Ok, I've done a bad thing and ordered stuff I know nothing about...

[KathyKayserKonig]

Thanks kp53! I found SuperThrive today. Am I to mix it with anything other than water for root soaking? What do you think? I also picked up some little terra cotta pots which I will start soaking next week to make sure there isn't any nasties hanging out in the pores of the clay. Woo Hoo!

[kp53]

I am not the person to ask about SuperThrive as I have never used it. I am not an expert on any orchids, I buy what interests me and hope for the best. I do not keep track the the names of my orchids, some I know and some are NOIDS. I don't have a greenhouse or special lights or a special room. I use my dining room window that has a southern exposure with part of my orchids on my deck in a shaded area for the summer. I have about 60 various kinds of orchids. I grow orchids for my enjoyment and if they bloom it is an added bonus.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Yes, you can grow vandas bare root, potten in baskets or mounted.

These are two of my vandas:

My teeny baby vanda (Wink):

Vanda Alliance :: Vanda Vivian x Vanda Red Ball (2009) picture by peeweelovesbooks - Photobucket

It's doing much better currently.


And here's a current picture of my vanda denisonniana mounted on teak:

Vanda Alliance :: Vanda denisoniana x sib #2 (2009) picture by peeweelovesbooks - Photobucket

Watered every day......fertilized weekly or twice weekly. Right now the rains take care of watering for me.

You'll find you can grow most stuff either potted or mounted. Depends on your preference, growing conditions and space.

Good luck and don't worry. Ask a lot of questions--we are always happy to answer.

Oh, and there's a thread (vendor feedback) that people post about preferred vendors. Like anything else in orchid growing....everyone has favorites. Just BREATHE and have lots of fun.

[KathyKayserKonig]

Thank you for the pictures peeweelovesbooks. They are very interesting and informative. These are such strange and yet beautiful plants aren't they? I would have never in my life thought a plant could live like that. I have to say my favorite is the wee one in the teak mount. How cute! Thank you for the vendor feedback thread information. I will check that out. Thank you so much for your kind replies!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Here's a pic of Vanda coerulea in the wild.

http://natureproducts.net/Projects/O...a_coerulea.jpg

[KathyKayserKonig]

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Here's a pic of Vanda coerulea in the wild.

http://natureproducts.net/Projects/O...a_coerulea.jpg

Wow, thanks for the picture King. That is pretty amazing. It almost looks alien-like. We live on a pretty amazing planet. I hope I am able to keep mine alive and thriving. Thanks again everyone!

[camille1585]

When are you supposed to receive the orchids?

[KathyKayserKonig]

on or around July 17th. I'm so excited and nervous I feel a little like I am giving birth or something...

[Becca]

Originally Posted by KathyKayserKonig

Becca, I don't have much ready except for some premixed stuff from Lowe's. Do let me know your recommendations when you have a moment. Thank you!

Sorry I didn't get any emails about replies on this thread until just a bit ago, not sure why....o-well! I recommend any of the pre-made mixes from rePotme Orchid Supplies - Orchid Mix - Orchid Pots - Orchid Fertilizer. A little on the expensive side, but they usually ship the same day, have outstanding customer service, and high quality products and orchid mixes to go with! My orchids love their potting mixes and I plan on continuing to use only theirs!

[nutgirl]

There is an interesting thread on OB under "Vandas in Glass Vases". It is another option available to you.
I use it for my little Princess Mikasa I got last year and it has tripled in size. It's thinking about a flower spike. The method works for me because I don't have to water as often but when I do I can really soak it.

Maureen