Proud New Orchid Owner

[mimigirl]

how many based on what unit of measure? cups, pounds, kilos......? How much (per whatever the unit is) do you estimate the total charge? Can I check the local feed stores before I set this up with you? but, I doubt that I will find this locally. Thanks!

[mimigirl]

Geez, you were 10 years old in 76! You poor old thing. by 76 I was over 20 and could have been your mom. I use pine bark orchid medium. some of them, particularly the ones the outdoor ones, i put a layer of spaghnum moss & try to mist at least every other day. My phal, and paleon(?) stay inside. I have dendrobium, jewel of the nile (sorry I don't feel like walking to the front of the house to get real names) cinbodium, and oncidium all outside. Maybe the others have a name stick in them, maybe not. My girlfriend gives me the ones she can't get to cooperate. I think that is so funny since mine are not either!!! also, a mini cattaleya. and others.....

[trdyl]

I have not tryed a pine bark based media. Over the years I've used fir bark based mixes, lasts 2 years, sphagnum moss, lasts about 3 years, and now PrimeAgra (expanded clay pellets), which never breaks down. At first I was skeptical about using semi-hydroponics. And after I tried it, I don't think I will use anything else.

[mimigirl]

Good gosh! I have no idea where to get either fir bark. Is Prime Agra semi-hydroponics? I guess I could do a search on it. Thanks for advice.

[trdyl]

One use for PrimeAgra is Semi-Hydroponics. If your interested you should take a look at Ray Barkalow's Site. Lots of good information at Welcome to First Rays Orchids

[vmax3000]

Originally Posted by jeffjohnson23

I've killed off 3 of my phals. This is what I've learned so far.

Keep them out of direct sun.
Keep them away from air conditioning. They don't like the cold.
Don't let their roots stay wet. They like to dry out.

Okay, Jeff, I swear I am not laughing at you but the sentiment....how many times have I achieved black mushy death or pot o' sticks, I cannot count. TiaMia, welcome to OB. You will get differing advice, as raising orchids requires good judgement about a plant's needs, which is only gained through experience, which is unfortunately learned via bad experiences. There was a wonderful article in Orchids (the AOS publication) last month. A vanda grower talked about healthy roots = healthy plant. Sounds weird, but all of my orchid deaths have occurred from the bottom up....that horrible surprise that you never know is coming b/c the plant looks SO good . All I can say is, ditto to what Jeff said above and watch your plant daily...just check on it. Get up close and poke around (gently, ) and watch for new growths and green root tips. Good turgor in the leaves will indicate overall health, as long as there are other signs of health. Sniff the media, so you know what it smells like...as some medias age, they actually smell clean and earthy....time to repot or pot up, depending on how large the plant is. Watch for insect damage. Be curious and enjoy. I can tell you, as an experienced orchid killer, you will get better at this, as you learn from personal experience and from others. I am glad the orchid bug bit you!!

[nenella]

:iagree:

Originally Posted by vmax3000

Okay, Jeff, I swear I am not laughing at you but the sentiment....how many times have I achieved black mushy death or pot o' sticks, I cannot count. TiaMia, welcome to OB. You will get differing advice, as raising orchids requires good judgement about a plant's needs, which is only gained through experience, which is unfortunately learned via bad experiences. There was a wonderful article in Orchids (the AOS publication) last month. A vanda grower talked about healthy roots = healthy plant. Sounds weird, but all of my orchid deaths have occurred from the bottom up....that horrible surprise that you never know is coming b/c the plant looks SO good . All I can say is, ditto to what Jeff said above and watch your plant daily...just check on it. Get up close and poke around (gently, ) and watch for new growths and green root tips. Good turgor in the leaves will indicate overall health, as long as there are other signs of health. Sniff the media, so you know what it smells like...as some medias age, they actually smell clean and earthy....time to repot or pot up, depending on how large the plant is. Watch for insect damage. Be curious and enjoy. I can tell you, as an experienced orchid killer, you will get better at this, as you learn from personal experience and from others. I am glad the orchid bug bit you!!

[dlawry@cypresstruck.com]

I'm new here too and I am really enjoying the forum. I was lucky enough to win my first Orchid at a banquet a few weeks ago. I have mine in an East window and it seems to be thriving nicely. I look forward to learning how to properly care for my beautiful Phalaenopsis and take tons of photos to share.

[vmax3000]

Deej,
Welcome to OB. There are so many excellent posts, it's hard to choose! I have found that most of the growers are helpful and enthusiastic about questions, so don' be afraid to ask! Glad you are here.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

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