2008 mailing list messages

2008 Archived Messages

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From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

Lots of light in winter, low temperatures and N O water until the nodes start
swelling and plenty of water in the growing period and not too much light in summer

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] episode two − more piccys...
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

I think it may have been your server, Rudolf, since the pic came back to me
OK − but in any case I attach it again now.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] A real stunner.
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

Congrats Rocky, a stunning flower from the arrangement of the sepals and petals and the
colouring, yet it has a 'flaw' the lip is a bit uneven on the left side.Pity.
otherwise, I wish I had this plant.

> One of my latest 'Catts' to flower. To tell you the truth, I
> cannot for the moment tell you where I got it from. I know that
> our 'Leader' Tricia did tell me that she wanted to see what the
> flower looked like.

> It has only been open for about three days, so I will probably
> photograph it again later. As yet no scent.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cheap Dendrobes.
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

Many thanks for the detailed information. Fields and fields of oranges and
the temperature at 30 C. To quote a type of Goon Show answer.......'Crazy
fool that man.....there is no such temperature as high as that'. The heat
must have addled his brain......................

Tony, when you said that the files were too big to send, maybe like me you
may stumble across the automatic pop up when highlighting a photo and
telling it to be E-mailed. The pop up box asks you if you would like the
photo reduced, and so say yes and bingo it'd done. If you want to know more
then just say so. A two way telephone chat often is easiest.

As to temperatures, it is going to be quite low here tonight.....maybe down
to 5 C.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help wanted
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

Hello Gordon, Cracker of a day down here, and another due tomorrow. And warmer for the weekend.

Gordon, it is a shame to hear that Uzamara Orchids has gone the way of so many others. But on many occasions I have asked myself my have so many of our Orchid Nurseries gone.

I am sure that you will be not only amazed but delighted to see so many Orchid Nurseries/Outlets that offer orchids for sale.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: New seller to me.
Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2008

Trolling through the Internet I came upon an orchid seller named, George Smith. His website address is: www.1orchidworld.com

It looks as though he does a good trade as 'Sold Out' appears on many of his plants.

What I saw that I did like, was to read that the price included post and packing in the U.K.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008

I am sceptical. Its easy to compile a list of plants he would like to be
able to sell and then put 'sold out' against all the ones he hasn't got (
and maybe never had ! ) − and some people may think he is doing a good
trade, therefore is a good guy ; maybe he is, but maybe he is just a conman
? I wouldn't know.

But he is a busy chap isn't he − scroll down his page − my scepticism
grows....

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] episode two − more piccys...
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008

There must have been some other problem, because I didn't get this
picture either.

There was a Spathoglottis, but no Stenoglottis. It grows in various
locations here in SA in the Eastern Cape and is actually rare.

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008

Hello all,
For Rocky in particular,
#
I know of George Smith & his plants. The ones I have bought from him have always been good, carefully packed &#promtly despatched. He has always been helpful, I can only say that I have experienced no problems when I have bought from him.
I hope this helps.
#
regards,
Lynda

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008

When you say LOW temperatures in our Winter, what would you say is a safe low for these soft leaved Dendrobes?

I have just two or three of such plants and I do want to see flowers in the Spring of next year.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Thu, 09 Oct 2008

I had the misfortune of buying an orchid from this person on Ebay some years ago. Turned out to be a couple of old backbulbs, rootless and with no evidence of a lead starting and he didn't answer my email when I wrote to complain.

Unsurprisingly my advice is beware! However, that aside, looking at his stock and comparing his prices with Nardotte & Capello I can't see why you would consider it.

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

> Good morning Peter,
>
> When you say LOW temperatures in our Winter,
> what would you say is a safe low for these soft leaved Dendrobes?
>
> I have just two or three of such plants and I do
> want to see flowers in the Spring of next year.

From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

> When you say LOW temperatures in our Winter, what would you say
> is a safe low for these soft leaved Dendrobes?

Hello folks,
I grow quite a lot of the softcane dendrobiums and the system out here in Australia (at least in my area) is that from the middle of April they are kept dry , until the flowers have opened and the new growths are starting. The plants are then watered and fed heavily until the next April.
The temperatures that we receive are down to zero degrees C and at times even lower., and the plants receive almost full sun all the time. They are under a light shade cloth and the measurements show about 15% shade.
Remember that we are exactly opposite in our climate so the middle of April would correspond to about the middle of October in Europe
Max.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

I agree that cold is the important thing − dryness is unimportant. I have
experimented with them over the years, and proved that to my own
satisfaction. ( I tried extra light/low temperatures/drying out, and
different combinations of all three)

As to how low − I have taken them down to freezing ( accidentally) and lost
some, but not all.

I cannot say precisely how big a drop is necessary but estimate that it
should be at least 5 degrees C. I grow all my plants in a greenhouse with
the stat set to 15 degrees as the night temperature − a couple of nights ago
we had the coldest night of the winter so far ( it was 3 degrees at dawn)
and my greenhouse went down to 14,7. But I have some nobile hybrids showing
buds. If the canes are ripe enough , then the temperature is not as
important. But to try and get them to flower from every node, and not just
the top three or four, I shall put my them outside at the end of the month,
and then in a barely heated greenhouse with the stat set to 8. For 6 weeks.

> When you say LOW temperatures in our Winter, what would you say is a safe
> low for these soft leaved Dendrobes?

> I have just two or three of such plants and I do want to see flowers in the
> Spring of next year.

> > Lots of light in winter, low temperatures and N O water until the
> > nodes start swelling and plenty of water in the growing period
> > and not too much light in summer

From: Peter Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Emailing: IMG_1153
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

This is for Geoff − A habitat shot of Spathoglottis pubescens. Taken a few weeks ago in the Mae Tang area of Chiang mai.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

I have been looking around and find more than 20 phal species on the
Nardello list ( of course, when I order, I sometimes find a small percentage
unobtainable). I have been comparing the names with the ones you have shown,
, and came across your P. Pulcherrima − which, to avoid misunderstanding,
Nardello, don't list − but; would this be the plant I grow as Doritis
pulcherrima I wonder ( or actually, I think !) since the two genera are very
closely allied, and the flowers are pretty well the same. Maybe someone even
lumped the two genera when I wasn't looking. Any comments ?

> Here's a photo of my latest Phal species to flower; exhibiting the
> characteristic erect inflorescence. It's label calls it Doritis minor but it
> is a very variable species and this one is just a small variety.
> According to Christenson Doritis is part of the Phalaenopsis genus not a
> separate one.

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Cheapie orchids
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

For Rocky's league table
At Dobbies today I bought three plants still with flowers and buds to come.for WAIT FOR IT........FOUR POUNDS..........They are Miltonia "Red Knight King with three flowers, a lime green Phally hybrid with two flowers and a Dendrobium hybrid with four spikes carrying twenty one flowers and roughly the same number of buds. Not plants I would normally buy but I couldn't resist.
Gordon.

From: Alex Scott
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: episode two − more piccys...
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

Does fimbriata differ much from longifolia Peter? and do they grow in much
the same places?
I have a longifolia that had about 6 stems a couple of years ago so I
repotted and split it and screwed it up somehow ending up with one spike
last year though now it has developed to 3 flowering spikes again.
Regards, Alex

> There must have been some other problem, because I didn't get this
> picture either. There was a Spathoglottis, but no Stenoglottis. It
> grows in various locations here in SA in the Eastern Cape and is
> actually rare. Stenoglottis fimbriata is more widely spread, but is
> no weed either.

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Fri, 10 Oct 2008

RE: [OrchidTalk] Phal speciesHello Geoff,
Yes, Phal pulcherrima and Doritis pulcherrima are the same plant. Lots of growers don't seem to have changed from their old ways to the latest information shown in
Eric A Christenson's book.
David

> I have been looking around and find more than 20 phal species on
> the Nardello list ( of course, when I order, I sometimes find a
> small percentage unobtainable). I have been comparing the names
> with the ones you have shown, , and came across your P. Pulcherrima
> − which, to avoid misunderstanding, Nardello, don't list − but;
> would this be the plant I grow as Doritis pulcherrima I wonder ( or
> actually, I think !) since the two genera are very closely allied,
> and the flowers are pretty well the same. Maybe someone even lumped
> the two genera when I wasn't looking. Any comments ?

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2008

Doritis pulcherrima was the original name. Eric Christenson
transferred it to Phalaenopsis in his book PHALAENOPSIS A MONOGRAPH
it is regarded as THE BIBLE OF PHALAENOPSIS. Maybe, in the not too
distant future somebody might contest it and change it back to
Doritis which was originally established by Lindley in 1833.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: STENOGLOTTIS
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2008

What is much when it comes to difference in orchids? S. longifolia
has plain green leaves, flowers are spotted with a 5-lobed lip. S.
fimbriata has heavily spotted leaves and the flowers are spotted
with a 3-lobed lip, plant size more or less the same, 6-12 leaves in
a rosette. Both grow under the same intermediate conditions. On both
plants leaves die-off completely after flowering when the plants
should be kept drier and watering should only commence when new
leaves start growing. They can be split in the restig period and
each root/tuber can be planted seperately and will grow into a
seperate plant in- creasing in size every year. Colouring of flowers
can be from pale pink/lilac to dark lilac.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Sat, 11 Oct 2008

This is very difficult to answer as I live on the other end of the world.
LOW for me is anything between 5 and 10 degrees C., provided that the
temperature rises to about mid-teen during the day so that the plants can
warm-up during the day and don't stay cold all the time. We never have frost
and the lowest temperature I ever recorded was 2 deg.C. On the other hand,
even in winter it could be 2 in the night and 15- 20 at midday.

> When you say LOW temperatures in our Winter, what would you say is
> a safe low for these soft leaved Dendrobes?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] STENOGLOTTIS
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

In UK, and in the sort of greenhouse conditions provided by most orchid
growers, S. longifolia is a weed. As long as it is dried off − as you point
out Peter − then when it starts growing again it can be watered very
heavily. Most beginners over-water all orchids, but this is one which likes
it.
( and if it is not dried off properly then rot may set in, and you don't
have it any more.... ).
Even in a six inch pan, a dozen spikes is nothing to shout about, and the
spikes are such a fiddle to stake successfully, that few growers take the
trouble. There is little point in taking such a (staked) plant to a show,
and none in taking an unstaked plant . Few judges are going to be impressed
by it either way.
Divided and put in the Society annual plant sale, they fetch nothing worth
mentioning. Everyone has got it.
Hence, a weed.

S.fimbriata is hardly known here. At one time I tried hard to get it ( can't
think why ! ) and could not find it on offer anywhere.

Perhaps it is some kind of snobbery to be less than enthusiastic about a
plant just because it grows so easily ? But most of us , I suspect, grow
orchids because we want to be a bit different from the rest of humanity, so
some element of rarity and/or difficulty adds to the cachet of orchid
growing. Few will admit this − I would not do so out in the real world, I'm
sure ; If challenged, I'd find a dozen other reasons why I grow orchids.

And incidental to this is the outrage some older growers feel when they see
phalaenopsis on sale in the supermarkets ; orchids for ordinary people ?
Terrible − what is the world coming to. It wasn't like this when I was
young, etc...

Personally, I intend to start growing chrysanth's again next year ; because
I want to − no I'm not giving up orchids − as well, I mean. I won't show
them , I just want great big jugs of them in the house. But at one time
chrysanth's were very non-U ( see below). They went with men who didn't
bother to shave today, didn't wear a collar, never mind a tie . Men who
fetched their beer from the out-door in a jug, in their carpet slippers
...Do you remember collarless shirts, where you needed two studs to fix the
collar on ? Then you must be as old as I am ! I bet that 90% of my readers
will wonder what on earth I am talking about....just the ramblings of an old
man. Just wait until I am 110 years old and writing like this − I expect
they will send a van full of men in white jackets to lead me away...

I don't think they ( chrysanths, not men in white suits) have such a non-U
image today. In fact, judging from what I found when I went looking for
rooted cuttings earlier this year, they are getting as rare as orchids used
to be ! So maybe I am , as usual , at the spearhead of fashion − so far
ahead, I'm out of sight ?

Just idle chatter for a Sunday morning , waiting for the grass to dry so
that I can mow the lawn.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

I have that wonderful book, 'Beautiful Thai Orchid Species' by, Haruyuki Kamemoto and Rapee Sagarik and in it they give excellent references to Doritis Pulcherrima etc. For sure it grows as a terrestrial. End of story.

> Doritis pulcherrima was the original name. Eric Christenson
> transferred it to Phalaenopsis in his book PHALAENOPSIS A
> MONOGRAPH it is regarded as THE BIBLE OF PHALAENOPSIS. Maybe, in
> the not too distant future somebody might contest it and change
> it back to Doritis which was originally established by Lindley in
> 1833.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Cheapie orchids
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

Now hang on a minute matey, did you mean #4 for the three plants, or #4 each plant.

Trust a Scotsman to find a bargain as good as that..........but I can't moan as I am 'Half a Jock'.

> For Rocky's league table
> At Dobbies today I bought three plants still with flowers and buds
> to come.for WAIT FOR IT........FOUR POUNDS.........They are
> Miltonia "Red Knight King with three flowers, a lime green Phally
> hybrid with two flowers and a Dendrobium hybrid with four spikes
> carrying twenty one flowers and roughly the same number of buds.
> Not plants I would normally buy but I couldn't resist.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

Maybe we both were not looking, or it may be that we have both known Doritis pulcherrima for such a long time that our brains would not accept the new name. I do hope that some common sense is shown and that people will revert to its proper and old name.

As to 'Nardello'..........how many glasses of Pinotage had you drunk before you started typing!!!!!

But then, maybe your wine is that good that you took half of each name without you knowing, NARdotto and CapELLO.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

At the moment they are all stood outside. And as Geoff said, one night it did drop to about 4 degrees Centigrade here. All of the plants look very well indeed and I will let them stay where they are until the forecasters tell me that it will be a very cold night, then they will be put into a cold [no heating] greenhouse.

> Hello folks,
> I grow quite a lot of the softcane dendrobiums and the system out
> here in Australia (at least in my area) is that from the middle of
> April they are kept dry , until the flowers have opened and the new
> growths are starting. The plants are then watered and fed heavily
> until the next April.
> The temperatures that we receive are down to zero degrees C and at
> times even lower., and the plants receive almost full sun all the
> time. They are under a light shade cloth and the measurements show
> about 15% shade.
> Remember that we are exactly opposite in our climate so the middle
> of April would correspond to about the middle of October in Europe

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

I did smile at your reply...........bloody hell mate.....you call that low????? Ha, ha.

But then it just goes to show non orchid folk, or newcomers to this fantastic hobby that the temperatures around our planet differ one hell of a lot, but we still manage. Especially with the information that we can get from like people.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

Actually I was not considering ordering any plants from this chap, but I just wanted to hear from people that had purchased from him.

As to the prices from 'Nardello'.....[I feel sure that Geoff has hit the write word here] did you see the latest prices for the 'Odonts'.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Any Denrobiums folks out there?
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

I live on the top of a mountain at 1500M, 300M above the town below. When I go in to town to go to the stores, the question is always: "Buenas dias Jim , Como esta, muy fria arriva? Oh SI casi nieva hoy." Good morning Jim how are you? Nice and cold up there? Y eah it just about snowed. And they believe me! When in actuality the Sun hits my house much before and is much warmer in the mornings here than in the valley.

There are people that grow Den Nobile well with lows of 18 down the road from me, the do stress them a little with pure sunlight all day.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

> Maybe we both were not looking, or it may be that we have both known Doritis
> pulcherrima for such a long time that our brains would not accept the new
> name. I do hope that some common sense is shown and that people will revert
> to its proper and old name.

> As to 'Nardello'..........how many glasses of Pinotage had you drunk before
> you started typing!!!!!

> But then, maybe your wine is that good that you took half of each name
> without you knowing, NARdotto and CapELLO.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

Peter Williams took me to one of the Thai National Parks ( or some similar
description) where we saw D.pulcherrima growing in profusion , in small
areas of grassland, in cracks between slabs of well worn rock, quite close
to the equivalent of the visitor centre. By the hundred. Wonderful colour (
very strong rich deep red) spikes of up to 40 flowers, especially those in
full sun. Unforgettable.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal species
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

I meant to say , as to Doritis being subsumed into Phalaenopsis, that this
is the opinion of one taxonomist. I am not qualified to argue with that ,
but I observe that no-one is actually bound by it.

If you want to rely on Lindley , who established the genus in 1833 ,then who
can say you nay ?

As an orchid grower, I know that the vegetative characteristics are quite
different from Phally ; the growing habit is different, the spike is
different, and the flowers are immediately recognisable as not being
phally. How many differences are necessary to justify a separate genus is,
I think, always a matter of opinion. ( And when I have questioned
taxonomists about it, in other examples, have had only evasive answers) .
In my opinion, there are enough here .

So in my collection, Doritis remains a (monotypic − as it happens, or so Jay
seems to think) genus. And my Doritaenopsis ( phal/doritis hybrids)
remain Dtps.

So there − put that in your pipe and smoke it , Mr Christenson (if that was
the guy in question ).

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioides
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

Hello Everyone,
I think we have totally sorted Phal/Doritis pulcherrima by now, how
about this one photographed today? Phal lowii, subspecies
proboscidioides. "the orchid with the hooked nose"
This is one that gives me a great deal of difficulty in getting it to
flower. It is deciduous so it loses most of it's leaves during the
winter. I don't have any trouble growing a new clutch of leaves as shown
in the last picture. It spikes very easily, having four this year, but
the spikes are very thin and tend to dry off at the tip.
Presumably it must get very wet in it's natural habitat due to the
monsoon, so I spray the plant and spikes with rain water at every
opportunity. This year I will get four flowers so I am happy as I don't
normally get any. Phillip Cribb has already asked for the flowers to
pickle as Kew haven't got any.
David

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Sun, 12 Oct 2008

I think they are fantastic value and great quality too. For the moment though I have most of their stock that I want − well at least until I get another "notion".

I have been getting more interested in growing minis and growing on mounts of late. Here's a few pics from the current crop.

LC Mini Purple "Blue Hawaii" − A primary hybrid between C walkeriana and L pumila and wonderfully scented. I have a few of them and this one is growing on bark and kept up high for max light − hence the flowers are a deeper colour and they're bigger too.

Aerangis mooreana − originally bought from N & C about 18 months ago and a very good plant too. Sweet scent. I have now pollinated this one so seeds next year sometime.

Pleurothallis sonderana − the whole plant not much more than a couple of inches across and it's been in flower for best part of a couple of months. Got the ribbonn for the best pleuro in our show last weekend.

Macroclinium manabinum − another tiny one − plant about an inch high with 4 spikes and upwards of 50 flowers. One of my absolute favourites at present.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Sent: Sunday, October 12, 2008
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.

Actually I was not considering ordering any plants from this chap, but I just wanted to hear from people that had purchased from him.

As to the prices from 'Nardello'.....[I feel sure that Geoff has hit the write word here] did you see the latest prices for the 'Odonts'.

I was examining a plant − Aerangis citrata − which had a few scale insects
and wondering just how do they get there? It is hanging on wire mesh, not
in contact with any other plant and I have had the plant for 5 years without
scale. Seems a mystery to me. Anyway I was looking at it through a lens
and noticed what appear to be mites the round dark shiny objects in the
photo.

Does anyone know what these are or if they are a problem − (I have sprayed
them , of course).
Can they be the carriers of scale insects?
How do scale get onto isolated plants like this?

Just realised I sent the wrong photo in the last posting − this is the one
on a mount

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I have previously discussed the British Orchid Congress ( in critical
terms) − being held ( maybe ?) at Dawlish Warren , The Langstone Cliff
Hotel , later this month ; preview ? on the Friday for registrants only, and
the show open on the Saturday and Sunday , I suppose, at unknown hours.

I registered , paid my fifty quid for self and spouse, at the beginning of
the year. Since then I have a receipt for my money, but nothing else.
Absolutely nothing.

Reference to the British Orchid Council website says ' Further information
is not yet available' . I suspect this is more a lack of a web-master to
update the site, than actual absence of information ! If it is true, then it
must be because nothing has yet been organised , and if so, I want my money
back !

Maybe some of our members here in this group − (amongst the lurkers ?) are
actually BOC delegates from their orchid societies ? Or active members of
orchid societies with delegates ? If so , please pass the message back down
the line, that this is a pretty awful way to run a Congress. As my old dad
would have said , they couldn't be trusted to run a cockle stall.

It can't be very difficult to post a page with opening hours, a list of
trade stands expected with e-mail addresses etc,, some details of the
programme , I suppose there is a programme (!) and mention of what
facilities are on site ( plant crèche, car parking, refreshments...). Just
exactly what have I paid £50 for, I wonder ?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioides
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I should think it's a great rarity !. Well done for getting it to flower.
Things which lose all their leaves in the winter are such a trial , When
does one start watering again !

I wonder if you have noted the comments on Jay Pfhal's site ? " This
species experiences a long drought in nature which causes it to shed it's
leaves, in cultivation it is best to grow it wetter and keep 3-5 leaves for
optimum growing".
Comment ?

> I think we have totally sorted Phal/Doritis pulcherrima by now, how about
> this one photographed today? Phal lowii, subspecies proboscidioides. "the
> orchid with the hooked nose"

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I think we should keep quiet about Nardello's odont prices, otherwise they
will be sold out before we can get back to buy some more !

> Actually I was not considering ordering any plants from this chap, but I
> just wanted to hear from people that had purchased from him.

> As to the prices from 'Nardello'.....[I feel sure that Geoff has hit the
> write word here] did you see the latest prices for the 'Odonts'.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I have just read what you have said about the B.O.C...........and I could not agree more. It is nice to see that some people will still speak out.

Some weeks ago, I E-mailed one of the B.O.C. people with a question, and also asked if it might be chewed over by some of the top people..........no reply.

And I am not surprised as if you look at the list of 'Officers' they would come under my category of not being types that are 'A Ball of Fire', nor are they exactly 'Happy go Lucky people'. Indeed if I saw one or two of them with a smile on their faces I would take a photograph of them as it would be a very rare occurrence.

Many years ago, my wife and I were at one of the so called 'BOC Conferences'. East coast somewhere. When we walked into the hotel bar area, we saw a few of the BOC Officers sat on bar stools. The looks that we got were....."What are the likes of you doing here".

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

His ( George Smith) pictures are great , although they are, I suspect ,
taken from the Taiwan source of the plants ; still, as meristems, they show
what can be achieved when well grown.

I note his prices , I wouldn't actually go overboard about 'great value' ,
although they are a lot cheaper than Carter & Holmes ones imported from USA
by Laurence Hobbs , but then C&H do have different things which you can't
get anywhere else, and for certain breeding lines, I think they just can't
be beaten.

However, getting back to George Smith, £22 for a cattleya in spike....
Nardello has some of the same crosses, FS at 14 Euro . Add 10% (VAT) plus
carriage at say 27 Euro for on the average 15 plants about £14 each. Some
will be in spike....some , will be whole pots full with several leads.

Your pictures are great too , and they have the benefit of being your own
plants and pictures. I particularly like the blue LC , I have been
collecting blue varieties myself too , often as small divisions or selfings
and hence 2 inch pots as seedlings, but some are getting up to first
flowering or even in spathe, and are awaited eagerly. I expect you have seen
the Orchid Digest feature on blue cattleyas ? Worth hunting for , if you
need details I'll look out my copy.

I love your Pleuro too , I don't grow any nowadays , I sold the lot when I
moved house the time before the time before last ( maybe , I lose count,
having now grown orchids at 8 addresses in my life) , but seeing that could
easily tempt me...

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mites and so on
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

It is my understanding that scale insect has several stages of growth. The brown 'scale' which you see is a merely a protective cover over the adult, if you carefully lift it you will see the adult inside. Eggs are laid under the shell which hatch into the juvenile 'crawler' stage...these move out from under the scale and over the plant and will eventually settle, becoming largely immobile and produce a 'shell' covering feeding on the plant from the reletive safety of the covering. The small mite-lke ones you see are probably the crawlers and this is how they spread from plant to plant, they are light enough to be blown on air currents even though a plant is apparently isolated from others. It is likely that if you have no other plants with obvious scale, it could be that they have come in from outside or via a 'crawler' on a new acquisition......keep an eye on your other plants.
I hope this helps.

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

The langstone website has a programme of sorts
http://www.langstone-hotel.co.uk/diaryinfo.php?id160
#
If this link does not work then go to their diary page and click on the appropriate entry...... there is a brief entry regarding times and places of dinners, judging etc. for each day. However, I for one, quite agree with you...there is no excuse for such lack of information, details should have been settled long ago and it is extremely bad manners not to have sent the information to those who have paid their 'fifty quid'. You should not have to look it up yourself. #Keep positive thoughts I expect details will all arrive the day before you leave. !#
#
regards,
Lynda

From: Paul Johnson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mites and so on
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Yep, beetle mites; a.k.a. oribatid mites. Not a problem for the plant
as they are browsing and nibbling on fungi, bacterial growths, slime
molds, algae, decaying organic matter, etc. They could be considered
cleaners of plant leaves and indicators of over-extended bark.

As to the scale, do you know which one found your Aerangis?
Boisduval's scale will go after angraecoids, as will some others.
But, to your specific question: most scales readily distribute
themselves by wind-blown crawlers. This is a main reason why all
plants in a growing area need be inspected and treated, orchid and non-
orchid alike. Since your plant was isolated from contact with other
orchids, unless there was some illicit contact when you were not
looking, my guess is crawlers blown about the greenhouse, with a
lesser possibility of crawlers traveling the distance on their own, on
your cloths, or other such transmission. After all, the immature
scale are called crawlers for a reason.

Do you have plants above your Aerangis that would permit scale, and
mites, to drop?

It is unlikely that the oribatids were carriers, but maybe not
impossible. Oribatids will traverse good distances.

> I was examining a plant − Aerangis citrata − which had a few scale
> insects and wondering just how do they get there? It is hanging on
> wire mesh, not in contact with any other plant and I have had the
> plant for 5 years without scale. Seems a mystery to me. Anyway I
> was looking at it through a lens and noticed what appear to be mites
> the round dark shiny objects in the photo.
>
> Does anyone know what these are or if they are a problem − (I have
> sprayed them , of course).
> Can they be the carriers of scale insects?
> How do scale get onto isolated plants like this?

From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

The hotel seems to have some answers. Google is the place to find everything, except finding the car keys.
http://www.langstone-hotel.co.uk/diaryinfo.php?id160

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mites and so on
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Hello Andy
I had the very same mites on an Aerangis fastuosa or maybe Aerangis
luteoalba rhodosticta a couple of years ago. They are jet black and about
the size of a pin head.
They seem to be more noticeable at night with a torch. I was aware that
Aerangis are sensitive to pesticides so sprayed with soft soap or Pepper Wax
a few times and they gradually went.
David

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I think the problem is that some organisations/companies think that by setting up a website they are up with the digital age. However a website that is not updated is missing the point of the digital age.

Some time ago I (tactfully − really) suggested to one trader that they update their site and they looked astonished and said thay had dome it a few months previously! Good grief.

> I have previously discussed the British Orchid Congress ( in
> critical terms) − being held ( maybe ?) at Dawlish Warren − The
> Langstone Cliff Hotel − later this month ; preview ? on the Friday
> for registrants only, and the show open on the Saturday and Sunday
> − I suppose, at unknown hours.

> I registered − paid my fifty quid for self and spouse, at the
> beginning of the year. Since then I have a receipt for my money,
> but nothing else. Absolutely nothing.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] New seller to me.
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I think we've got our wires crossed Geoff. I wa referring to N&C as being good value. I've already made clear what I think of the other!

The blue LC is very pleasing and the 2 pics I posted really show the difference that light quality makes. I am just getting to love the little pleuros − we had a fantastically skilled grower in our society who always turned up with some miniscule gems (and a hand lens) and that's how come I got to like them. It is really difficul.t to get really good pictures and they never seem to do justice − hence the benefit of seeing them well grown.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mites and so on
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Thanks Lynda, David and Paul for your help about the scale.
I guess if they are blown on the wind that makes sense. After all the fans
are going all the time and I use extractors in the heat of the day (!) so
that cool air − and presumably scale too − is pulled in through the vents.

The scale I had on the Aerangis − and occasionally have had on Catts too −
I know only as soft scale. It is brownish and oval rather than round. I
gather that Boisduval is even worse but thankfully I have never encountered
it.

I am glad to hear that the little mites are not baddies − I rather like them
and am fine to keep them as plant cleaners. Or just pets. The spraying was
provado for the scale. I don't know what effect if any it has on the mites.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Is this the lowest profile BOC ever ?
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Thank you for that Lynda ; at least it tells me the time of the evening preview ; but not of the registrants access on Saturday. I have e-mailed the Devon OS chair about all this # should I get a reply I#ll post the info.

In answer to Roger about this # I think that although it is a BOC Congress, some if not all of the organisation is down to the host Society ,i.e. Devon OS. Maybe they tell their members about details, at meetings , and forget that registrants are (largely ?) not members ?

When I went into the garden centre today they had pots of Spirantes cernua
odorata and I could not resist. Has anyone got any tips for keeping this?
I'd really like to naturalise it into my wildflower meadow if possible. Any
ideas?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Mites and so on
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

I think I mentioned that a plant I bought at the last Boga Fayre was
infested − it was with these little black dots.

As I said, I bought a spray from another stand, and cleaned up in the car
park before putting the plant in the car boot, and I have watched it very
carefully since , but no reappearance.

Good stuff that spray − it is called SB Plant Invigorator , and is an
"environmentally friendly Growth Stimulant and Pesticide" − can control
mildew too it says . Contents listed as " Foliar Lattice, Linear Sulphanate,
W/W Iron Chelate soluble in water, Nitrogen, natural products" − which
sounds like a lot of waffle to me − mostly quite unfamiliar terms ! But it
cleaned up my plant , and I continued to use it until the 500ml spray bottle
was empty , and when I see David Stead again, I'll perhaps buy some more.
Geoff

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioides
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

RE: [OrchidTalk] Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioidesHello Geoff,
I mist the roots only in the morning during the winter, trying to imitate a light dew. It loses some leaves but keeps about three. I don't give it much feed as it's dormant. I haven't lost all the leaves any year yet but it grows new leaves very quickly once it starts to grow. I inspect it in the Spring with a magnifying glass, to see when new growth starts, and then increase water and feed. This year I covered the roots with a thick layer of sphagnum so that it wouldn't get stressed in the middle of the day if the air became too warm or dry, it seems to have improved the results. I know Rocky doesn't approve of this method but I can't stand in the greenhouse spraying plants all day.
I haven't seen Jay Pfhal's site so I will have a look later, thanks.
David

> Things which lose all their leaves in the winter are such a trial ,
> When does one start watering again !

> I wonder if you have noted the comments on Jay Pfhal's site ? "
> This species experiences a long drought in nature which causes it
> to shed it's leaves, in cultivation it is best to grow it wetter
> and keep 3-5 leaves for optimum growing".

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioides
Date: Mon, 13 Oct 2008

Here's a link − everyone needs this site ! 9082 2species in 733 genera
( at today's count) mostly illustrated and sometimes culture described too.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Phal lowii subspecies proboscidioides
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008

It is a beautiful plant/flower. Unfortunately I lost mine due to
incorrect culture, too dry in winter, or humidity too low. It lost
all its leaves and did not re-grow new leaves. Peter

> Hello Everyone,
> I think we have totally sorted Phal/Doritis pulcherrima by now, how
> about this one photographed today? Phal lowii, subspecies
> proboscidioides. "the orchid with the hooked nose"

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] lc mini purple
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008

> Just realised I sent the wrong photo in the last posting − this is the one
> on a mount

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Spiranthes cernau.
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008

I had a quick look in my 'Orchid Bible' and I see that this plant roams all over Canada and the U.S.A. So the temperatures that we get in our Winter are very much the same as in some of the areas 'tother side of the pond.

One point I would mention is that here in the New Forest, the Spiranthes spiralis ALWAYS grows in very short grass.....what we call forest Lawns.

How does this sound to you? Maybe you have some instructions that came with the plant.

From: Andy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: SB Plant Invigorator and so on..
Date: Tue, 14 Oct 2008

Looks like interesting stuff Geoff. Their site gives some information a
nd
although all of these things can sound like so much snake oil I shall be
giving it a go. They also list (some of the) retailers who stock it and
it
looks like you can buy it direct from them also. I got some locally in a

garden centre for UKP7.99 for the bottle that costs UKP9.95 from David S
tead.
Anyway here's the link

I was wondering around my greenhouse with my Camera, This is some of what is in bloom. I think I got the names right but in this ever changing naming world.... The Rodriguezia has me a little stumped though It was sold to me as Secunda but haven't been able to confirm that.

I know I need to work on my photography I really need a nice stand/background to place them so there is not so much background distractions...

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	22-29
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

2008 Archived Messages

8—14 October