Calanthe vestita var. semi-alba - Orchid Board

Rosim_in_BR · #1 06-11-2008, 08:50 PM

This is really an eye catcher! Impossible not to look at these pure white flowers with only a bit of red in the lip...
This species is terrestrial and deciduous, loosing the leaves just before the flowers open. I grow my Calanthes in plastic pots with sphagnum moss (actually a similar) that I keep permanently wet. Right after the flowers drop I repot them, separating all the pseudo bulbs from each other. If you don't do this, the older ones fatally will rot shortly after.

Shirley · #2 06-11-2008, 09:43 PM

Thanks for those hints, Mauro. I've lost three calanthes without knowing why, including a vestita. Never thought of growing them in moss, kept wet!! I still have one survivor, Calanthe Rozelle, so will see what I can do with it. Your semi-alba is lovely.

Rosim_in_BR · #3 06-11-2008, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirley

Thanks for those hints, Mauro. I've lost three calanthes without knowing why, including a vestita. Never thought of growing them in moss, kept wet!! I still have one survivor, Calanthe Rozelle, so will see what I can do with it. Your semi-alba is lovely.

My pleasure, Shirley!

GreggC · #4 06-12-2008, 09:28 AM

It was all ready in bark and had just been repotted. Unfortunately, it is too late to repot it I think--there are leaves on it. How often would you water it if it in bark? I have it in an east facing garden window. I hit it with some fertilizer and it seems to be liking where I have it. I have not had problems so far. Suggestions? Thank you in advance.

charmbutterfly · #5 06-12-2008, 01:26 PM

Very cute one mauro!

GreggC · #6 06-12-2008, 02:26 PM

Charm? LOL!! They always seem that way to me.

Rosim_in_BR · #7 06-12-2008, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggC

..... I have not had problems so far. Suggestions? Thank you in advance.

GreggC, we don't change a winning team, right? If you're not having trouble with it the way you're growing it, then that's what counts!

GreggC · #8 06-12-2008, 08:36 PM

Just thought that I would ask, but "Good answer, good answer!" LOL!!

Lagoon · #9 06-12-2008, 08:59 PM

Oh this is beautiful - wow!

Rosim_in_BR · #10 06-12-2008, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreggC

Just thought that I would ask, but "Good answer, good answer!" LOL!!

GreggC, I have an old friend and mentor who always says to me that if the plant is doing good, then there's no reason to change. He has been growing orchids for more than 55 years, so I respect what he says. When I posted my answer, I didn't mean to be harsh with you, please. I just wanted to pass on what he taught me. I hope I didn't upset you!