Laelia anceps (Project 10 int. - Spring 2010)

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

izzie- i tried to get some seaweed fert yesterday but the garden center didnt have and D:

You might try the place that Maria (peewee) gets hers from. From what I hear, unlike the liquid stuff I've been using, there is no risk of mold.
I'm convinced that the soaking in kelp solution was what introduced the mold to my lost P. aphrodite- it almost happened to a couple others, but I caught it much sooner. So it only gets used on the garden terrestrials outside now.

[Call_Me_Bob]

So you are recommending I get kelp powder? Where does Maria get hers?.

[Izzie]

I can't remember, I'd try PMing her.
I can't afford the shipping and such right now, but maybe someday.

[Call_Me_Bob]

I really can't afford too much right now either. I guess I'll just wait until the garden center gets more in. They said they had some earlier in the year.

[Izzie]

So I was gifted a large opaque plastic pot (long story) from OH when I bought from them at my past orchid show.

It's the same size as the terra cotta pot that my L. anceps is in now, which has been growing in coarse bark mix.

Today is repotting day before it comes inside, and I was thinking of repotting into either all leca (not s/h) or 50:50 leca and coarse bark.

My thinking in switching to the new plastic pot is that of course, it will not dry out as fast- as a lot of my plants do in my very dry (and extremely dry in the winter) environment.

I know these guys like perfect drainage and lots of air and water. And a good drying out between watering.
Hence, why I'm on the fence about switching.

Plus- being an opaque pot, it'll really cook in the summer when it's in full sun (which it LOVED this summer, while in the clay pot.)- but I could put it into a clay cache pot to keep it cooler.

But I STILL think that eventhough it's rupiculous, it will appreciate it's roots staying somewhat more humid in the plastic pot.


Sooooo....?

[Izzie]

I think I've decided on the plastic pot, lol. Amazing what venting on the board can do for one's thought process.

but now I can't decide on whether to do all leca, or the 50:50.....



or maybe....I'll just stick to the clay pot......or...x.x

[Call_Me_Bob]

Don't sweat it too much. They are very resilient and drought tolerant. Mine Went through a dry period that I though it needed, they don't actually need one. But it Hasn't missed a beat

[Izzie]

I know they're drought tolerant- I love that! The plastic pot would be easier to sterilize and clean than the clay....just not sure if it would appreciate it.

[Call_Me_Bob]

I think it would appreciate it. Just because they are drought tolerant, that doesn't mean that it won't appreciate it. I have mine in a placid basket, but I kinda regret it, because it dries up Soooo fast

[Call_Me_Bob]

mine is growing good. i think three new leads. roots are everywhere! ill probably have to repot come time to move outside. i like to have fast draining media for outside, but i cant keep up with it indoors. so idk what ill do. maybe if i repot in ark when i move outside, and then the bar will hold more moisture by the time it gets cold ( fall 2011)