July 2007 mailing list messages

2007 Archived Messages

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From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: What's in a name?
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

And nice to hear from you Brenda. Do you want us to look out that Cattleya for you? You never know, someone may have a piece or see it at a show.

I have always wondered why Cattleya aclandiae as it is so often seen, does not revert back to its former spelling of Acklandiae. My label is spelt 'Acklandiae'.

After all if you have a look on the Internet after keying in 'Sir Thomas Ackland of Killerton' and then open up the web site: Brodick Photo World: Killerton House you will see lots of very interesting information. Especially Thomas Ackland's association with one of the famous Veitch family.

From: Beccy Holmes
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Slugs
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

They're just doing what comes naturally, doesn't seem right to cause them
extended pain when a swift crunch underfoot or a well-wielded pair of
scissors would be quicker.

>Why would you want to be humane to these slimy buggers who eat your hard
>earned efforts and fornicate in the open!!!

From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Slugs
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

Beccy, That may be a bit of anthropomorphic. No doubt attributable to your
kind and sensitive disposition. If I remember my zoology/biology correctly,
slugs and other such creatures do not have a nervous system capable of
'pain' − just the basic survival reactions.

But your point is well taken − no need to draw things out. Swift and
decisive may rest easier on the conscience − irrespective of the science.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Problem Phalaenopsis.
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

> thank you ricky i am happy to meet you. yoiu are very
> kind man. my phallanopsis in attached photo. hope you
> can see and give me yours advise. how do you take good
> orhcid photo?.? thanks

Geoff, there was a discussion on this just before you joined. I have
extracted the messages and put them together on a page on the website − see
http://www.orchid-talk.co.uk/docs/photips.html as there might be some
information of help to you.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] What's in a name?
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

It is C acklandiae according to the RHS also. By the way the next time you have a bit of it to swap − let me know. Fantastic species

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] some new flowers in my greenhouse...all in 100% guaranteed plain text....apart from the picds which would like a
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

I have a dendrobium for you that I promised a long time ago when the weather wasn't good for posting. I don't have your address now though...

> Some plants in flower today, when I was doing an overhaul -either never
> flowered before(for me) or at least not seen for some years...

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Growing in stone medium.
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

There's not that much difference in our methods. Perlite though holds water and so I do not water every day. I grow with a MNW temp of 15 degrees, very good air movement and lots of light. I think the other significant difference is that I use a feed designed for hydroponics − it assumes no nutrients in the substrate. I think fertilizers for use in soils may assume some nutrients eg iron ? from the soil.

> Perhaps our friendly 'Member' Andy McKeown will tell you how we both get
> our Cattleyas to grow well, especially one that we both have that I
> nick-named 'Lipstick Lady'. It sure grows tall.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Growing on cork mounts
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

I have some plants on cork mounts and I want to rig up a sysyem that will
spray them automatically. What's the easiest and cheapest way of setting
this up?

I bought this as BLC Serm but that does not feature on the RHS database.
Any suggestions for and alternative name? Flowers are about 12 cms (5
inches) across and perfumed in the heat of the day

From: Paul Johnson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] What's in a name?
Date: Sun, 22 Jul 2007

According to Carl Withner in his first volume of "The Cattleyas and
their Relatives" the Lady Ackland's Cattleya as described by John
Lindley in 1840 had the species epithet spelled "aclandiae." Since
botanical nomenclature rules generally require that only the original
spelling of a scientific name is the correct one, regardless of most
other factors, preferences, desires, inclinations or other arbitrary
considerations, "aclandiae" is the correct spelling. In 1861 the
species was redescribed as Epidendrum acklandiae by Reichenbach the
Junior, and that name is a synonym of Lindley's species, so it may be
that the demi-god status of kid Reichenbach in the horticultural
community led to the irrational adoption of the mispelled name by our
predecessors − sort of like two amorous slugs swinging in the cool
early morning humidity. But, never fear, there remain many users of
the incorrect name. In my taxonomy books the Latin "k" was/is
represented by "ch." Thus, if Lindley did a direct Latin translation
of Ackland that would have come out as "acchlandiae"; not very
euphonius. Do we have a Latin scholar on the list?

It is curious that the first paragraph of the Brodick Killerton House
page mispelled architect to "acrcitect." Evidently, Latin
transcription problems are numerous.

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Slugs
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007

Actually it is a very quick death, almost as quick as scissors, but without
you having to handle the gooie remains on your hands (they always stick to
the scissors I found).

> They're just doing what comes naturally, doesn't seem right to cause them
> extended pain when a swift crunch underfoot or a well-wielded pair of
> scissors would be quicker.

From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Slugs
Date: Mon, 23 Jul 2007

If you like, I could send you a container of live Albertan ones to add to
your garden???

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Non orchid.
Date: Tue, 24 Jul 2007

I am sure that Andy was asking about the 'creature' which this old forester don't think is a Burnett Moth, in fact I don't think it's a moth at all. But then I could be wrong.....

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] off topic identification
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007

Not sure about the common name, but my British
Wildlife guide has a picture of it and the scientific
name is Oedemera nobilis...Seen May to August; Common
and widespread in S England and Wales; Favours grassy
places and visits flowers to feed on pollen.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Latest bloomer.
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007

I hope that you noticed my 'Subject'.....'Latest bloomer', it's to let you know that the 'Weather God' has made a 'Bloomer'. At least where I live in southern England we do not get floods.

Anyhow. as it is yet pouring with rain I decided to make a dash for the greenhouse and photograph one of my latest additions from the 'Italian Nursery'.

This one is named Epilaeliocattleya Merry Green 'Green Pride'. It has a most intriguing perfume, stronger when the sun shines.....ha bloody ha ! What sun ?

The actual scent is I think similar to a type of spice, but as yet I cannot identify it.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Andy's beetle.
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007

Francis, you were spot on. It's a beetle for sure, and it's common name is the 'Thick legged beetle'.

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Latest bloomer.
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007

I took this jpg yesterday. This plant bloomed last
month, 7 flowers on one stem. The plant is the back
bulb and very small. Our plants look like they came
out of the same stable.

From: Brenda Beale BB
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Cattleya
Date: Wed, 25 Jul 2007

Hi Roger
Thanks for your offer of looking out for the Cattleya for me, I am not collecting them any longer after having done so for many years. I felt like a change so I buy anything different from what I have had before that catches my eye. Mainly the smaller type or Ascocentrum species and sometimes the odd hybrids of Asco's.
Regards Brenda

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Our Cattleyas.
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007

I must admit that when I saw your photo that it looked very much like mine, but then when I put both photos side by side that there is after all quite a difference.

I do like the white lip on your plant with the yellow undertone. What name does yours go by?

Hello,
I have acquired a Miltonia Plant from a friend and whilst it is not quite a hospital case it has no flower, it has died, but the leaves are good. I did, when I first started with Orchids, acquire a Milt which slowly passed away to where ever it is that Orchids go to when they depart this world.
Some members will know that apart from some Dens and Cims I only keep Phals, about 200 of them. My question is:- can I grow this plant amongst my Phals? Sure, I've read the books and looked at all the bonny pictures but frankly I'm not much wiser. I get the impression that Milts like more light than Phals, if so, I can arrange that as I grow under lights.

One for you Rocky (hello) Will it grow in your favourite Media, Stones, as my Phals do, and very well too.

Best wishes from a not too wet, not too dry, reasonably warm Northumberland and commiserations to any member who has suffered with the floods.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Our Cattleyas
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007

I must admit that when I saw your photo that it looked very much like mine, but then when I put both photos side by side that there is after all quite a difference.

I do like the white lip on your plant with the yellow undertone. What name does yours go by?

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007

In my SENT folder it goes out perfectly well, and then I notice that when the 'Club' receive it the photo is almost all grey. Then Ron sends an E-mail titled Miltonia, but there 'aint nothin' to see !!!!!

Just recently this afternoon we sure did have a spell of very strong winds and rain, and I suspect that there may have been a lightening strike somewhere, so have these weather conditions contributed to these two cock ups.

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007

I'm no boffin Rocky but I have learned that in times of difficulty in transmitting emails it is useful to send a copy to yourself (use the cc; facility). That way, at least if you get it back you know the problem isn't with the sending. If you don't . . then search for a boffin!
ps. I received the partly corrupted grey one.
You might also try re copying the jpg file.
Cheers
John

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Our Cattleyas
Date: Thu, 26 Jul 2007

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Miltonia culture.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Ron, it's a lovely morning here with wall to wall sunshine and a cloudless sky with just a gentle breeze..........for now that is..........later on today, well that's a different story.

Ron, I have some excellent information on Miltonias, but I will have to scan the items from at least a couple of pages from a book, so later on today I will do it and then send it.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: neem oil etc.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

I am amused by a site where I purchase a neem oil spray under the name
Nirvana ( they are the only place I have found selling it at a reasonable
strength in a reasonable quantity − it takes a good 100 litres of solution
to do a thorough job in my large greenhouse ). It seems that much of their
business is selling Cannabis.

Their messages to me when I order neem oil include the standard expression "
Thank you for buying quality Cannabis seeds from the breeder." even though I
haven't.

When I see these criminal cases in the newspaper, and someone is going to be
sent to jail (?) for downloading porn from the web − where presumably the
only proof is the accused's computer − I wonder if a police raid and a
look at my e-mails could lead me into trouble ?

I hasten to add that I don't smoke cannabis or anything else, and never have
done − it was not heard of when I was young , and by the time it was heard
of, I had too much sense to start.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

I can understand how a message can get corrupted at any of the stages of
sending/receiving etc., but I can't understand how part of a message can get
blown away by high winds.

I think the first thing I would do in this sort of case is forward the same
message , from my "Sent" box, to myself and see how it looks then. If it's
OK, the problem is not in your machine or your ISPs kit.

As for messages referring to pictures which aren't there − that is so easy
to do − we all do it on occasion , just forget to add the attachment !

> In my SENT folder it goes out perfectly well, and then I notice that when
> the 'Club' receive it the photo is almost all grey. Then Ron sends an
> E-mail titled Miltonia, but there 'aint nothin' to see !!!!!

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Miltonia culture.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Tell me what you think, and if you have any more questions then fire away and I will give it my best shot.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

On 26 Jul, in article ,
Roger Grier wrote:
> Hi to all of you computer boffins out there,

> ...Then Ron sends an E-mail titled Miltonia, but there 'aint nothin' to
> see !!!!!

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Curiousitems.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Your a little late, [ ouch! ] but all has been solved by me sending the message with my original attachment once more.

The items that I was talking about Tricia were the fact that Ronbows E-mail showed nothing in the message, and my attachment of the two Cattleyas was a grey rectangle with just a tiny bit of the photo visible.

From: Tina Stagg
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

I am interested that you are using neem oil, Geoff. What exactly are you using it for, and at what strength?

I tried it a few years ago but was not convinced it did anything other than 'clog up the pores' of the leaves.

Do be careful − remember that your neem oil is obviously made in a nut factory!

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Ron do you have Miltonia or Miltoniopsis? Rocky gave
good information for Miltoniopsis. I grow Miltonia
species and hybrids. They can grow very well with
Phals. But they do like more sun light.

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Geoff , It was me who sent you a bottle of the Neem Oil from Nirvana.
It is not illegal to have Cannabis seed here in the UK, but there are a lot of old grannies that grow it and smoke it to help their MS.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

Tricia,
As like everyone else I received my Miltonia email void of any text. The
only difference from the norm was that in the original I had omitted the
Hyphen from the address and so the message would not 'go'. I then copied the
text, added the correct address and sent it. Then I suppose like every one
else I did ultimately get the correct message. There was no picture
intended. The sequence was 1. 26th. 7. @ 17.01.pm. 2nd. 26th.7. @
22.34.pm . 3rd 26th.7.@12..29. The original according to my log was at
25th.7.at @20.34. That is the sequence according to my sent log.
As I recently said "Funny business this email lark.
Incidentally I do not experience problems of this sort from any other email
address..
Regards,

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Fri, 27 Jul 2007

The first one to arrive here was the one dated 26th timed at 12:29 (the
third one in your sequence) subject Miltonia, and the second one was 26th,
timed 20:27, subject Miltonian, quoting what must have been your original
message dated 25th, timed 9:47, subject Miltonian. Two messages in total.

> Incidentally I do not experience problems of this sort from any other
> email address..

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Like others, I was puzzled by the supposed influence of atmospherics in the
matter of email transmission.
I had never previously thought of smoke signals as being digital and sending
a colour matrix for .jpgs must be quite time consuming. Maybe a new damp
cloth is called for or blacker smoke maybe? Even better, put the fire out
altogether, plug the 'puter in and we'll all get some good old fashioned
blue sky again.
John

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

I use it as an insecticide ( what else ? ) I think that any oil will "work"
on insects- that is to say on the adult insects, and also the larvae -
perhaps not on the eggs -by the simple action of preventing them taking in
oxygen . The oil blocks the spiracles ( if that's the right word ). Of
course they have to be contacted and wet, for this to happen.

Neem also has a true insecticidal effect − which other oils don't . Only
for a short time , it's true- perhaps 24-36 hours , providing other
conditions are met − and criticism of it may be from users unaware of these
other factors.

1. The insecticidal efficacy is destroyed by strong sunlight − spray in the
evening , and/or on rainy days.

2. The insects are likely to be more active at higher temperatures, and
almost in suspended animation at lower temperatures . Use when the
thermometer is over 20 and preferably is 25 deg. C. Summer evenings !.

3. The insecticidal effect is lost when the oil breaks down which occurs (
biodegradation ? ) more rapidly at high pH levels. Keep the water below 6.5,
preferably below 6 pH.

As to whether it really works − as with any other agent − I don't do
controlled scientific tests − can't − so I cross my fingers.and hope !

However, three sprays at 5 day intervals seems to clean my plants up
wonderfully , and it is several, even many, months before I need to think
again about such problems.

I had not seen a mealy bug for at least 12 months − saw 1 last week. Soft
scale is always a problem around cattleya rhizomes , and is kept under
control rather than eliminated ; hard scale − two kinds the one with an
Eastern European (?) name, and the one which looks like miniature sea
urchins closed when the tide goes out, are problems especially with
thin-leaved plants − Phaius are martyrs to them , and they also like Oncids
. Again, I clean plants when I see anything ( whatever pest, whatever I am
doing − it's a number one priority ) and periodically overhaul and clean all
plants. But with a big collection , what you do is keep them undercontrol -
that's all you can do..

Nuts ? − I have to admit I am nutty − but seriously − I eat them and enjoy
them, and whilst the kind of reaction you have in mind ( I think) can start
up suddenly , it hasn't so far..

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

I learnt (?) early in my orchid life − well, plant life actually − that
silver leaves are designed to reflect light . Ergo , silver leaved plants
are xerophytes − sometimes (?) always (?) , which means that you have to
give them all the light you can, if they are to flourish.

Some other plants too − The one I still call Epidendrum vitellinum , now
maybe an Encyclia, or am I still out of date and its something else...Does
not matter as its not currently in my collection, I think ( pity).

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Thank you Peter − it's true what you say − but that one bottle does one
spray routine − and needs two more bottles for the rest of the 3 spray
routine..

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

I suppose that if you use a lap-top with a lithium battery, you might be
able to send smoke signals even with a 'puter ?

Judging by reports , anyway − it has persuaded me to pull the plug out of
the wall when not in use ( the lap-top, that is ; as said elsewhere, I'll
swith off the PC when the Houses of Parliament switch off the lights..)

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Tricia,
You may well be right. I have attempted to join other Orchid lists but got
cheesed off with the entry application rigmarole of passwords and copying
cross eyed looking out of line, stupid looking text, as well as other
things. I will continue with the one we have.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Well now I really do not know the difference. It came out of Tesco if that
is any sort of guide.
Incidentally I had difficulty getting your last send of pictures. They just
would not appear!
Regards,
Ronbow.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Geoff,
Re Neem Oil. I recall in answer to your request for a source of supply, suggesting M.A.M Horticulture. I think it was 2004 and then cost £1 per fl onz. Frankly I do not think it is any better than ordinary Mineral oil.
It would appear that there are more people growing Cannabis in rooms, cellars and lofts than people growing Orchids, and that probably accounts for the ready supply of the parrafanalier that we orchid growers use and we recently had in this area a case of a grand mother, in her 70's growing it in a wardrobe in her bedroom.She claimed that she baked it into cakes which she then supplied to elderly people to ease their arthriteious. Maybe it did, perhaps I should try it for mine!
Incidentally, I have recently on 3 occasions had Police inspecting my place, looking for missing people. The all walked past my greenhouse, with the lights on, without so much as a glance.
Ronbow.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

On 28 Jul, in article ,
Ron Bower wrote:
> Tricia,
> You may well be right. I have attempted to join other Orchid lists but
> got cheesed off with the entry application rigmarole of passwords and
> copying cross eyed looking out of line, stupid looking text, as well as
> other things. I will continue with the one we have.

I think we have fewer problems on the whole than most. What gets me is that
sometimes messages have all kinds of unwanted hieroglyphics and others are
perfectly OK − no consistency. I suspect that the various anti-spam and
anti-virus filters used by ISPs etc. tend to add these spurious items. Many
messages seem to go through umpteen processes before they get here.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Orchid hybrid.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

My attached photo is of a rather nice flower from what I normally call a 'Odont hybrid'. Can anyone put a name to it so that I can then have a look on the Internet.

Both back bulbs are very shrivelled, and the growth that has the few flowers on it is by no means as fat as I would like.

I still think that it will survive, and all I wait for is to see signs of new growth, then I will give it the normal batch of TLC.

From: Dennis Read
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

That may explain why I always kill my Miltoniopsis. According to Bechtell, Cribb and Launert in The Manual of Cultivated Orchids, Miltoniopsis, the soft, silvery leaved plants need shade. My Miltoias do well on my top shelf in the light − with your M. moreliana. I shall now move my Miltoiopsis to the lighter shelf also. As far as I can see most house plant Miltonia Hybrids are based on soft leaved Miltoniopsis.
Regards − At last the sun has arrived in Devon

> I learnt (?) early in my orchid life − well, plant life actually − that
> silver leaves are designed to reflect light . Ergo , silver leaved plants
> are xerophytes − sometimes (?) always (?) , which means that you have to
> give them all the light you can, if they are to flourish.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Last year there came on the market a drug which contains THC, the active constituent in cannabis, just for people suffering from MS.
I cannot remember the name of the drug but the cannabis plants are being grown in Canada, where the drug was formulated, in old mining caves, under light.
Its the female flower buds that contains the active constituent THC (Tetra Hydro Cannabinol) or something like that.
Not the leaves that many people fist think.

> Re Neem Oil. I recall in answer to your request for a source of supply,
> suggesting M.A.M Horticulture. I think it was 2004 and then cost £1 per
> fl onz. Frankly I do not think it is any better than ordinary Mineral
> oil.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Ron − Miltoniopsis are the pansy orchids with big flat flowers, usually with
a mask in a contrasting colour. leaves tend to be silvery , and often the
old leaf bases turn orange .
Miltonia are much more like oncidiums − grean leaves, larger bulbs, still
have big lips to the flowers, ( like oncids) but narrower petals.
Geoff

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Orchid hybrid.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Try Colmanara Wildcatt , But beware, there are several different named
clones which have been meristemmed.

> My attached photo is of a rather nice flower from what I normally call a
> 'Odont hybrid'. Can anyone put a name to it so that I can then have a look
> on the Internet.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Interesting , Dennis ; I have that book but have not read every word ( or
have forgotten). But very learned botanists are rarely clued up about
culture in a greenhouse ; and no-one can tell you exactly what any and every
orchid appreciates in the wild.

We tend to generalise and pretend there are just 3 different heat regimes (
cool, intermediate and warm) and either bright or shaded − and that's the
lot . But in real life it is far more complex than that.

I remember when the Princess of Wales Glasshouse was opened at Kew − I went
to a do at the opening , and at one point found myself talking to the
Curator ( I think that was his title). I recall (?) that this glasshouse has
17 different climate zones ; I suggested that he could now turn it into a
magnificent orchid house and grow all the world's orchids ; he snorted with
laughter , and said maybe he could now provide pretty good conditions for
about 2% of them − providing anyone could actually tell him what each
species really needed.

Some years ago when I went to Thailand to see some paph species in flower in
the wild, I took a great lot of kit − rain gauges, min/max thermometers, a
lux meter . pH and EC meters, jars to ample rain, soil etc., to try and
learn something about what orchids want and get in the wild. But I reminded
myself that what I was measuring was what some plants were getting on one
Wednesday afternoon in August ( or whatever) . Who could tell me what they
get throughout the year ? The answer is no-one.

Ps actually it was the late David Sander who lectured me about xerophytes,
and what they need, I recall − but it all makes sense once explained.

> That may explain why I always kill my Miltoniopsis. According to Bechtell,
> Cribb and Launert in The Manual of Cultivated Orchids, Miltoniopsis, the
> soft, silvery leaved plants need shade.

From:
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Orchid hybrid.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Orchid hybrid.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

From: rudolf günnel
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Trichopilia tortilis
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

When I remember rightly it was just the other day when you gave advice to
avoid rotting of new growths of Trichopilia tortilis.
Although I grow mine in pure hydroculture and didn't form the surface of the
potting medium like a small hill so far my plant grows very well without any
rotting a the new growths.
Perhaps it's because I don't spray at all. Perhaps spraying in combination
with too less air movement causes rotting on new growths??
My T. tortilis is flowering with 6 flowers right now. I attach two photos ,
a flower close up and a photo of the whole plant. I hope you enjoy them
unfortunately I can't any longer because I'm going to leave our home
tomorrow for holydays.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Orchid hybrid.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Growing on cork mounts
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

Thanks for the idea. I already have one of these foggers so I shall sort out rigging it up.

> about 80% of my orchids are on Cork mounts ,and i use a 5 disc fogger
> from maplin, grn hse is 20ft x 8 x8ft with the aid of fan hse is
> copletely fogged you cant see one end to the other,i also use one in
> dracula hse it comes on every hr i also keep blocks of ice in freezer
> and put them in fogger water to keep fogged air cold, frozen over night
> to replenish ,price £50. each regards
> tom

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Growing on cork mounts
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

> I have just remembered. one of the D O S members with connections to
> medical gear uses blood transfusion bags fixed to the back of the cork
> with a slow release valve that drips fertiliser on to a capillary mat
> backing behind the plant. It seems to work. Regards

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] off topic identification
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

From: Tina Stagg
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Sat, 28 Jul 2007

I certainly wasn't implying that you were nutty, Geoff − I was referring to the factory you were receiving compromising messages from!

As to 'what exactly are you using it for' − I should perhaps have written 'what species of insect are you using it for'.

I don't get mealy bug or scale in the greenhouse − perhaps they don't like sea air − but the occasional family of greenfly infest one or two plants by one particular vent, and I think they just shed a skin and start again when confronted by neem oil. Have you had success with them?

Thank you for the detailed instructions − I shall copy and keep in case of future problems.

> ...Nuts ? − I have to admit I am nutty − but seriously − I eat them and
> enjoy them, and whilst the kind of reaction you have in mind ( I think)
> can start up suddenly , it hasn't so far..

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: newbie: my first 2 orchids
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

Hello all, I'm a new member, living in the US. I've been lurking here,
trying to soak up some of your vast knowledge, and enjoying the stunning
photos! If I may, I'd like to ask for some advice and/ or opinions. I have
had my first 2 orchids (one Phal. Daniella Ter Loak and one Paph. Maudiae)
only since last fall, and in that time neither one has bloomed. I've read
every orchid book I could get my hands on (including one by your own Geoff
Hands) and have managed to get the Phal to start a flower spike (now just
over 1 inch long). My question is, how can I make sure the spike keeps
growing and the bloom eventually occurs? One more specific question: a
couple of books suggested giving the plant a good soaking, which I have
done, but they disagreed on whether this should be done weekly or monthly
(during the active growing period). Any suggestions or recommendations for
me? TIA Sue B

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sue's orchids.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

I cannot give you any help with the Paphiopedilum as I am probably the worlds worst Paph grower.

First though, as the old English saying goes: 'Seeing is believing', so can you possibly send a couple of photos of your Phalaenopsis, especially one showing the top of the pot so that we can see what type of 'compost' it has been potted in and the state of it. Also what type of pot it is in.

When those books told about when to give more water, weekly or monthly..........it has nothing to do with weeks, months, days, hours, or whatever. IF, it is potted in a bark type compost with perhaps some other water retentive ingredients, then..........FOR THE PLANTS SAKE, DO NOT WATER AGAIN UNTIL THE COMPOST IS ALMOST DRY. Don't worry, an orchids roots are like a sponge, they can hold lots of moisture and hold it for a long time.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Name that plant.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

I just hope that this discarded plant will as I said throw a new growth and get through our winter.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Rudolph's Trichopilia.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

As most of us now know, it does seem as if Trichopilias do not like to have a damp compost around the base of their bulbs, as this does not do the new growths any good at all.

The one that I had that started to show these symptoms was still in the same compost as when I purchased it. As soon as I removed it from the pot and compost it started to grow much better.

could anyone help please with info or photo for
Cattleya Hawaiian snowy river
many thanks
tom

From: Sylvain VAN DER WALDE
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] newbie: my first 2 orchids
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

It's important that you know the condition of your plants' roots. Are they
healthy? Or have some of them rotted? Of course, Paph's roots are completely
different to Phal's ones. The Phals' ones should be green and plump, and
have green (or purple) tips. The Paphs' ones are more difficult to describe,
and I'll leave that for someone else to do.
What are the leaves like? Colour (pale green, green, dark green)? Number of
pairs of leaves? Can you send some photos?
P.S. Phals are generally warm growing plants, and require a drop in
temperature at night (not below 15 C) to induce flowering. I believe that
Paphs are generally cool growing. So these 2 orchids require different
growing conditions.

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

Geoff,
Thanks for those pearls of wisdom. Also, another penn'th;
I have always been under the impression that plants in the wild aren't necessarily growing in optimum conditions. Rather, they fight their corner with the neighbours and finish up growing in the best conditions the competition will allow. (A football crowd probably isn't the optimum environment for a human!) Generally, we grow (or try to grow!) plants in a greenhouse where all growth parameters are optimised. In other words, the very conditions we are striving for are almost certainly not the ones we'd find the natural plants in! Maybe that's why we have pest problems to excess whereas nature, on the whole (I am not sure where the 'whole' is!!), achieves a balance to ensure survival of pest and host plant . . . . doesn't it?
John

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Miltonia culture.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

Yes I do. And they are both in bloom at this moment although one has a
problem and I shall be sending a photo to the group next week.

> Ron do you have Miltonia or Miltoniopsis? Rocky gave
> good information for Miltoniopsis. I grow Miltonia
> species and hybrids. They can grow very well with
> Phals. But they do like more sun light.

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sue's orchids.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

I'll try to send pics this evening when I get home (I'm not good at that, so
it may take a few trys). In the meantime let me answer all questions: The
plants are both in an East window,on trays of wet gravel,where they have
been the entire time I've owned them.

I recently added a couple of tiny ferns between the 2 orchids.When I bought
the orchids, they were both in tiny clear plastic pots, in shagnum moss. A
month or so ago, after reading all those books, I repotted both plants into
plain fir bark,removing all the mushy shagnum and cleaning and inspecting
the roots.

At that time the Phal had tons of thick green roots with lighter green new
looking growth on the ends of some of them. the Paph had only 2 or 3 dark
(not mushy) roots. The Paph is now in a larger clear plastic, though green,
pot. The Phal is now in a larger ceramic pot with holes in the sides (made
for orchids). The Phal had 3 leaves when I bought it. The lowest leaf fell
off during repotting (oops). It has grown 2 new leaves since I've owned it,
each one bigger than the one before. It also had an empty flower spike when
I bought it. the instructions that came with it said to cut that off, so I
did.... it was green and juicy inside when I cut it, so I immediately hoped
that was not a mistake! the Paph had 3 or 4 leaves when I bought it,it now
has 8, the sizes of the leaves vary a lot.the paph also had an empty flower
spike when I bought it, but when I cut it off it was grey and dry and
crunchy.The Phal is medium green. The paph is dark green with lighter green
mottling. Have I answered everything.... oh yes... the window is open all
the time so they do (both) get the cool night temperatures. Thanks a bunch
for any input! I'll do my best to send pics this evening. Sue B

> ...can you possibly send a couple of photos of your Phalaenopsis, especially
> one showing the top of the pot so that we can see what type of 'compost' it
> has been potted in and the state of it. Also what type of pot it is in...

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

Tricia, When I joined the group there was some confusion with the Rons.
First we tried Ron 1 & Ron 2 which led to more confusion and as a and I
result I became Ronbow and I always send as such
Ronbow.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Atmospherics and signals.
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

On 29 Jul, in article ,
Ron Bower wrote:
> Tricia, When I joined the group there was some confusion with the Rons.
> First we tried Ron 1 & Ron 2 which led to more confusion and as a and I
> result I became Ronbow and I always send as such
> Ronbow.

> > Trish & Roger
> >
> > Could you please clarify which Ron you are talking about?

Let's hope everyone remembers so we can avoid confusion in the future (all
pigs fuelled and ready for take-off!).

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: first Phal and Paph photos
Date: Sun, 29 Jul 2007

From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobium lingueforme for Sale
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

For sale: 4 plants of Dendrobium linguiforme (also known as Dockrillia linguiformis), an Australian epiphyte.

Produces sprays of white flowers in Spring (photos at http://www.clanorchids.com/pages/denling.htm and http://johnsmolowe.typepad.com/photos/plants/dendrobium_linguiforme.html).

Please reply to me (mail@cykhoo.com), not to the list. First come first served. I shall allocate the largest plant still available to you, unless you specify otherwise in your email.

From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Bulbophyllum frostii for Sale
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

For sale: 3 divisions of Bulbophyllum frostii, from Vietnam, Thailand and the Malay Peninsula.

Produces inflorescences with 2-3 boot shaped flowers in spring to summer. Flowers are about 1.5 inches long. Quite lovely (see attached photo).

Each division has three leaved growths and may be mounted on cork, tree fern, etc.

Price: £9 each. Postage and packing to UK addresses: £3 (essentially at cost).

Please reply to me (mail@cykhoo.com), not to the list. First come first served. I shall allocate the largest plant still available to you, unless you specify otherwise in your email.

From: Sylvain VAN DER WALDE
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sue's orchids.
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

> I'll try to send pics this evening when I get home (I'm not good at that, so
> it may take a few trys). In the meantime let me answer all questions: The
> plants are both in an East window,on trays of wet gravel,where they have
> been the entire time I've owned them.

The Phal. should be in the warmest available position, but with no direct
sunlight. The Paph. is probably alright where it is.

> I recently added a couple of tiny ferns between the 2 orchids.When I bought
> the orchids, they were both in tiny clear plastic pots, in shagnum moss. A
> month or so ago, after reading all those books, I repotted both plants into
> plain fir bark,removing all the mushy shagnum and cleaning and inspecting
> the roots.

> At that time the Phal had tons of thick green roots with lighter green new
> looking growth on the ends of some of them. the Paph had only 2 or 3 dark
> (not mushy) roots.

> The Paph is now in a larger clear plastic, though green, pot. The Phal is
> now in a larger ceramic pot with holes in the sides (made for orchids).

Orchids should always be planted in the smallest pot available, just large
enough to clear the root system.

> The Phal had 3 leaves when I bought it. The lowest leaf fell off during
> repotting (oops). It has grown 2 new leaves since I've owned it, each one
> bigger than the one before. It also had an empty flower spike when I bought
> it. the instructions that came with it said to cut that off, so I did.... it
> was green and juicy inside when I cut it, so I immediately hoped that was
> not a mistake! the Paph had 3 or 4 leaves when I bought it,it now has 8, the
> sizes of the leaves vary a lot.the paph also had an empty flower spike when
> I bought it, but when I cut it off it was grey and dry and crunchy.The Phal
> is medium green. The paph is dark green with lighter green mottling.

> Have I answered everything.... oh yes... the window is open all the time so
> they do (both) get the cool night temperatures. Thanks a bunch for any
> input! I'll do my best to send pics this evening.

The Phal. needs a temperature drop of up to 10 C at night to induce
flowering, or as near to that as you can. The minimum night temperature
should not drop below 15 C. Your books should tell you at what time of the
year this should be done.

A min/max temperature thermometer would be useful, as well as a hygrometer
(for measuring humidity).

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sue's orchids.
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

Sylvain, Sounds like the Paph is in way too big a pot, and would prefer
finer bark . I'll correct that asap. Do you think I should move the phal to
a warmer room immediately, or wait to see if the flower spike "bears fruit"
where it is? thanks so much for your helpful advice, I do appreciate it.
Sue B

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sue's orchids.
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

Sylvain has given you some excellent tips on how to manage your orchids, and now we look forward to the future.

I am just interested at the moment in the photo of your Phalaenopsis. Well not the plant, but the container with the holes in it. Are they readily available where you live..........and where do you live?

It was only very recently that I found out that clay pots were at long last available here in the U.K.

Of course, pots with slots and holes in them have been available in the 'States' for years..........we do catch up sometimes.

From: Alex
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] neem oil etc.
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

Neem has had a reputation as an insecticide for a long time. My mother used the dried leaves in boxes of stored clothing in the Sudan. We grew the trees in the garden too mainly for shade and for fuel as it grew anywhere. Its fruits were a small, about 1cm yellow berry with a single seed or nut in it but I dont know if the neem oil we buy is made from the berry or the nut or what. I have tried the oil against my personal house plant enemy Red Spider Mite and found it difficult to dissolve with a funny smell. I dont think it is particularly effective and just wish it was legal to get malathion.
Regards
Alex Scott

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Emailing: MY ORCHIDS MAY 2007
Date: Mon, 30 Jul 2007

Hello,
Here is a picture of my plant. Thank you Rocky and the others for the
helpful advice, I and as a result I have conclude that the plant is a
Miltoniopsis. The plant belongs to my lady friend and I will return it if
or when it reflowers. Yes Geoff the flower was flat and pansy like.As per
Rocky I have taken it out of the bark it came in and have potted it in
gravel and Perlite mix.Will that be OK? It appears to be growing 2 new grows
as Geoff, I think, suggested.
I trust this message is OK. I am looking at a unfamiliar screen, I think it
is Microsoft Office. Why or how I don't know. Also the picture is a bit
iffy! My camera seems to be behaving oddly, out of sequence, lacking colour
in some picts and I have a look almost like negatives so I hope this email
is OK.It is in plain text in I think size 10. Most odd,funny things these
computers!

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Problem
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Does anyone know where in the UK I can source the small tubes with the cone at the bottom which is used for seed sowing?
They are the ones which Sigma use for their orchid medium.
I was attempting to be extra clever whilst sterilising and left them in boiling water too long as a result I had to throw a mass of twisted plastic into the wastebin.
Gordon.

From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Problem
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Ratcliffes list polypropylene Specimen Tubes on their Orchid sundries page,
if that's any help:
http://www.zoo.co.uk/~z0001324/sundries.htm

From:
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Problem
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

gordon are they the same as they use for keeping single spike blooms in
water with a rubber cap?if so i have some about 4ins long x1ins

From: Dr Chong-Yee Khoo
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Problem
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

The tubes you refer to are used for centrifugation. They come pre-packed and sterilised so there should be no need to boil them. There are several sizes, but I think you must be referring to the ones that hold 50 ml or so.

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re: Problem
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Orchid seed pods
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

I have obtained three orchid seed pods from a Bulb.
saurocephalum. They come from a plant in the Princess
of Wales conservatory of Kew Gardens (they are legal,
as I work as a volunteer there). The problem is, they
where pollinated spontaneously, so there is no way of
teling for sure if they are genuine of they are a
cross-pollinated seed pod. Anyway, I do not know how
to raise orchid from seed, and they only reason I
asked for them was because I remember of you asking
for them here... If you are still interested in seed
pods, contact me direct and let's talk about it.

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Problem/tubes
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Many thanks to Lynda, Chong-yee and Bhotplant for their advice and offers.
I think I have now found a source where I can get the centrifuge 50ml. tubes
I am looking for on the internet.
Gordon.

From: Sylvain VAN DER WALDE
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sue's orchids.
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Hello Sue.
Yes, you should move the Phal. as soon as possible, to a warmer place. At
night, you should move it to a colder place where the temperature won't drop
below 15 C. As soon as buds start forming, you can keep it in the warm
place.
Please remember that Phals. in bud don't like draughts.

Unfortunately, I didn't get your photos (it's to do with my email software,
which goes wrong occasionally); so can you send them to my own address just
this one time (hopefully).
Paphs are cooler growing plants, and at night can go down to 12 C. I believe
that the ones with mottled leaves can probably go down to 10 C.
One very important point, which caused me a lot of trouble in the past:
whether you have _hard_ water or not. If your water is hard (high mineral
content), you should not add any fertilizer. If your water is a little hard,
you should reduce the recommended amount of fertilizer. Whereas, if your
water is soft (little or no mineral content), you can add the full
recommended amount of fertilizer.

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sue's orchids.
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Hi Rocky/Roger, I don't know if I'd say they're "readily" available, because
very few stores seem to have many orchid supplies at all here in Wisconsin,
and those that do have very little to choose from. I just got lucky because
I found that pot in the most unlikely place.....the rabid discount store
"Walmart". There seems to be a lot more selection on the coasts (esp
California) for some reason. Clay pots were not available in the UK? That's
interesting...What kind of soil does the UK have? Here we tend to have
either clay soil or sandy soil... I'm sure that's probably why clay pots are
common here.they used to be the main type of pot here for everything. Now
they share that spotlight with plastic pots, of course. What type of pots
do you use for your Phals then? Sue B

> I am just interested at the moment in the photo of your Phalaenopsis.
> Well not the plant, but the container with the holes in it. Are they
> readily available where you live..........and where do you live?
>
> It was only very recently that I found out that clay pots were at long
> last available here in the U.K.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Neem and otherOils.
Date: Tue, 31 Jul 2007

Further to the recent comments on using oils against pests. I once sprayed some Blackfly on a Sambucus (Elder Caprifolaiceae) with WD 40, (A Lubricant, for those who may not know of it). The Blackfly did not survive but the Sambucus did! Hence my recent comment that Neem oil was no more effective than Mineral Oil, (WD 40) infact, and did not warrant the cost.
Now I am not saying that I would spray it on my Orchids ( May try on one if the occasion arises.) but I am saying that there are many inexpensive light oils that are equally effective.
Should you wonder why I used the WD 40. Well, I had been lubricating some tools and was walking back to my shed, with the spray can in my hand, when I saw the beasties and so with a few well chosen Oaths I let them have it.
Ronbow

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
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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

2007 Archived Messages

22—31 July