The Orchid Garden

Newbie

Question:

Hello group,   I joined the wonderful world of orchids last summer with my first purchase of a beautiful Phalaenopsis from my local Trader Joe’s grocery store. It was love at first sight as I took this exquisite beauty home. I couldn’t believe how long the flowers lasted. I was hooked. Two months later, I purchased another Phalaenopsis, this one solid magenta. I have since added two more of the Dendrobium group. One is the Dendrobium White Fairy and the other (don’t know the name) is green/yellow with a purple middle. OK, if any of you would be so kind to enlighten me, my questions are: In regards to the Phalaenopsis plants, (all my babies are in a big southern exposure window in the bathroom) the first, which had white and pink blooms, got repotted after the spike died. I took it to an orchid farm and they repotted it in sphagnum moss. The potting medium stays wet longer than the bark chips that the second one is potted in. So, I water it less often. It has never formed another spike. It now has 9 very dark green healthy leaves with a good root system, I just looked this morning and I can see another leaf growing. The second Phalaenopsis started a spike last Oct. and bloomed this Feb. I only got 5 blooms on it. The second bloom is about to fall off, and I’ve noticed the top of the spike is starting to grow again with buds, and a spike along the main spike is starting. The leaves on this one are a much lighter green. There are 5 leaves on this one, the two original ones are getting very thin and yellow…root system looks great. What am I doing wrong with the first plant? Regarding the Dendrobiums, when they grow a spike out of the top, and that dies, what happens? My first one has a stalk of about 2 1/2 ft. and has stalled. Meanwhile, it grew two new plants at it’s base.  My White Fairies have started a new stalk at the base of the original stalk and is starting a spike. Will anything happen again once the spike has bloomed and died? Do you cut the stalk down? Nothing has happened with the old (mother) stalk. I have been using Ortho’s "All About Orchids" for reference, and reading this group to find an answer. Looking forward to seeing what I can do to improve my green thumb with my babies. Thanks in advance for any help. Susan B.

Response:

Hello group, with a good root system, I just looked this morning and I can see another leaf growing. The second Phalaenopsis started a spike last Oct. and bloomed this Feb. I only got 5 blooms on it. The second bloom is about to fall off, and I’ve noticed the top of the spike is starting to grow again with buds, and a spike along the main spike is starting. The leaves on this one are a much lighter green. There are 5 leaves on this one, the two original ones are getting very thin and yellow…root system looks great. What am I doing wrong with the first plant?

Phals. usually only flower once a year so it might not be time yet.  Dark green leaves often mean not enough light.

Response:

I have a heated, fairly humid room for a number of reptiles and was hoping to add some color by getting into orchids.  Presently I have both Fluorescent and Metal Halide lighting (over some banana plants) that I can use.  The room is generally in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s.

Keith,    With the conditions you mention you might consider also trying paphs,  miltonias, catts and some of the other warmer growers.  Is there a temperature  drop at night or is it fairly constant?  Most warm growing orchids like to  have a 10 to 15 degree drop at night over a period of several weeks to  initiate flowers.   Jim Kawasaki

Response:

Hello, I have a heated, fairly humid room for a number of reptiles and was hoping to add some color by getting into orchids.  Presently I have both Fluorescent and Metal Halide lighting (over some banana plants) that I can use.  The room is generally in the upper 70’s to lower 80’s.  I have been told that Phals are the way to go for a beginner but was wondering how they might take the bright light and heat.  Would anyone suggest another group/species? (I hope to be heading to the orchid show on Sun in Milwaukee to start my orchid collection there) thank you for any information Keith — Keith Benson DVM Special Species Health Service/Urgent Care University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/2011/

Response:

Hey, Kathy, you made it!  Good job!  Welcome to the group! Reka Kathy Jenkins schrieb: – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI I have just been to my first orchid show–WOW! What can I say? If heaven exists then it will be filled with these spectacular plants.  I am an English gardener of the old school, you know the type, subtle colours, showing great restraint in showy plants.  Suddenly everything has changed, there is extravagance, luxury,and decadence on my window sill. I’m a newbie to the internet as well as orchids, forgive any errors.  I’m not sure if this will even get posted. Kathy

Response:

Hi Kathy, We put up a web page that may assist you re orchids: http://www2.cybernex.net/~epeople/orchid/orchid.html Hope it helps! Marilyn and Joe HI I have just been to my first orchid show–WOW! What can I say? If heaven exists then it will be filled with these spectacular plants.  I am an English gardener of the old school, you know the type, subtle colours, showing great restraint in showy plants.  Suddenly everything has changed, there is extravagance, luxury,and decadence on my window sill. I’m a newbie to the internet as well as orchids, forgive any errors.  I’m not sure if this will even get posted. Kathy

Response:

HI I have just been to my first orchid show–WOW! What can I say? If heaven exists then it will be filled with these spectacular plants.  I am an English gardener of the old school, you know the type, subtle colours, showing great restraint in showy plants.  Suddenly everything has changed, there is extravagance, luxury,and decadence on my window sill. I’m a newbie to the internet as well as orchids, forgive any errors.  I’m not sure if this will even get posted. Kathy

Response:

    Kathy,     Welcome to the group and the orchid habit  What orchids did you come home with?     Karen

Response:

Teacher Kathy, Yes… your post to RGO made it.  By mentioning decadence in your letter you will always be assured a berth on RGO.   Orchids can indeed change a person’s life.  You may stop wearing your old school marm flannel high collar clothes in exchange for black nylons (with the line up the back of your leg), high heel pumps, way short skirts and tight halter tops. Hubba-hubba.  As you point out these colorful (decadent) plants can have profound effect on innocent people at orchid shows.  I hope your students will appreciate the new and improved you.  I would guess that we will. And as always, best of luck on getting a 2nd mortgage on your house to buy orchids… they are wonderful plants for the window sill… the kitchen window… the bright bathroom window… the spare bedroom (eg the one I once hoped to have for guests)… the window in the office.  The list goes on… as you will find out soon. Best wishes. Mick

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – HI I have just been to my first orchid show–WOW! What can I say? If heaven exists then it will be filled with these spectacular plants.  I am an English gardener of the old school, you know the type, subtle colours, showing great restraint in showy plants. Suddenly everything has changed, there is extravagance, luxury,and decadence on my window sill. I’m a newbie to the internet as well as orchids, forgive any errors.  I’m not sure if this will even get posted. Kathy

Response:

Filed under: Dendrobium Orchid

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