2008 mailing list messages

2008 Archived Messages

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From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re-potting Sarcochilus.
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

I would suggest to you that you use broken pieces of clay pot. Break them to a size that you think looks about correct.

Let's face it.....they will then be the same size and shape as pieces of bark, and so much lighter than 'Cambrian Green'.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: P. violaceas
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

I am so pleased to see your plants looking so well and I am dieing to know how you grow them as I have been thinking of having a go at them for some time.

There is a website for a man here in the U.K. who should have them for sale by now.....if I can remember it !!!

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: orchid pots
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

Roger I bought some clay orchid pots from Ray Creek but it was about 5 years ago so whether he still has them I'm not sure but I have a feeling he doesn't. These are his details and it might be worth contacting him because he'd know who his suppliers are or were − Jean

Ray Creek Orchids
7, Jacklin Lane,
Luddington,
Scunthorpe
North Lincs. DN17 4RB
Telephone 01724 798445
Fax 01724 798864

From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal violacea
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

Here is my P. violacea var. sumatra's first bloom:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_6572b.jpg

From: Mr G.Horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: roger phals
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

Hi Roger, i beleive your interested in aquiring some phaleonopsis speceis,
ive just had a email from kj orchids in denmark saying he has some of the
more unusual ones i was after ie taenalis, minus ,speciosus so you could
get some rarities from him or if not you should try wubben orchids as he
always has a good stock of speceis, i get lots of mine from him.if not i
can help with one speceis if you havent got it already ie Phal Mariae i
have 2 to sell though they are not in brilliant condition.hope this helps.
happy growing!
gavin

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008

Thanks for the three websites which I have just had a look at. The first one is best, and they sure do have some charming and excellent pots/planters. Only problem of course is that they are your side of the pond, and to get them to my home address means parting with many sheckles..........and son-of-Jock would sooner spend the money on another orchid or two.

The whole point is, that it is sure nice to see that such lovely planters can be got if you live in the right place.

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

sorry, I must have misunderstood....I thought you said you wanted to import
some...? Sue B

> Hi Sue,
>
> Thanks for the three websites which I have just had a look at. The first
> one is best, and they sure do have some charming and excellent
> pots/planters. Only problem of course is that they are your side of the
> pond, and to get them to my home address means parting with many
> sheckles..........and son-of-Jock would sooner spend the money on another
> orchid or two.
>
> The whole point is, that it is sure nice to see that such lovely planters
> can be got if you live in the right place.
>
> Thanks again Sue.

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

I'm sure I've seen orchid pots locally that were actually made in Italy. I'm
trying to remember where I saw them....perhaps I can find out who you could
contact in Italy. Sue B

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] P. violaceas
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

Hi Rocky,
The most important point is W A R M T H , especially in winter.
Your winters are so long and cold and Phallies don't like that.
In their natural habitat the temperature never drops below 21º C.
They can be kept a bit cooler if they are on the dry side during
winter, at about 16 − 18º C. and that only for a short time.
I keep my Phallies at 21º C during winter.
You can grow them in whatever you like. They don't mind if it is
warm and moist.
Any more questions? Just ask.
Kind regards
Peter

> I am so pleased to see your plants looking so well and I am dieing
> to know how you grow them as I have been thinking of having a go at
> them for some time.

I wish to know the exact details of the person's name who the cross IWANAGARA was named after.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

Italy.....now that is sweet music to my ears, maybe what I was looking for. I am not that surprised as a great amount of normal clay pots that are seen for sale in Garden Centres are made in Italy.

Bye the way young lady.....I don't seem to have your details on the Clubs Spreadsheet !!!

> I'm sure I've seen orchid pots locally that were actually made in
> Italy. I'm trying to remember where I saw them....perhaps I can
> find out who you could contact in Italy. Sue B

From: Ron
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

I would be interested in the clay pots.
As to the hardwood baskets they come from Thailand. Perhaps Peter Williams
can help.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Clay 'Orchid' pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Water values.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

I am conducting an experiment. When I buy an orchid, and I immediately repot it, I am saving what the orchid was potted/grown in.

This medium I am pouring into a watertight container and filling it with tap water.

I then will wait a week or two, then pour the water through the finest of screens into a clean container.

Thing is, what do I use????? Being an old codger I remember 'Litmus paper', but my local Garden Centres do not seem to stock it.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Phalaenopsis
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

Here is another of the 'violacea − familie',
Phalaenopsis borneënsis x Phalaenopsis Penang Jewel.
I bought this plant in September last year as a seedling and it has
produced now two inflorescenses with three flowers open. It
looks almost like an alba violacea, but it is really a cross.
Kind regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

This may be completely irrelevant on several levels but, FWIW, in the "olden
days' in the US litmus paper was available at pharmacies and chemical supply
places. I have no idea if this would be worth a try today, or in your
country, or not! Sue B

From: Sue Brinsko
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Wed, 16 Apr 2008

Rocky, I still have not remembered for sure where I saw those Italian pots,
so I'll just have to take the time to make the rounds of my usual "pot
shopping" places and see if I can find them. As for the lovely
Spreadsheet.... I am such a total novice (3 orchids ever, only one of which
has ever bloomed due to my care.......the only other bloomer was blooming
when I bought it). I have no "specialty". I doubt if either my orchid
statistics or my level of knowledge re orchids would be useful to
anyone! Sue B

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Pet shops often sell items for testing the quality of the aquarium/pond water for fish. The items are in stick form (paper strip) and test pH,KH,GH,NO2&NO3. The ones I have show pH values from 6.4-8.4, lower values would also be useful for you but this may be a starting point. They are simple to use just dip the strip in the water for a second or two, and wait a few seconds for the colour to develop. The pack only costs a couple of pounds foir twenty five strips...there are sure to be other types in the pet shop.

From: Mr G.Horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Hi Roger , if you want to test the water ph you could try a garden ph kit
or ring plants and ask roger for a water ph test kit.hope this helps!
happy growing
Gavin

From: LEONARD HANDLEY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

> ...It is then that I wish to test the 'value' of the water.
>
> Thing is, what do I use????? Being an old codger I remember
> 'Litmus paper', but my local Garden Centres do not seem to stock it.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Thank you so much for the information about the 'strips' for testing the water. 'South Coast Koi' have just opened a new store five minutes walk from my home, so I will stroll down there on Saturday morning and see what they have on offer.

By the way, ha, ha, don't have your details on the Club's Spreadsheet. How about telling us what you grow and how.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Clay orchid pots.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Three orchids, one orchid, that's the beauty of growing orchids and the information that our Spreadsheet offers to all of us alike.

You may not realise it, but even the tiniest piece of information can mean so much.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] P. violaceas
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Don't rub it in about our winters, ha, ha. Sometimes during January and February we often wonder where the sun has gone !!!

I will definitely have to have a look on the Internet for that chap in England who is growing lots of P. violacea types.

From: Alex Scott
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Water values.
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Hello Rocky − you could ty using a Total Dissolved Salts Meter. I have one
and its accurate to 1ppm and easy to use, just put the business end in the
water, press the 'on' button and read the numbers. About the size of a fat
fountain pen. Its a firm in somerset, web address is www.tdsmeter.com and
mine cost about £25 I recall.
Regards, Alex
PS My model is the TDS meter-3

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: phal mariae
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Hi Francis, here is a picture of the phal mariae flowering that i have picked for you.it has 3 healthy leafs and still has its flower spike. speak to you later.happy growing!
Gavin

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] phal mariae
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Pleuro. obovata: Small division plant growing in a 3"
pot with about 6 leaves and a new growth.

Porroglossum echidnum: Small division plant growing in
a 2.5" pot with 6 leaves and a new growth.

Lepanthopsis astrophora 'stalky': Very small plant.
Mounted on tree fern slab around november. Has 5
leaves. 3 grown since being mounted. It has flowered
whilst mounted.

Restrepia filamentosa (keiki): Mounted on tree fern
slab, it has 4 leaves and a new growth.

Stelis osmalosantha: Small keiki that broke off the
mother plant a couple of weeks ago. Mounted on tree
fern slab it has 3 leaves and a new growth (this was
already growing as it broke off).

I also have a sorry looking division of Epidendrum
peperomia (synonim Nanodes porpax) that I found on the
floor during the London Orchid Show. It had broken off
from a pot in a stand and was lying in the middle of
the floor, being kicked and stepped on by the public.
I took it home and it has been placed on top of a wad
of sphagnum moss, the leaves are still looking sad,
but there are new roots growing on it.

I also have seedlings of BLC Chunyeah 'Tzeng Wen'
AM/AOS and Mokara Chao Praya Sunset which I deflasked
myself a year and a half ago (but they are not
species, of course).

Let me know if you are interested in any of them in
particular and I can take and email you some pictures.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: for old Roger
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

I wonder how many times we have discussed water in this group since Roger has been a member ? And he was the first to join after it was started by myself !
And you still don't know, really ?

1. pH − acidity − why ? plants can't take up essential nutrients if the pH is "wrong" . For example it is well known that rhodedendrons won't grow in limey soil − the pH is too high. They can't take up iron if the pH is above 6.0.# On the other hand, pinks , or ivy − both of which love lime, can. But no iron − no chlorophyll − etc etc....

2. EC electrical conductivity , which is a measure of the#ionic content of the water. Most ( almost all) nutrient compouinds − calcium nitrate, etc etc etc#are ionic and give an EC reading according to how much is there.# TDS meters actually take an EC reading and multiply it by a fixed value , and so give an approximation of the total dissolved solids. Actually the number used# for the multiplication sum should be say 1.6 for Calcium nitrate, 1.4 for magnesium sulphate, and so on... Hanna meters use 1.6 all the time ( as I remember their instructions)wwhich is why they give only an approximation.

For an EC meter,#the read-out is in units of conductivity − called Siemens . They actually read (usually)#in micro-siemens.###The usual range quoted for plant growth in pots, is 200-600 uS ( where u is actually the greek letter with a tail on the u , pronounced "mu" ).# I have done measurements in the rain forest and found the "rain" water running over orchid (epiphytre) roots to be 600uS − this has been recently (re-)published in Orchid Review so I won't go any further now.

Advice ; don't buy a cheap unreliable meter − it is much worse than useless. Buy a self-calibrating one, or buy calibration fluid and frequently check. This is assumning that you are doing the intellihgent thing and checking the water − and adjusting the water ! − poured on your plants.

It is also necessary to do one other thing. This is checlk what the water is like in the pot − which may be rather different from what you pour in, because of salts in the pot , one way or the other. To test this , flush the pot with pure water, and then collect the last couple of table-spoons of water for the test ; you may be surprised.

ps − advice on meters ; I have been using them since 1984. I have tried most. The best − the one I have now is a Hanna combination meter , giving all 3 readings, without a flexible lead and failure-prone-probe ; totally waterproof , still on its original battery and now in its third year , self-calibrating − about #75 − try googling Hanna....

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] phal mariae
Date: Thu, 17 Apr 2008

Hi Francis, ive considered the available plants in your swap list and im not going to trade for the mariae but i will swap you the lueddamaniana (keikis) for your mokara yearling.so if you want to trade a £10 and your mokara; for a mariae and a lueddamanniana keikis then we could have a deal.p.s.phal lueddamanniana var purpurea is pulchra as you thought.Hope this seems reasonable to you!ring me ifyou like on:-07787971009 any time.hope to hear from you soon. happy growing!
Gavin

From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Water values
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008

Rocky,
Why not get hold of a ph meter. They are accurate and also can be used for
checking the water that you use on your plants.
They are available out here for about A$45-00
Max.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water values
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008

Thanks for the input, but my little 'experiment' will not let my hand go
into my pocket for such expensive items, ha, ha. When I have completed my
experiment I will tell you about it.

> Rocky,
> Why not get hold of a ph meter. They are accurate and also can be used for
> checking the water that you use on your plants.
> They are available out here for about A$45-00

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phalaenopsis
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008

I did remember the English website of the chap that grows Phalaenopsis
violacea crosses, but the price of flowering size plants had me running for
cover !!!

> Here is another of the 'violacea − familie',
> Phalaenopsis borneënsis x Phalaenopsis Penang Jewel.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Water value.
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008

I'm not interested in any of the technical jargon, all I want is a few of those Litmus papers, which I now know where to get.

From: Geoff Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Water value.
Date: Fri, 18 Apr 2008

Or as my old dad taught me many years ago − "if a job's worth doing , it's worth doing properly".

From: Anguel Iordanov
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cymbidium
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008

Thank you much for the advice. I will try this and hopefully it will work.
Will keep you posted.

From: Dennis Read
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: What goes around ........
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008

For all but especially Geoff.
Being a cold and wet day , to relieve the tedium I started reading my old Orchid Reviews. The first one I bought was Vol. 102 No. 1195 dated Jan/Feb 1994. I had been growing/killing orchids on and off ( I travelled alot in construction) for about 4 years and had decided to make it a hobby.
What do I find on page 52 but an article by Geoff on Orchid Culture, Part5 − In search of perfection.The article is as true todaay as it was then.
I presume it wasn't you holding the PH tester in the photo unless you were ahippy necklace wearer in those days.
I weonder what happened to the Hortifibre and Orga-Moss being propored as growing media?
Of the companies advertising Exmoor, Greenaway,Woodstock, Whitmoor and Kilgetty do not seem to be around now.
Also the articles were much less scientific and more orietated to growers and not scientists -more like the now popular American magazines.
I look forward to delving into my collection as I should have each issue from then.
Regards from a cold and wet but interesting Devon. Dennis

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Old Orchid Reviews.
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008

From an equally cold wet bloody miserable day in the New Forest. To be truthful though there is always some good from a day like this..........like doing some decorating !!!!

Dennis, your mention of the old Orchid Reviews has stirred my little grey cells.

If you can get hold of a copy, beg, borrow or steal, then Volume 75 No. 894 December 1967, page 402 makes very interesting reading.

Then, go for Volume 77 No. 917 November 1969, page 337.....and the continuation in 918 page 379.

If after a spell of time and nobody can find them, then I guess I could always scan then and send them as attachments.

From: Nathaniel Green
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: green algae
Date: Sat, 19 Apr 2008

I need some advice in most of my hydroponics pots there is a green algae
growing, can any one suggest anything that can be added to the water butt in
the garden to kill the bacteria/virus that causes the algae (as I have heard
of putting a couple of drops of bleach in with cut flowers to help kill the
bacteria works in the vase water and helps the flowers last longer) or a
substance that can be flushed through the pots to get rid of the algae.
Otherwise I will have to de-pot all the orchids and clean the algae off by
hand, any suggestions would be gratefully received.

Hello Rocky,
I have been following the e-mails about your Cattleya pots. Do you want decorative pots for a specimen plant or a number of pots to grow them successfully? I use these ones in the photos, I buy a pot and then cut the slots with a masonry disc in an angle grinder or saw attachment. They are so successful that they soon get covered in roots and the only way to pot them on is to put the pot into another larger home made pot. Hope this is helpful.
David.

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: ph and ph adjusting
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Hi Every one, i have a two part query that im hoping someone can help with!I have a very general orchid collection:- mainly paphs,dendrobiums,oncidiums,bulbo's,pleuro's, angrecoid's,acsda and phaleonopsis and many others.I have noticed that a lot of my plants are not as green as they could be i have given the yellower ones a dose of epsom salts and after thinking about it , i have decided all else is pretty good except possibly water quality;which is ph 7 and comes from my ro unit.Can someone suggest a good ph that will accomodate my collection i understand that 5.5 − 6.5 is the ideal, i also understand that some plants are calceolus. The second part of my poser is, i have a ph meter and have aquired some ph down, i have diluted the ph down at the rate of two caps full to 1litre of water, can someone tell me how much i would need to add to 100 litres of water(ph 7) to bring it down to say ph 6.5 as this would save me a lot of trial and error and be most helpful. many thanks! happy growing!
Gavin

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Old Orchid Reviews.
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Please scan the said articles Rocky cos you have got me curious now and i haven't got the orchid review issues!happy growing!
Gavin

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Hi Nathaniel , as to your algae build up, try flushing your pots with fresh water and after that add vitafect to your feed as this is for killing algae and bacteria, and is also a wetting agent.I think it will work good in a hydroponic situation as you can use it to clean old pots as well, and for cleaning the greenhouse.I haven't used it for hydroponics myself so you may want to check, but it does say on the instructions all the stuff ive mentioned above. hope this helps! happy growing
Gavin

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Algae are plants ( not bacteria or viruses) and need light to live. If you use black pots and cover the surface with a layer of grit you should not get algae in the pot. Clear pots are a no-no for this culture method. If the algae are in the resevoir reduce the light getting there − use a deeper one either black or blue.

I would not advise putting bleach in but there was recently sonme discussion of using Potassium permanganate as a disinfectant in the water butt. Presumably that is in the archive

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Nat,
You need some Permanganate of Potash. Put some in your water butt and water your plants with it. The water should look a pale pink.
Ronbow.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

I know that one or two of our Members will surely answer your plea, as I did remember them doing just this some time ago.

I can't remember what they said to use, so I will be looking out for their replies and I will then store the information.

I remember that I was a little surprised at when they said to add to the water butt, but, it was supposed to work very well.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pots
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Great minds think alike matey. I have been doing this for many years now, and also drilling circular holes using masonry drill bitts which I buy from B. & Q. The actual trade names of the drills are 'Bullett', manufactured in Germany.

I guess that I only have to drill a few pots each year now, but it would be nice to be able to buy, at not too high a price, those lovely pots that they have in the far east.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] What goes around ........
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Thank you for the kind words Dennis ; I don't have my old O.Rs − they got
thrown out when I last moved house , downsized, and had to reduce my library
by 75%....

But age-wise, I was already a Senior Citizen in '94 , so I guess that a
hippy appearance would not have been likely . But I can't remember who posed
for my camera.

Of the here yesterday and gone today brigade , Exmoor is one I really
missed, the man (Peter Tremayne, I think) was a superb cultivator ( he was a
retired printer I think − meaning he had a specialists printing business
which he sold − orchids were really a hobby ) -and grew glorious cattleya
species − which alas, he came to realise were not "commercial" − the cost of
raising them to saleable size exceeded the sales value , despite his
culture. No doubt the fuel bill and labour costs ( although he was mainly if
not always a one-man band) were a factor. I remember visiting his place
many times at Porlock, but memory fails me as to whether he was down below
in the village, or up on the top of Exmoor , which would have been rather
cold in winter.

Greenaway − Bob Dadd − was a great seed-raiser − an ex-industrial chemist ;
he introduced me to Reverse Osmosis and told me to throw away my water
softener − which I did, and then started to grow great paphs for the first
time in many years of trying − although my experience in the last 3 years
suggests that is a bit OTT for other orchids. Unfortunately his nursery was
an ancient one he bought as a nearly dead concern, and there were pests
lurking in every ancient crevice which could never be entirely cleared.

Woodstock − the man's name comes back to me now − Bill Gaskell − we talked
about recently.

Whitmoor were an old pair − I forget their names but she was the expert, he
lagged behind. Their greenhouse was like many very amateur ones − a real
jungle − plants hanging up, growing up, hanging down, curtains of them you
felt your way through, standing on the floor, trailing about the hanging
wires, − even on benches (!) − full of everything , but not many of each.
I believe they had been botanists/entomologists or something like that in
one of the African Govt services. Very dismissive of hybrids − just like
Isobyl ( OR editor) − the tone of her voice when she says − "oh its only a
hybrid" could make your hair curl if you were a hybridiser. Many
professional botanists are like that, I find.

Kilgetty I don't recall − and not a senior moment I think , probably another
of the amateurs turned professionals who appear and disappear − I could name
a few, if I could actually remember their names.

The flavour of OR does depend on the author. John Blowers was after all a
Kew ( or Wisley ? I forget) trained horticulturist − or might have been. I
think he was supposed to spend three months in each department , but fell in
love with orchids and so refused to move on. Later he was grower in a big
private collection − Lady who owned half of Shell petroleum ( or was it all
of Shell ?). So his two stints as editor were naturally all about growing.
Brian Rittershausens sister was also editor − perhaps in '94 . I thought she
was excellent at the job − but again, trained in orchids − born in the
nursery almost.

David Sander was another nurseryman turned editor, but unfortunately his
personality always seemed to intrude − it was quite common for him to
interject his opinion as "Ed's comment.." in the middle of articles written
by others , and circulation suffered so much that I believe he was asked to
go.

OR used to be independent , but I think always ran at a loss, and the
nurseries were asked to make up the loss each year ; at that time there were
at least half a dozen UK ones which were quite large − a dozen greenhouses,
perhaps a staff of 25 or so and quite an export trade ; there were no
foreign nurseries selling in UK, and the UK trade did a lot of export
business. But as times changed, I guess they couldn't afford to go on
subsidising the mag, and it became an RHS publication , which seems to mean
that the editor is chosen by the Orchid Committee chairman, and in recent
years the chairmen have been more botanists than horticuluralists − hence
the change of flavour. I suppose I carry on as a subscriber out of some
sense of loyalty and the thought that I should be embarrassed to meet Isobyl
at a show if she knew I had stopped subscribing − in other words cowardice.

Enough ancient history − I wonder if anyone is actually interested in my
ramblings − but its kinder not to tell me, I suspect.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Personally I am of the opinion that it is just an aesthetic problem − does
not affect the plant.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Old Orchid Reviews.
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

There is a CD sold by the RHS which contains lists and pictures of all the
RHS awarded orchids , and an index for the whole of Orchid Review ( up the
date of the CD − which is fairly recent) − i.e. last 5 years I think . The
index is by title, and also author, not expensive !

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Non orchid question.
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

I wish to know the English equivalent of the title to a Traditional Jazz number played by Sidney Bechet with the Claude Luter band.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Plant ex London Show, Peru Flora.
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

I am very pleased with the flowers from this plant. I have cut the spike to give the plant as much rest as possible before it shows new growths.

An added bonus was the very nice light perfume, a sort of vanilla-chocolate smell.

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dracuvallia
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

hello all, can anyone help identify this dracuvallia, i got it from laurence hobbs last year, it has just flowered and it would be good if i had a cultivar name or an idea of the parentage. If it helps it is about 6inches tip to tip. I have searched the net for some time with no results, so any help would be welcome!happy growing!
Gavin

From: francis quesada pallares
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Non orchid question.
Date: Sun, 20 Apr 2008

Not French speaker myself, but I can read it quite
well (being from Barcelona, Catalan is my other mother
tongue).

I guess it means 'It is me who speaks', although I
have not come across the word Mossieu. Are you sure of
that spelling? I would have a hazardous guess at
Monssieur, in which case it means 'Mister'.

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] What goes around ........
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

I remember them all Geoff but I only visit Bob Dadds Nursery at Puxton a few times as it's quite close to us here in South Wales. I purchased plants from Woodstock a few times and contined to buy cambark when it moved and became Gaskell's. I'm sorry they have disappeared but it seems, as with most things, others take their place. We had a wonderful R.H.S. show in Cardiff over the weekend and on Friday, when we went, it was really well attended. David Stead was there and my husband bought a phal. type Dendrobium from him. I at last succeeded, after 30 years, to get my husband interested in orchids! As Sarah Rittershausen said at the London Show − 'full marks for effort, it took a long time but you got there'. Cheers − Jean

From: Jean Lewis
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Non orchid question.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Roger 'ce mossieu qui parle is difficult to translate but means This mossieu who speaks or 'is talking'. I have 2 enormously large French dictionaries and a small one but none of them give the word 'mosseu' so I gues it's the name of something. The Internet translator doesn't give it either but it sounds like it should be the name of a bird although at the moment I've no idea what it is − will keep looking − Jean

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Geoff,
You are correct, it doesn't affect the plant, but it looks bloody awful and effects my feely of well being.
Cheers,

> Personally I am of the opinion that it is just an aesthetic problem
> − does not affect the plant.

From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

To be truthful Ron, I agree with you − but I'd sooner see green than find
plants surrounded by chemical stink − turning brown next week ?

From: Nathaniel Green
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Thanks everyone for the suggestions, I'll try putting the pots in dark pots
and if it's not affecting the plants I shall leave it be at present.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Non orchid question.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

The answer is: The Mister who speaks.
The word Mossieu is actually "Monsieur", pronounced "Mossieu".
Kind regards
Peter

> I wish to know the English equivalent of the title to a Traditional
> Jazz number played by Sidney Bechet with the Claude Luter band.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pots
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

We seem to be doing rather a lot of things the same way..........if you were more my age, the locals would be asking if our Dad had a bicycle.

As to the cutting of the slots..........when I first did it, I was in my old shed wearing a pair of old jeans and a white tee-shirt. Being rather hirsute [Posh botanical word meaning hairy] I came out looking like an Orang-Utan...........and the wife gave me hell !!!!!

Your comment They are so successful that they soon get covered in roots and the only way to pot them on is to put the pot into another larger home made pot. Hope this is helpful. Quite true, in fact I have done this a couple of times recently.

As I told some people recently, I have not bought ANY orchid compost for years, and I can say with all certainty that I never will again.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: French translation.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Thank you all for the translations. If I do hear from true Traditional Jazz fan with reference to the name I will let you know.

From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] green algae
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Indeed yes.but if you do as I suggest there will not be any algae in the first place to turn black and stink.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Nothin' new 'bout what I do !!!
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Thought that I would treat you all to some articles which I latched on to many years ago and shows that my own way of growing is nothing new, and it sure does work well.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Early notes on growing as I do.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Thought that I would treat you all to some articles which I latched on to many years ago and shows that my own way of growing is nothing new, and it sure does work well.

P.S. Having just seen what the article looked like when compressed %$£^%%£*()*)(*^*£$£&^^)_)_+(_&)£$ I am re-sending it NON compressed. We live and learn.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Orchids in Gravel etc.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

Here is another article, this time written by Foster Duggan of the Ohio State University way back in 1947.

Roger, In '67 I was in Thailand and in '69 in Milford Haven trying to earn a crust or two with no comprehension of the mad world of orchids so I have no idea of the contents of your articles but I am sure they are relevant.
Geoff, I omitted to mention another advertiser offering " The Geoffery Hands Collection of Odonts." I also had no dealings with Kilgettyy Orchids. I did have an altercation with Woodstock about a Phalaenopsis equestris. I had purchased a good plant at my local garden centred for £5.99 ( back in the '90's). He was selling identical plants at th RHS show for £25 and I told him what I thought. He turned his back on me!
You mentioned John Blowers. When I started growing orchids I was given a Foyles Handbook on Orchid Growing (1955) and I was given, by the Zygo. grower at Wyld Court, a further book signed by him just called Orchids (1962). In those days you READ a BOOK to learn and made mistakes. It still makes interesting reading when you delve into early 1900 books and realise that the basics have not changed that much.
Nowadays you post your question on the internet and you are inundated with advice.
Stop being a curmudgeon Dennis and embrace modern technology.
I will now retire to a small glass of scotch.Regards Dennis

From: jan
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Non orchid question.
Date: Mon, 21 Apr 2008

If I may add my unqualified opinion to Francis'; I think 'mossieu' is
simply 'monsieur' spelled as − what? Dialect, perhaps, or maybe the way
a black jazz musician from New Orleans would speak French. Didn't New
Orleans use to have a lot of French speakers? I think that's where
cajun, daiquiri and voodoo comes from, more or less ;-) − which are all
good French things. More or less.

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2008 Archived Messages

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