in a three day period „ I have only
have enough of this to make 10 Litres, which may do the cattleyas twice „
and it is here that the problem is 99% concentrated.

However , when I spot more nasties „ same kind „ this persistent soft
whitish ( maybe its officially called brown) scale „ I start all over.

A month ago , before my arctic adventure I thought the house was clean , but
came back and found them so thick around the junction of leaf and bulb on
some cattleyas, that the leaves are starting to yellow and will probably
fall „ and that’s on the 2006 growths not good.

The alternatives ? I have some smoke capsules, with the same chemical as
used in the Provada stuff „ have used this twice this year

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cattleyas without sheaths.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 09:20

I have found that when a plant is growing strongly, you can do things wrong
- in particular not rest it , and it will still flower.

If it is not growing strongly , then you can do everything right , and it
still won't flower.

And in many cases , for it to flower well in autumn- ( fall to you ?) 2006 ,
you need to have grown the plant well in 2005. You may have grown the plant
badly in 2006 , and it will still flower . Alternatively , you may have
grown it much better this year than you did last year , and still won't
flower ( this year) but may do so next year.

Don't be downhearted if its two steps forward and one back , or even − as it
STILL is for me sometimes, two steps backwards and then another one back.

And if I still can't grow or flower the thing after enough years has passed,
then throw it out and try something different.

Cheer up − I am just looking at what may be the first spike on my Paph.
lowii which I have raised from flask. I deflasked in 1988...But then,
although I have held the UK National Collection of Paphs for 15 years (?)
or thereabouts, I am not sure that ever seen this species in flower anywhere
.You would be lucky to even buy a seedling with a 6 inch leaf span ( mine
has leaves which are up to 15 inches long ( 30 inch leaf-span) − it's that
rare. I just hope it turns out have been worthwhile − the last time I told
a similar story it was about an even rarer species − P.randsii − and when
it flowered it turned out to be something quite different..

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cattleyas without sheaths.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 15:45

Hi Mojca: I am curious about your B nodosa. I have one that is quite a bit larger than yours and it has not bloomed yet. I have not seen one in bloom in person, but have seen lots of photos of the flowers alone. Please bear with me as I ask a few questions? Does the inflorescence come from the base of the psbulb, or from the top of the sarong that encases the lower part of the psbulb? Please tell me how much light you are giving it?
As far as your cattleya's are concerned, the plant looks healthy enough. I have the same questions about sheathing, as I have several potinaras that do the same thing. Not only that but sometimes they have l leaf per psbulb and sometimes two, on the the same plant! I have a cross that produces at least 2 new growths per bulb and sometimes they all flower, sometimes some sheath and then don't produces while others do, and sometimes the bulbs don't grow big enough to flower. I have them in very good light and give them lots of ferts in the summer, so don't ask me why this happens. I choose to think it is part of the mystery!
All the best
Sharon in Calgary

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Neem Oil and scale
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:10

I tried to get Isopropyl alcohol, Geoff, after you mentioned it the last
time but failed to do so. Any suggestions?

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mojca's Cattleyas.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 19:40

Hello Rocky, Further to you remark that you like to 'see' where club members live. Are you aware of "Google Earth"? It's quite fantastic,put in a area code and you can view anywhere on earth. Looking at my patch I can see the planter tubs on my terrace.regards.
Ronbow.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cattleyas without sheaths.
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 20:35

Sharon − I have seen these plants ( B nodosa − "The ladies of the night" )
in the wild − they are perhaps the most frequently seen orchid at ground
level around the coast of Central America. I did a cruise ( romantically
called " The Spanish Main" ) a few years ago , and saw them all the way
along the Mexican coast, and right down to ( if my memory is correct)
Panama. Don't remember them on the islands, only the mainland.
They grew on tree trunks and low branches, in very good light indeed − no
cloud forest plant this ! The flowers come from a spathe at the top of the
cane/pseudo-bulb in the same was as Cattleyas

However, a word of caution ; Carl Withner points out − in "The Cattleyas and
their Relatives", Volume V that it is easy to lump together B.nodosa,
B.grandiflora and B.venosa, for example − and when even the mighty Withner
talks of needing DNA analysis to be sure, you will understand that what I
mean is that I saw lots and lots of plants that I call B.nodosa − although
few were within touching distance, although all were within say 20 or 30
feet .

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Beaming out − brains and blue orchids.-UV and IR
Date: Thu, 21 Sep 2006 23:10

Thanks Geoff,
At least I find it reassuring. I had known that IR was visible to Nikon (and
many other digicams can see the IR spot on remotes and can give passable IR
piccies)) and I tried crude experiments to see how far into the UV it would
go but I didn't have tackle other than an insect electrocutor and a lamp to
induce fluorescence in minerals!
However, at least it should be possible to filter out (glass filter) excess
UV and, if necessary, excess IR (although the filters could be more
expensive than your software solution. Software . . . now we're back to my
addled brain I suppose.)
Soon be spring 07 eh?
Could do with a ready source of gelatine/acetate filters with designated
wavelength cut-offs − glass, at the diameters to fit my lenses cost an arm
and a leg − keep in touch if you find such a source -I'll do likewise.
Cheers
John

Yes I did solve the off-balance question , at least as far as understanding
it ; Nikon tell me that energy beyond both ends of the visible spectrum are
involved, which CCD sensors render as if visible light . In other words,
Infra-red which mere human eyes does not register is shown as red , and UV
likewise as a blueish purple , so naturally the colour of the image is
different from what I see. They did give me some tips for improving matters
- the one I intend to pursue the next time a suitable flower is out and I
have an afternoon to spare, is to make a 32 bit image ( Photoshop CS2 has
the tools for this ) and see if I can get the results I want from that .

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

15—21 September