Project 4 - Final Poll - Page 16 - Orchid Board

shakkai · #**151** 07-30-2007, 04:59 PM

I have never tried to grow anything in this alliance of plants - so this is certainly going to be a learning experience for me.

It would be interesting (to me at least) to do a comparison of general climate - taking into consideration, of course, that some may be growing inside something like an orchidarium where the climate is controlled.

For example, I have quite high relative humidity here all year around - one of the reasons I have no trouble at all keeping an open top aquarium growing area at 80-100% humidity, rarely dropping to 70%.

Unfortunately, that area only rarely gets above 70F, and almost never above 75F. So, I'm guessing it wouldn't be the ideal place for the Aerangis....

Ross · #**152** 07-30-2007, 05:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakkai

I have never tried to grow anything in this alliance of plants - so this is certainly going to be a learning experience for me.

It would be interesting (to me at least) to do a comparison of general climate - taking into consideration, of course, that some may be growing inside something like an orchidarium where the climate is controlled.

For example, I have quite high relative humidity here all year around - one of the reasons I have no trouble at all keeping an open top aquarium growing area at 80-100% humidity, rarely dropping to 70%.

Unfortunately, that area only rarely gets above 70F, and almost never above 75F. So, I'm guessing it wouldn't be the ideal place for the Aerangis....

Actually, I would NOT assume that at all. From my experience with mounted minis, they can be quite forgiving. Did you look at the links in the thread Steve started? I have no idea yet if we can get them to blossom, but I'll bet they'll thrive in your conditions at least with leaves.

shakkai · #**153** 07-30-2007, 05:50 PM

Ross, I had a look at the culture page which lists the climate in its native habitat back when we were first discussing this plant in the chats.

My main concern was the August/September average max of 81F. As it gives the bloom season as possibly starting at any time after this period, I thought the warm temps might be the trigger....

I guess we'll see - and that's the great thing about this project!!

cb977 · #**154** 07-30-2007, 05:53 PM

LOL! You're ALL right!
Once you get the plant, do with it whatever you want to do!

That IS the whole point of the project

This is going to be great!!!

caseydoll · #**155** 07-30-2007, 06:27 PM

I think I'm going to try it potted too. I have no idea what potting medium I will use yet but I don't think I have the right conditions to try it mounted. I also start work really early so it's hard to try and water anything mounted because of all the dripping on the carpet and such. What TC's are everyone getting? I was thinking of trying a phal that was on the tentative list if they have it. I can't wait! I just hope I do okay with it....

Sarah

Ross · #**156** 07-30-2007, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shakkai

Ross, I had a look at the culture page which lists the climate in its native habitat back when we were first discussing this plant in the chats.

My main concern was the August/September average max of 81F. As it gives the bloom season as possibly starting at any time after this period, I thought the warm temps might be the trigger....

I guess we'll see - and that's the great thing about this project!!

I'll bet you this is a Max not a needed temp. I'll also bet you will have just as much (or little

) success as the rest of us. A 60 watt light bulb will make a real difference in temps, you know.

quiltergal · #**157** 07-30-2007, 07:45 PM

Ross, the RH may be higher outdoors during the winter....that is if it doesn't snow. Since I'm growing indoors with the heat on the RH in the house I'm guessing will be fairly low.

Shakai, I thought I read that lower temps in the evening is what triggers blooming??

Ross · #**158** 07-30-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caseydoll

I think I'm going to try it potted too. I have no idea what potting medium I will use yet but I don't think I have the right conditions to try it mounted. I also start work really early so it's hard to try and water anything mounted because of all the dripping on the carpet and such. What TC's are everyone getting? I was thinking of trying a phal that was on the tentative list if they have it. I can't wait! I just hope I do okay with it....

Sarah

Sarah, I'm going for mounted. Even indoors that's possible. A drip pan will take care of drips from watering. Daily watering is easier than trying to judge how wet the bark is (in my opinion). Just a prod to try a mount if you've never done this. Come on over and I'll get you started

shakkai · #**159** 07-30-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Shakai, I thought I read that lower temps in the evening is what triggers blooming??

In some cases with certain orchids it is well documented that the day/night differential is what triggers bloom. As the days are cool here in summer, and the nights are mild, we don't get that much of a difference either. I think you need to have nice warm day temps to get a big drop at night. (Doesn't help that we're under cloud for a lot of the time!!)

That said, its pretty good conditions for growing the Cloud Forest orchids!

Lin · #**160** 07-31-2007, 08:50 AM

I'm going to try it mounted.

I have three aerangis (a citrata, fastuoso and hyaloides) that are potted. They're doing OK, but not wonderful. So I'm thinking of mounting those as well.

Just needed the push.