Quote:
Originally Posted by Optimist
...I wonder how other "southern" type growers fare?
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I'm going to find out. Will report back.
I bought a primary cross Dendrobium primulinum 'Magic' AM/AOS x D. loddigesii 'Gilbert' from Carter & Holmes early this summer. It is mounted on tree fern but this year's growth dangles far past the mount. It finished growing a few weeks ago. These two species appear to be in the nobile group and need a dry, cool winter rest. But, it won't be cool for another month here. I didn't know I was supposed to stop fertilizing by mid-summer. I need to find out what the plant thinks is mid-summer. I've been spraying its mount daily with MSU in rainwater at about 40PPM nitrogen. I will stop the fertilizer now and move it outside where it will get cooler nights and more light. I'll let it get dry for a couple of days between waterings, rather than the previous twice daily wet/dry cycle it's been on. Then when we get really cool weather I'll cut back on watering even more.
I also have my new arrivals. 2 are in bud from Carmela's, flowering on new growth, so I figure they're evergreen D. phal hybrids. That means year-round warmth and watering from what I've read.
I also just got D. moniliforme from Andy's Orchids. It's also completed its growth. Reading shows this likes cooler winters, too, and reduced watering and fertilizing but not drying out.
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