I'm so excited!

[cb977]

Today I found a large bud on my Blc Dora Lea Capen which was one of the first orchids I purchased three and a half years ago when this obsession began!
I can't wait to see the blooms! It's such a gorgeous chid!

On the other hand, I have a beautiful white Cattleya without a name tag. It is a named plant but the only ID I have for it is the catalog number from the grower, Shannon's Orchids, who happens to be out of business for years. Anyway, it always blooms with two flowers on a spike. I looked at it today and found buds! Only problem is something ate one of them!

[Des]

Oh no! thats terrible when you wait so long for a plant to flower and then have a slug or snail munch the buds. Wrap some cotton wool around the base of the flower spike this will stop them from getting at the buds.

[cb977]

Great idea, Des! Thank you

This isn't the first time something had themselves a snack ...but it is the last!!!

[Chubidubi]

Take good care of your babies Sue. That way they'll give you even prettier blooms and we get a chance to see more of your beautiful .

[cb977]

I was out there bright and early with my cotton wrapping the bases of the spikes on these two

Thanks again Des

Thanks Wanda

[Swamper]

Sorry to hear that Susanne, that's a bummer. But I see you're ready for them next time. BTW that is a great idea Des.

[Des]

The cotton wool also stops loopers and ants,but be sure to keep it dry or use the waterproof type ,it must stay fluffy.
I also use copper foil in strategic places ,as slugs and snails do not like crawling over copper . I got this idea while watching a program on tv about snail farming. They breed them in tanks which have copper strip around the top to stop the horrible things from escaping. I also go around at night with my headlamp on collecting them in a bucket for feeding to the birds in the morning!