A struggle! - Orchid Board

Jerry Delaney · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2008, 11:58 PM

The picture is that of SLC Wendy's Redstone. This plant is a great miniature, but for some reason I really struggle with this hybrid. I have tried growing it cooler than the other Catts and wetter, more shade, in various media but the only thing that seems consistent with this plant is its inconsistency!! Any suggestions that might make this plant a little happier?

DebsC · #2 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 01:23 PM

It really is a lovely flower, Jerry! I can see why you're willing to give it all you can.

The leaves looks happy and nicely colored. What exactly is her complaint?

Don Perusse · #3 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 04:16 PM

Such a beautiful red. It surely is a keeper. How about sending to me and I'll figure what's wrong, if any. Hee, hee! Seriously, I don't have nor have seen before so I can't really offer and help. Some are just sticklers

Des · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 04:52 PM

Very nice and worth the effort . I had the same problem with some of my SLC'S So I put them into wood baskets filled with chunks of hardwood and cut down on the nitrogen content in the feed . They seem to prefer the baskets and so far have flowered ok

Shirley · #5 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 09:31 PM

Such a nice one, Jerry, and a beautiful colour. Can't advise but I hope you keep at it! Since it's bloomed for you, you must be doing quite a lot right!

Jerry Delaney · #6 (**permalink**) 10-10-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DebsC

It really is a lovely flower, Jerry! I can see why you're willing to give it all you can.

The leaves looks happy and nicely colored. What exactly is her complaint?

I have probably had this plant for about 10 years and have nearly lost it maybe 3 or 4 times during that period. It seems to me that the difference between under watering and rotting the roots off is so small that I find myself constantly having to repot or boosting the watering up. Maybe I'll try Des's idea of a basket. Or, maybe I should try and mount it on a tree fern or hardwood plaque. Do any of you grow SLC's this way?

Don Perusse · #7 (**permalink**) 10-11-2008, 09:08 AM

Jerry - I don't know where you live in the US but here in SW Georgia I have 6 Slc's and grow them along with my C., Lc., Blc., Slc. etc. I have a small g/h so it's one happy family. I water twice a week during the very hot part of the summer and only once every 5-7 days other times of the year. My Slc Stella Crocker (red) is the only one in bloom right now.