2008 mailing list messages

2008 Archived Messages

Click on the week you require.
To return to the main Archive index, click the button at the bottom of the page.
Links to all the Photos and other images accompanying the list messages can be found on the Images page.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Emailing: Sales & Displays
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

Yes , it is useful , I found it myself , by a coincidence, earlier this week
, I also found the 'accommodation' link useful; the first time I went I used
Michelin to find the hotel nearest to the Showground, and it was rather
distasteful to us , when you turned the tv on in the room for example, you
went straight into a porn channel offering you the first five minutes free ,
and that rather set the tone for the whole place. Cardboard walls,
breakfast marmalade in those horrible plastic sachets, tasting of sugar and
nothing else, etc . We stayed one night , went out to eat at a famous inn
( well, they said it was ) , where they claim stilton cheese was invented ,
had a poor to moderate meal with bungled service by untrained teenagers , at
exorbitant cost , and departed Peterborough ASAP. My wife has been very
resistant to another visit.

However, browsing accommodation I found a Marriott , and I know I can rely
on that , or at least if not, it will be the first bad one yet, so have
already booked for next June.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Something different
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

Dead right ; no plant is really evergreen . There are some that are annually deciduous, and others where the leaves last 2,3,4 years. ( Which is just as true for orchids as it is for Fir trees for example)

But in case you had not worked this out for yourself yet, the leaves will fall off an orchid back-bulb when the roots from that back-bulb die.

So if the compost in the middle of the pot goes rotten ( pH falls to an impossibly low figure I have seen pH4 and even less, when examining plants brought in to a problems night at an Orchid Society ) the roots can t possibly live, and the leaves fall off .. When the culture is good, roots can live 4 years, and so you get to keep leaves on the bulbs which are 4 years old....

In short to judge how good the culture is , look along the row of bulbs ( on a symphodial growing orchid) and see how many have leaves. This year. yes last year, surely the year before ? you are not doing badly 4 years back ? great culture !

> If it makes you feel any better, all plants loose their leaves at
> some time or other, especially in our Autumn.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Photography/
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

My take on backgrounds is this. To show off the colour to best advantage you
actually want the complementary colour, but at a lower illumination so that
the flower stands out brightly against a duller background. But a this means
a yellow flower on a blue background, a red on a green, a white on a black
etc.

Many years ago when I used to do Orchid Society talks, I went to the local
market and bought some cheap velvet ( non-reflecting material- velvet ) in
black, white, red and grey , and used one or other of those. But showing a
hundred slides like that gets very boring ; I find it better when I can to
have a mass of green plants as a background − preferably out of focus. The
real answer if showing a lot of pictures may be to mix them up .

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pests
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

Thanks for sending on the sunshine, but it did not last that long.....do better next time, ha, ha.

Dennis, speaking of greenflies and other flying critters, do you not hang up those wonderful sticky yellow traps???

I will post some images later today and also give a few tips on how to display them.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Photography/
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

At least you and I know that there is more to taking a very good photograph than one would imagine.

Yesterday I bought a couple of more coloured cards, and today I may experiment with them.

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] For sale − Lux meter
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

Hi Geoff,
I would have thought you'd have learned by now; if you mislay something, the quickest way to find it is to buy another! It works with books, connecting cables, camera chips, batteries . . . probably half the reason for the current credit crunch eh?

Also, you may be interested to know that I have wrapped my greenhouse in bubble wrap using the handsian system. The only difference from your system is that I secured the bubble wrap with an outer polyethylene sheet. Just like an approved Post Office parcel! Nothing's blown away yet but Cheshire will be cooler this year!.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pests − natural flytraps
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

They do ( sticky traps do an excellent job) but since I have been growing pitcher plants in the greenhouse I find that the sticky traps catch hardly anything. Nepenthes, or maybe some other carnivorous plants are a natural cure for the problem ; I recommend them.

You can buy them at most of the big RHS shows but make sure you get a species (or hybrid) adapted to your temperatures. Among Nepenthes the true pitchers, many need it much warmer than we can provide but the highland ones are happy with night temps in the 12-18 deg C range. They also add a touch of exoticism ! If you get some , make sure you water with rain (only). When I watered mine with my normal mix of rain and feed, or with tap water, they got all the nutrition they needed and made no pitchers. When I went back to rain water , I got pitchers again.

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] For sale − Lux meter
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

You're making a habit of it Geoff; you seem to have mislaid the reply message you inended to sed me!
All I have is your original, my extremely witty response and then both back. Or am I missing something?
Cheers
John

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Photography/
Date: Sat, 08 Nov 2008

As long we grow orchids we will be taking pictures of them.
I grew orchids for about 26 years but had to give them up due to lack of standing for any length of time and cost of heating. I have hundreds upon hundreds of slides of orchid species. I rarely got into growing hybrids except some Odont. alliance ones. Would Kew or Wisley be interested in my slides. They are mostly of good quality, I like to think, but might be of interest to some organisation.
I now grow Cyclamen species which are less demanding than orchids, but just as interesting, I think and do not require much heat. Most will put up with some frost and the others just need a frostfree environment.
My wife grows some Phals. on the north facing window in the kitchen. I kept one plant , a Neofinetia falcata growing in a net pot in Sphagnum moss. I let it go crisp dry between watering and it flowers twice a year and has produced new growths and masses of roots. Feed it now and again in the Summer. I would not mind a different clone. I think Peter White sells some different types.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] For sale − Lux meter
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008

They ought to give me a medal you know , if we all went out and bought
another one of the things we have already got, there would be a boom, not a
slump.

Still , St Barack will be there to take over quite soon now....( but would
he be able to find my lux meter for me ? I doubt it ! )

> I would have thought you'd have learned by now; if you mislay something, the
> quickest way to find it is to buy another! It works with books, connecting
> cables, camera chips, batteries . . . probably half the reason for the
> current credit crunch eh?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] For sale − Lux meter
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008

Never, what never ? well, hardly ever... to a tune by Sullivan , or is it
his words to a tune by Gilbert ? The former I think....

> You're making a habit of it Geoff; you seem to have mislaid the reply
> message you inended to sed me!

> All I have is your original, my extremely witty response and then both back.
> Or am I missing something?

From: Dennis Read
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pests − natural flytraps
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008

My orchid house is covered in sticky pads but it only takes one to think "I like the look of that soft spike" and a few seconds later it has a dozen aphids chomping away.
One greenfly can lay 80 live aphids a day. Fly spray in the morning seems to have them under control i.e. dead. As they need to fly around before they see the yellow pad they can also sense the new spike.
Biological control is a slight help but Ladybird bugs are clever and never eat every aphid as that way they would starve.
Provado and fly spray seems the answer.
Regards Dennis. − Roger wind and rain on the way

--- On Sat, 8/11/08, geoff hands wrote: RE: [OrchidTalk] Pests − natural flytraps

> They do ( sticky traps do an excellent job) but since I have been
> growing pitcher plants in the greenhouse I find that the sticky
> traps catch hardly anything. Nepenthes, or maybe some other
> carnivorous plants are a natural cure for the problem ; I recommend
> them.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Dendrobium speciosum. Identification chart.
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008

Our good friend Max from 'Down Under' E-mailed me an identification chart for Dendrobium speciosum types.

I am about to have a look at my D. speciosum which was sent to me from 'Down Under' some thirty years ago, and I will see if I can put a variety type to it after having a good look at Max's chart.

P.S. Did not compress the file, as I believe written text is best left alone.....what say you Tricia.

Here is a picture of the Darwinara 'Charm 'Blue Star'.
The plant is in a poor state now. It should have been cleaned up 2 years ago.
Just to show the large number of spikes.
Peter

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Dendrobium speciosum. Identification chart.
Date: Sun, 09 Nov 2008

Hello Rocky,
I think I will change my compost to a rock mixture like you use. Seems that most speciosum are lithophites. Useful piece of info, thanks Max.
David

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Darwinara
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Made me think of Gardeners Garters (Phalaris arundinaceae) − or maybe you
don't go in for growing "ornamental" grasses, down your way ?

> Here is a picture of the Darwinara 'Charm 'Blue Star'.
> The plant is in a poor state now. It should have been cleaned up 2 years
> ago.
> Just to show the large number of spikes.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Stone chippings compost.
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

This is a copy of an E-mail that I sent to max on Australia, and I hope that it will get you interested. If you have any questions whatsoever, then just let me know and I will try my best to answer them. Rocky.

Here are a couple of photos of my Dendrobium speciosum.....at least, after looking at your chart, I think that is what my plant should be named.....what say you matey???

As to the other photos, they are all to do with growing in my stone [basalt] chippings.

The couple of photos of the stones in my potting tray are so that you can see what size they are, and that they have a nice irregular shape which does make them bond together well without moving about, and also to show you how the surface is quite rough, as against smooth surfaced stones. After I have sprayed water over the top of the pots, I often go down to the greenhouse next morning and see that on some pots the chippings are still wet.

Sorry to hear that you had that tooth problem.....so it's you that I have to have a go at you b*****d, ha, ha, .....I had a tooth abscise last week, and luckily it is now no more.

Right then Max, on to fertiliser. How often do I fertilise????? Every time I give the plant some water. Yes mate, every time. As I always say, we eat every day, so do the cows in the fields, and so on. I always keep one or two buckets of feed in the greenhouse. They are filled up with rainwater from the two butts that are filled from the run off from the glass roof of the greenhouse. In them I put the correct amount of Maxicrop 'Original' and a good amount of Epsom Salts. Have gone back to adding Epsom Salts over the last few months. Then I pour that mix into my pump-up hand sprayer and then I just go from plant to plant giving the top of the pot a spray for about ten to twelve seconds, or until I see some drops coming out of the bottom of the pot.

As to how often..........I guess that during the Summer months it is normally once per day, and sometimes twice a day. In the Winter months, it goes like this, take today for example. I have just watered them all. Will not do it tomorrow as it is cloudy, damp, and we are having some showers. Also the bubble cap polythene inside of the greenhouse is damp. So, when will I water next? Maybe Tuesday/Wednesday, depends on the weather.

And now on to one of my pet subjects, the looking at orchid roots through a home microscope, especially to see the wonderful honeycombed structure.....just right for absorbing moisture, whether from a watering can/spray or from the damp atmosphere.

Now then Max, what's your telephone number please, as I can now phone Oz for just a penny per minute. So I may surprise you one day.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Peter's Darwinara.
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

As it is absolutely lashing with rain and blowing a gale, what better than to sit inside at a computer!!!!!

Sure is a well grown plant, and I am sure that many of us will see the spikes that once held those lovely flowers. But I am at a slight loss as I know what wonderful plants you grow and have shown to us on many occasions. So, my good friend, why are the leaves so yellow and not the dark green that we all see so very often.

Do you not have somewhere to put it so that it not does so much sunshine??? Not forgetting that your light is so much better than ours here in the U.K.

Last question.....I see a 'white' object in the position of the bottom rung of the wooden basket.....what is it please?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Stone chippings compost.
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

"having some showers" he says...and he's ( yes you Roger) − are only 20
miles away from me, if that ...

Down here in Dorset we have had 105mm − that's 4 inches to you − since
Midnight and its only lunch time and still raining ....definitely , quite
damp .

Mind you , no one is saying "shouldn't you be getting o with cutting down
those dead dahlias and geraniums..." so I can spend the day in the
greenhouse without complaint. ( Just come in for lunch and to look up and
see if I can find any cultural advice for some lesser known species − things
like Pomotocalpa, Embreae etc.)

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: My stone 'Mix'.
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Just to put a small matter correct, my 'Rock mixture' is in fact not a 'Mixture' at all. Just rock chippings which can be obtained from most Garden Centres. They often are advertised as 'Cambrian Green'. They are also advertised as a Basalt rock, but I think they may be Granite.

Maybe are geologist members, after looking at my photos of the chippings might give a true answer.

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: oncidiums
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Hi All, i am writing to ask if there is anyone who can tell me if there are any oncidiums that require a complete dry winter rest as i have a few that haven't flowered this year and ive kept them in the ideal conditions (under lights) the species in question are longipes,flexuosum even my chierophorum gave a poor flowering performance. I realise that most like a reduced watering regime in the winter but some advice about any that require dry periods would be most helpful, as i have around twenty species and a few knew additions this year also,hope you can help!happy growing!
Gavin

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Emailing: Potinara CSO SO
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Geoff, I remember you commented on the orchids on display for sale at the last London Orchid Show, that many of us went to.

Special comments were aimed at the two 'Chinese' [I think Taiwan] Orchid suppliers. Like yourself I noted that one of them had Cattleyas and the like in see through plastic bags, and that the rhizome, any roots,and the lowest inch or so of the pseudobulbs were all covered by a wad of moss.

Whereas the other vendor 'Kendolie' of Taiwan, had their Cattleyas in see through plastic bags WITHOUT ANY MOSS. This of course meant that we could actually see what we were buying.

Potinara Chief Sweet Orange 'Sweet Orange' has just opened its two flowers and I am very pleased with it. The other purchase is in bud and yet to open.

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] My stone 'Mix'.
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

Hello Rocky,
I know the rocks you mean, I have used them before for a Vanda.
Rain has been coming down like stair rods all day. Thames already up a bit, might be over the bank by tomorrow when all the rain drains into the river.
David

> You stated: I think I will change my compost to a rock mixture
> like you use.

> Just to put a small matter correct, my 'Rock mixture' is in fact
> not a 'Mixture' at all. Just rock chippings which can be obtained
> from most Garden Centres. They often are advertised as 'Cambrian
> Green'. They are also advertised as a Basalt rock, but I think
> they may be Granite.

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] oncidiums
Date: Mon, 10 Nov 2008

I can highly recommend Phil's Orchid Page. He is in NZ so similar climate to the UK. Scroll down the left hand side to Species A to Z. Some excellent reading there.

> Hi All, i am writing to ask if there is anyone who can tell me if
> there are any oncidiums that require a complete dry winter rest as
> i have a few that haven't flowered this year and ive kept them in
> the ideal conditions (under lights) the species in question are
> longipes,flexuosum even my chierophorum gave a poor flowering
> performance. I realise that most like a reduced watering regime in
> the winter but some advice about any that require dry periods would
> be most helpful, as i have around twenty species and a few knew
> additions this year also,hope you can help!

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Oncidium Website.
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

I am sure that many of us will be indebted to you for coming up with that Website on Oncidiums.

Now that's what I call a Website. Thanks very much, and I will have a damned good look at it later.

I know that Gavin will be highly chuffed.........won't you Gavin. And how cold is it in Salisbury today???

Does anyone have any experience of using this product or similar? The
snippets from sellers sound rather good but vague at the same time. Is
there any research or even anecdotal evidence for it's effectiveness?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

The links of the Burleigh Park site all open an e-mail to
ian@speciesorchids.com but messages bounce with the comment- SMTP error from
remote server after RCPT to ian@dodo.co.au − "unknown user"

Sounds as though there is some automatic forwarding system which has not
been updated, but I can't see a way round this short of trying to find a
snail-mail address and − I then believe I have stick some coloured bits of
paper on an envelope and find a forked stick for delivery by a runner ?
(joke − but snail mail is so slow and expensive ! )

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

Hi fellow O-Talkers all,
Since Christmas is looming, no doubt many of you will be thinking of what you can buy yourself for your wife's/husband's/partner's'/sibling's/dog's present (delete as appro).

May I suggest you have a peek at Isobyl laCroix's new tome on orchids currently on offer in Orchid Review. I haven't been able to trawl though all the OT messages lately and so I might have missed other recommendations for it. However, it is f a b u l o u s so a repeat won't be superfluous.

Best wishes to all and Rocky; I haven't forgotten a promised set of rock samples.

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Isobyl la Croix's New Encyclopedia of Orchids
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Sorry folks, I missed the title 'cos this PC's upstairs and the book is downstairs!
I'm on my way to bed and I'll waken the cat if I go down again!
However, being still almost awake myself I've just checked Amazon and it is http://www.amazon.com/New-Encyclopedia-Orchids-Species-Cultivation/dp/0881928763 . . . . ans http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0881928763/refsib_dp_pt reader-link for a picture OK?
Incidentally, forgive the vaguaries of my PC's clock. It resets itself to a random time and date now and again when it thinks I'm not lookin'.
John Zzzzz Zzzzzz

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] My stone 'Mix'.
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Roger,
Not easy to be absolutely accurate without feeling texture, getting a lens on it etc but it looks like a basic ignous rock. That means that its composition is probably of feldspar (probably sodium or calcium silicate, iron-magnesium silcates (dark minerals) and possibly ore minerals (metallic oxides). If I'm right there'll be little or no quartz in there and the pale creamy white stuff should scratch with a penknife blade.

The terms like 'Cambrian' used in garden centres are as much descriptions of the greyish dark hue rather than a geological definition. It looks to me rather like the stuff often used as an aggregate with asphalt. That isn't a derogatory comment, just something you might look for comparison.

Obvious granites are coarser crystalline and usually lighter in hue with obvious glass-like clear quartz as well as feldspar and flakey mica but the terms extends beyond the bounds of a classic textbook example.

I have already promised (about 8 months ago!) to put a rock sample assortment together.

I'll try to put a few photos for attachments tomorrow (promises promises!)
Hope this is helpful so far. Incidentally, basalt wouldn't be detrimental for orchids of types that grow in an inert or nearly inert medium.
Cheers
John

> You stated: I think I will change my compost to a rock mixture
> like you use.

> Maybe are geologist members, after looking at my photos of the
> chippings might give a true answer.

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Peter's Darwinara.
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

The leaves are so yellow, because I give them so much light, or I
should say that the plant hangs so high near the roof. I grow most of
my Vandas under so much light,and I think I get more flowers that
way. On the other hand look at the attached picture of the
Ascocentrum garayii (miniatum) which hangs much lower, at about 1
meter above the ground, and the leaves are a bit greener and this one
produces more spikes when it is kept very dry in winter. So it is not
only the light, but the amount of water as water as well.

The white object is from ceiling-light diffusors. I got them for
nothing and they are quite handy for things like that.

> As it is absolutely lashing with rain and blowing a gale, what
> better than to sit inside at a computer!!!!!

> Sure is a well grown plant, and I am sure that many of us will
> see the spikes that once held those lovely flowers. But I am at
> a slight loss as I know what wonderful plants you grow and have
> shown to us on many occasions. So, my good friend, why are the
> leaves so yellow and not the dark green that we all see so very
> often.

> Do you not have somewhere to put it so that it not does so much
> sunshine??? Not forgetting that your light is so much better
> than ours here in the U.K.

> Last question.....I see a 'white' object in the position of the
> bottom rung of the wooden basket.....what is it please?

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] oncidiums
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Yes, Oncidium onustum must be dry in winter. I'm not so sure about
cheirophorum, it might be better to keep it on the dry side.

> Hi All, i am writing to ask if there is anyone who can tell me if
> there are any oncidiums that require a complete dry winter rest
> as i have a few that haven't flowered this year and ive kept them
> in the ideal conditions (under lights) the species in question
> are longipes,flexuosum even my chierophorum gave a poor flowering
> performance. I realise that most like a reduced watering regime
> in the winter but some advice about any that require dry periods
> would be most helpful, as i have around twenty species and a few
> knew additions this year also,hope you can help!happy growing!

From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Geoff, although the message appears I think that you will find that an answer will be forthcoming in a couple of days.
Gordon.

geoff hands wrote Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?

> The links of the Burleigh Park site all open an e-mail to
> ian@speciesorchids.com but messages bounce with the comment- SMTP
> error from remote server after RCPT to ian@dodo.co.au unknown
> user

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] superthrive
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

"Magic bullets" − of course they work . If they don't it's because you don't
have enough faith.

I have used the product from time to time − especially when I get free
samples to test. The problem , if I can be serious for a bit , is that it is
virtually impossible to do any real proper scientific trial − at least on
the scale we grow at. Hence the need for faith.

> Does anyone have any experience of using this product or similar? The
> snippets from sellers sound rather good but vague at the same time. Is
> there any research or even anecdotal evidence for it's effectiveness?

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Isobyl told me it had taken 3 years of her life ! But I haven't actually
seen it on offer anywhere yet.

> Since Christmas is looming, no doubt many of you will be thinking
> of what you can buy yourself for your
> wife's/husband's/partner's'/sibling's/dog's present (delete as
> appro).

> May I suggest you have a peek at Isobyl laCroix's new tome on
> orchids currently on offer in Orchid Review. I haven't been able to
> trawl though all the OT messages lately and so I might have missed
> other recommendations for it. However, it is f a b u l o u s so a
> repeat won't be superfluous.

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

geoff hands wrote Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?

> The links of the Burleigh Park site all open an e-mail to
> ian@speciesorchids.com but messages bounce with the comment- SMTP
> error from remote server after RCPT to ian@dodo.co.au − "unknown
> user"

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Oncidium Website.
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Phi's Orchid Page has lots of very gook info orchidwise. Follow the links. He works with the Wellington Orchid Society in NZ.

The Oncidium info has been put together in a small book. They also have books on other orchid related genera.

> I am sure that many of us will be indebted to you for coming up
> with that Website on Oncidiums.

> Now that's what I call a Website. Thanks very much, and I will
> have a damned good look at it later.

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: dracula vampire size photo
Date: Tue, 11 Nov 2008

Someone asked me about the size of the dracula vampire I previously sent in a photo, it is 11-12 inches tip to tip see photo.

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] oncidiums
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

You should see how they grow attached to palm trees in the florida sun. Please not Palm trees do not provide much shade.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

Thanks all yes indeed I got an answer this morning so will have a flutter with a few flasks....

Whoops was in my quill pen mode comes from reading up the Victorian orchid-growers reminiscences − never mind , I ll let it stay, and wait for the howls of outrage..

Gordon Walker wrote Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?

> Geoff, although the message appears I think that you will find that
> an answer will be forthcoming in a couple of days.

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

The New Encyclopaedia of Orchids ; 1500 species in cultivation. By
Isobyl la Croix .

524 pages, more than 1024 colour photographs , A4 size, hardback.
Published by Timber Press ( of course) £40.

The review ( in Orchid Review) is by Gab Van Winkel , editor of the
German publication, Orchideen , well youy can't rview your own book
in the mag you edit , its not ethical. Winkel says 'Disatribution
ranges, natural habitat and .. altitudinal ranges are given for each
species,which together give a much better idea of how to grow a plant
than the classic division into cool, intermediate etc'... uses
current names ...

( I am afraid that I was tactless enough to point out that the
Internet encyclopaedia now lists rather more species , nearer 10,000,
but Isobyl pointed out that the cultural i nformation there is
rubbish , she didn't actually say rubbish , she just pointed out
descriptions like ' grows cool to warm' and asked 'what does that
mean ?'.... exit deflated correspondent,,,,,,

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

Ps. I ordered it from Amazon − £28 instead of £40 and free delivery if you
can wait 4 days...

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Peter's Darwinara.
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

Congratulations on your Asco − it is superb. You'd get a best in show here
in UK I guess...

It (garayii) is also one unknown to me, but having read it up in the
Internet encyclopaedia I guess that one or other of my miniatums is actually
garayii ; I'll look more closely next time I get flowers. But I have nothing
anywhere as big and branched as yours − it is a wonderful sight.

Incidentally on the subject of big and branched in vandaceous orchids , my
best − a Ryhyvda Thai Sky − with maybe 9 growths, flowers very poorly − in
fact only one spike at this latest blooming this year . I was on my way to
convincing myself that this is not the way to grow miniature vanda types -
until I saw your plant.

Still, you have inspired me to try something different so I have just washed
all the old compost off with a hose, and repotted in a large plastic basket
using just medium bark and hung iti up to see what happens.

Regards from a sunny but cold Dorset ( 5 deg. C in my garden at the moment -
9 am )

From: Peter Fowler
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] dracula vampire size photo
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

> Someone asked me about the size of the dracula vampire I previously
> sent in a photo, it is 11-12 inches tip to tip see photo.

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

Before you commit yourself to purchase and import flasks, are you aware of the PEACH system now in force for all imports of plants that require a phyto to enter the UK? Ian is all set up to accomodate the paper trail and inspections for the new declarations that must be on the phyto......so that part is fine...but be careful not to fall foul of the PEACH import system. At the moment I am trying to clarify matters with regard to in-vitro plant material but the system does not seem to accomodate in-vitro material....in short...if it needs a phyto, then it will come into the PEACH system. Another silliness because when the regs were set up no account was taken that in-vitro material is, by it's very nature, sterile and quite unable to transport pest and disease., the DEFRA people and their counterparts around the world have no discretion.

geoff hands wrote RE: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?

> Thanks all yes indeed I got an answer this morning so will have
> a flutter with a few flasks....

From: geoff hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: A nice little story...
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

My plant of Aerides lawrenceae with most flowers open. I'm quite pleased
with this , actually its one of those things where the plant is more
impressive than the pic . Sometimes its the other way round of course.

The nice little story ; the plant is named for Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart,
MP. One time President of the RHS.

He bought what I suppose was the first plant of the species ever shown in
captivity as it were, from Fred. Sanders, at auction, in I think the year
1872 and paid 275 guineas £283 and 75 pence. The average wage of
agricultural labourers at the time was around £26 per year. They are not
highly paid today , the average is well under £20,000 pa. But on that basis
of comparison, Sir Trevor paid the equivalent of an incredible £141,000 for
his plant.

Any offers of the same order − £141,000- will be very seriously considered
. I might even consider offers around £283 ( you can keep the 75pence my
good friend )...

From: gavin horne
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: re-oncidium help
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

Hi, many thanks to all who have offered help regarding my oncidium question, the site mentioned is excellent and i would recomend it to all who have questions regarding this genus and a few others! As to light i grow my oncidiums under a sunmaster 400w, so i beleive they get as much light as i dare give them without burning them, and more importantly this light is of a constant strenghth,so i dont think light is the issue with the lack of flowers on certain species, but, i shall certainly try reducing the watering rate this winter and hope for improvment next year!

Hi Roger, it is fairly warm here;though very damp. I hope you and Mary are ok!hope to hear from you soon(looking forward to next years native orchid season already) though i know you will probably be a little less active on this front next year!
happy growing!
Gavin

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Re; Great Orchid book
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Hi Geoff, (and others interested)
It is a £40 book on special offer at £30 in the current Orchid Review. Mail order and delivered (free) very quickly (less than a week)
I wish I could imagine that the last three years of my life had produced something of this stature.
The Photographs are stunning and even the type face offers a breath of fresh air
In my earlier email I failed to give its Encyclopaedia title.

> Isobyl told me it had taken 3 years of her life ! But I haven't
> actually seen it on offer anywhere yet.

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] re-oncidium help
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 2008

How are the roots alive and well? What color is the plant? Dark green or yellowish?

If the roots are "happy" and the plant is not yellowish green, I will bet you it is light and or temperature.

> Hi, many thanks to all who have offered help regarding my oncidium
> question, the site mentioned is excellent and i would recomend it
> to all who have questions regarding this genus and a few others! As
> to light i grow my oncidiums under a sunmaster 400w, so i beleive
> they get as much light as i dare give them without burning them,
> and more importantly this light is of a constant strenghth,so i
> dont think light is the issue with the lack of flowers on certain
> species, but, i shall certainly try reducing the watering rate this
> winter and hope for improvment next year!

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

If you have a look at their Website, you will see their E-mail address.....Burleigh Park that is.

As to the PEACH of a muddling piece of information about DEFRA etc. I am not a bit surprised at whatever new system that they come up with. Once again it does appear that certain people are sitting at desks which they should not be sitting at.

Lynda Coles wrote Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?

> Before you commit yourself to purchase and import flasks, are you
> aware of the PEACH system now in force for all imports of plants
> that require a phyto to enter the UK? Ian is all set up to
> accomodate the paper trail and inspections for the new declarations
> that must be on the phyto......so that part is fine...but be
> careful not to fall foul of the PEACH import system. At the moment
> I am trying to clarify matters with regard to in-vitro plant
> material but the system does not seem to accomodate in-vitro
> material....in short...if it needs a phyto, then it will come into
> the PEACH system. Another silliness because when the regs were set
> up no account was taken that in-vitro material is, by it's very
> nature, sterile and quite unable to transport pest and disease.,
> the DEFRA people and their counterparts around the world have no
> discretion.

From: JIM MATEOSKY
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] My stone 'Mix'.
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

What is it you are growing with this mix ? cattleyas. For Cats I have seen very successful use of charcoal ( and about everything) granite, pumus, several different types of volcanic rock, granite. I try to match the size of the rocks with the size of the plants and the size and thickness of the roots. thiner roots the finer the mix. I tend to use the finer mix as well with the oncidiums with a little peat moss and (what ever I have laying around at the time ). You should see what these old timers use here broken tile, broken pots, wood chips chunks....it would amaze you and amaze you how happy the plants are.

You kind of need to get a feel for it look at lots of plants in the shows, and talk (a lot ) to the old timers;-) It is not as much of a science as you would think.

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] My stone 'Mix'.
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

Hi Jim,
If the John you address is me (John Stanley) I think we have crossed wires somewhere. I was trying to help Roger in the identification of rock fragments he is using.
I would not advocate nor oppose their use or of most media ( bark, wood, charcoal or rough diamonds if you have 'em spare!)

I suspect that, like you (?), I do not regard most orchid-suitable substrates as 'compost' but as a physical medium on which the plant can become established, which allows water to be held only for a short time, and which contains no toxic components that can leach out. Generally, I think of the best being essentially inert. Composts, by contrast, I consider to be a mix of mineral material (rock etc if you like) and humus (decaying or decomposing organic material and possibly, various soil organisms. Terrestrial orchids, I guess, qualify for being planted in a 'compost' but I would think of epiphytes of dolng best in a 'medium'. The essential nutrients for cultivated orchids are contained in solution in the water that periodically passes over them . . Yes?

I fell into this discussion purely because, as a retired geologist, (you might say a Geriatric Geologist!) I am supposed to know something about rocks! Ah! What it is to bask in a glow of expertise − however, all I often do is open my mouth and put my foot in it! I don't think there's a gospel according to anyone. We all break what are supposed to be rules without necessarily killing our plants.

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Strange tip???
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

I recently read this strange information seemingly all about how to deal with scale insects on an orchid. It goes like this:

When faced with scale insect on an orchid he takes the orchid out of its pot, carefully removes all of the compost and soaks the whole plant, leaves roots and all, in a bucket of the same mixture [ this being: Fairy washing-up liquid and lukewarm water, stronger than that used for washing your crockery and utensils ] for four to six hours. This loosens both the young scale insects and the harder adult shell and these must then be wiped off before re-potting. The leaves can be sprayed with a systemic pesticide such as Provado.

I find this type of information rather misleading, especially to newcomers to our wonderful hobby.

From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Strange tip???
Date: Thu, 13 Nov 2008

At first, I have to share your reluctance to such treatment but then I ask myself "Why?".
If the water isn't too warm than there should be no harm (after all, in water they can't dry out).
The only remaining hazard is the detergent: Detergent displaces surface tension and is therefore a wetting agent. My anxiety would be waterlogging the airways in the the leaves (especially) by access throiugh the stomata . . but these can close in plant-hostile conditions and aren't passive organs..
Certainly the insects probably 'don't like it (detergent) up 'em (as Corporal Jonesy might say) and so it is the better of the two evils (a) waterlogging or (b) having the life sapped from you by parasitic scale insects. A possible third evil (c) might be the physical damage from manual scraping off of the blighters..

After all, some of the commercial disinfectants, fungicides, pesticides or any other -cides are chemically far mor hostile and aggresive than dilute Fairy Liquid. One of our members, Paul, advocates an oil spray for some pests and I've not killed any plants that way . . yet There are also quite a few of us who have tried Neem oil . . nasty! And dilute Jeye's fluid is sloshed about by some growers with relative abandon.

I guess the proof of the puddin' is in the eatin'! Maybe others can speak from experience.
Anyway, the up-side would be those "hands that do dishes" etc etc (gosh, that was a few decades back!)

From: Theta
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Strange tip???
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Sounds similar to Safer [brand] Soap (a strong soapy "insecticide"). It
contains Potassium salts of fatty acids that breaks down the waxy outer
skin of some insects and does away with them. I use this technique
(Safer Soap or dish washing soap) on outside plants too such as lemon
tree (mealy bugs), hibiscus (white fly), palms (spider mite) etc, by
spraying or using a wet sponge to wipe clean. Works very well and is
non-toxic in the environment. Fairy's ingredients are supoosed to be
coconut acid, glycerin and pentasodium palm kernelate which should have
a similar effect on insects (to break down the exoskeleton and dry them
out).

Roger Grier wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I recently read this strange information seemingly all about how to
> deal with scale insects on an orchid. It goes like this:

From: PG Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Peter's Darwinara.--- Asco
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Hi Geoff,
Thanks for the compliments.
The plant was even better in 2005. It carried 16 spikes and in 2006 it had
only 5 or 6. Last year it had about 8 or 9. It all depends on the
watering in winter. It shouldn't be more than to just keep it alive.
Have a good look at the picture again. There is nothing in the basket. All the bark
that was originally there I took out over the years. The attached picture is from 2005.
Regards

> Congratulations on your Asco − it is superb. You'd get a best in
> show here in UK I guess...

> It (garayii) is also one unknown to me, but having read it up in
> the Internet encyclopaedia I guess that one or other of my
> miniatums is actually garayii ; I'll look more closely next time I
> get flowers. But I have nothing anywhere as big and branched as
> yours − it is a wonderful sight.

From: Lynda Coles
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Can anyone help with a valid e-mail address for Burleigh Park Nursery in Oz ?
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

The email address for Burleigh Park almost always returns a 'bounce' from the mailer daemon but this is due to the fact that there is a server error somewhere, the emails are being received by Burleigh Park. Anyone who is trying to contact them should not be put off by this error message.

PEACH is the method by which the UK (DEFRA plant Health) is enforcing an EU directive.........of course, all of the other EU members will have their own way to interpret and administer the directive. Thus, it seems, there is no standardisation within the EU....again !!!.....the directive applies to them all but they choose different ways to administer it (or not). This may cause some issues when transporting controlled material within the EU....... basically, loads & loads of paperwork for all involved. Lovely !!!!

From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Strange tip???
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Thanks for your reply and the most interesting information. It sure is nice
to have Members who are really up in their own subject and who can pass on
and amaze us with such technical information.

Apart from your answer on the liquids, what did you think of tearing the
plant out of its home and soaking it for between four and six hours.

> Sounds similar to Safer [brand] Soap (a strong soapy "insecticide"). It
> contains Potassium salts of fatty acids that breaks down the waxy outer
> skin of some insects and does away with them. I use this technique (Safer
> Soap or dish washing soap) on outside plants too such as lemon tree (mealy
> bugs), hibiscus (white fly), palms (spider mite) etc, by spraying or using
> a wet sponge to wipe clean. Works very well and is non-toxic in the
> environment. Fairy's ingredients are supoosed to be coconut acid,
> glycerin and pentasodium palm kernelate which should have a similar effect
> on insects (to break down the exoskeleton and dry them out).
>
> Regards,
>
> -mark-

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Strange tip???
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Hello Rocky,
Can't see anything wrong with the Fairy liquid tip. I use soft soap from Chempak, for spider mite, on my Cymbidiums. Works very well and it cleans the leaves also. It's a lot safer for the environment.
David

From: David Martin
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Strange tip???
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Hello Rocky,
The reply from Mark reminded me of an article in The Orchid Review many years ago. It was another pest control that is kind to the environment. It was being tried by a couple of young ladies at Kew. The substance is called Mycotal made by Koppert Biological Systems of Holland. They had tried it on scale, white fly and mealy bugs.
It is a powder that is mixed with water and sprayed on the plants. A couple of days later, mealy bugs etc are covered in fungal hyphae and all the pests are dead. Spores are then released into the greenhouse and a self perpetuating colony of fungus can be established. It works much better in warmer conditions but may still be worth trying in a cold greenhouse.
They also recommended Savona (soft soap) as an alternative control.
I Googled "Mycotal" and it's still available plus lots of interesting information.
David

From: Dennis Read
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: RHS Orchid Awards
Date: Fri, 14 Nov 2008

Is there a site that gives the names of orchids that have obtained awards from the RHS Orchid Committee.
I have the CD up to 2003.
Regards Dennis

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 November