Colm. Wildcatastrophy almost - Orchid Board

tuvoc · #1 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 03:18 PM

My Colm. Wildcat 'Bobcat' has been one of my most reliable performers for several years. Last year I potted it in spagnum moss, and it did even better. This year it had two huge new growths with spikes almost the size of pencils. Then my new cat decided it would make a great toy. I woke up one morning to find it on the floor, out of its pot, with both spikes snapped off. One was lost, the other had one node that looked like it might grow. It is now in a cat-proof place, with a shortened secondary shoot with eight very nice blossoms. Here is a shot of her in all her glory along with the culprit in her second favorite spot, outside!

Kim

quiltergal · #2 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 03:29 PM

Oh......Oh.....Catzilla!

I wonder if she thinks birds will mistake her open mouth for the opening to the birdhouse? Fortunately the plant itself wasn't damaged and will live to bloom another season. Beautiful flowers!

Rosim_in_BR · #3 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 04:40 PM

Kim, I love cats (although I don't have one!) but, man, if I wake up with such a mess on one of my orchids...

(just kidding!!)

Becca · #4 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 05:20 PM

Yeah...if my baby knocked over one of my other babies I think I would come unglued!!!! Especially if it was in spike!!!!

Phantasm · #5 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 06:14 PM

It's a lovely cat, but I would consider kittycat fettucine.

Shirley · #6 (**permalink**) 10-03-2007, 09:04 PM

Kim, Great photos. I love BOTH of them!

The sheen on the blossoms is just beautiful and good for you in managing to salvage one of the spikes.

I have two cats who love to visit my plant room but it is getting so crowded in there that they have trouble finding a space to sit. In the winter they like to get near the heaters.

Shirley

Bird Song Farm · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 03:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirley

Kim, Great photos. I love BOTH of them!

The sheen on the blossoms is just beautiful and good for you in managing to salvage one of the spikes.

I have two cats who love to visit my plant room but it is getting so crowded in there that they have trouble finding a space to sit. In the winter they like to get near the heaters.

Shirley

Kim, great photos, the plant was obviously healthy to sart with to bounce back and flower for you and the kitty looks like a typical cat just sitting around looking for the next thing to investigate!
I don't really mean to change the subject, I have two cats who allow me to live with them, but Shirley what do you use for heaters? Warmth is going to be a problem for me (actually my plants) in a couple of months and I need to find something safe and economical.

Shirley · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2007, 10:07 PM

Birdsong,
When the weather gets cold I operate two heaters. These are electric, oil-filled radiators that, in appearance, resemble the old-fashioned radiators in homes. One is made by DeLonghi and the other is a Honeywell but there are many brands out there available in most department stores, Home Depots, etc. One is on around the clock, set to maintain the minimum night-time temperature. The second is on a timer to come on in the morning, boost the temperature up to the desired daytime level, and turn off in the evening. These are very safe with no electric bars showing that might be a fire danger or harmful to my cats! This setup has been working very well for me for a number of years. Hope this helps!

Shirley

Bird Song Farm · #9 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 04:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shirley

Birdsong,
When the weather gets cold I operate two heaters. These are electric, oil-filled radiators that, in appearance, resemble the old-fashioned radiators in homes. One is made by DeLonghi and the other is a Honeywell but there are many brands out there available in most department stores, Home Depots, etc. One is on around the clock, set to maintain the minimum night-time temperature. The second is on a timer to come on in the morning, boost the temperature up to the desired daytime level, and turn off in the evening. These are very safe with no electric bars showing that might be a fire danger or harmful to my cats! This setup has been working very well for me for a number of years. Hope this helps!

Shirley

Shirley, thank you so much for the reply. I have this type of heater on my "list" to look into and with your recommendation, they will probably be what I go with.
I especially like the safety feature! Again, thank you.

gmdiaz · #10 (**permalink**) 10-06-2007, 08:11 AM

No cat in its right mind could resist bouncy orchid spikes. . .but I know you were soooooo mad.

Cat Zilla has a beautiful face and coat!!!