Types of Orchids and where to get them - Orchid Board

amycalmes · #1 06-21-2010, 09:57 PM

Hello all,

I am new to orchid growing and I currently have one Phalaenopsis Orchid. I am looking to venture into some other types of orchids now and was wondering what you guys think about the Pleurothallis Caligularis (miniature orchid)...Are they very difficult to grow? I have seen lots of photos and they look amazing and I'd like to try to grow one. Also, I live near Ann Arbor, MI. Does anyone have any suggestions of where I could go to get this type of orchid...or just anywhere where the staff members actually know about orchids...because I went to the nursery at Lowes and they seemed completely clueless. Any help is greatly appreciated! Thanks all!

cabnc · #2 06-21-2010, 11:39 PM

I would start at the Orchid Board classified section. Lots of members sell divisions and extra plants here. Then check the vendors who advertise at Orchid Board.

Being in MI, check for Rob at Little Frog Farms in Lansing.

Charlie
U of M, MSE in NA&ME, 1979

Cym Ladye · #3 06-22-2010, 11:24 AM

Hi Amy,

There is an orchid society which mets in Ann Arbor. Check their web site http://www.aaosonline.org/ for the time and the location of the meetings. Not only is this a great way to meet other orchid enthusiasts but a chance to learn about many different types of orchids and which will grow best in your climate. Most orchid societies also have member plant sale tables at their meetings and you can meet the growers and discuss the care of the plants directly with them.

CL

amycalmes · #4 06-22-2010, 09:37 PM

Thanks for the information! I really appreciate it and am going to look into the Ann Arbor Orchid Society. It really sounds like something that I would enjoy. I can't wait to get growing some new types of orchids and learn as much as possible!

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #5 06-22-2010, 09:55 PM

Lynn's Pleurothallids. They're in MI.

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #6 06-22-2010, 09:58 PM

Forgot to ask...

Do you have a RO/DI unit?

amycalmes · #7 06-23-2010, 09:19 PM

Philip-Thanks for the suggestion. Also, I do not have an RO/DI unit...is that something that will be necessary?

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #8 06-24-2010, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by amycalmes

Philip-Thanks for the suggestion. Also, I do not have an RO/DI unit...is that something that will be necessary?

It's either that or buying water from the water store.

The water should be low in dissolved minerals, or the plants suffer or can eventually slowly decline (I'm referring specifically to Plths caligularis in this case).

Cym Ladye · #9 06-25-2010, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

It's either that or buying water from the water store.

The water should be low in dissolved minerals, or the plants suffer or can eventually slowly decline (I'm referring specifically to Plths caligularis in this case).

Phiip,

I have been successfully growing orchids for over 45 years and do not have an RO/DI system. I think it all depends on the quality of the water source. I agree that some areas may need it and certainly, if you have a water softener in the home and water through it, you will have a problem. Beginner growers might also steer away from the more "hard to grow" genera at the start.

My best suggestion to Amy would be to check with the members of the Orchid Society and see what they recommend for her area and genera she is growing before diving into an RO system, which can be expensive. Even with a mineral build-up, most problems can be averted with yearly repotting.

CL

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #10 06-25-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

Phiip,

I have been successfully growing orchids for over 45 years and do not have an RO/DI system. I think it all depends on the quality of the water source. I agree that some areas may need it and certainly, if you have a water softener in the home and water through it, you will have a problem. Beginner growers might also steer away from the more "hard to grow" genera at the start.

My best suggestion to Amy would be to check with the members of the Orchid Society and see what they recommend for her area and genera she is growing before diving into an RO system, which can be expensive. Even with a mineral build-up, most problems can be averted with yearly repotting.

CL

I'll agree that not everyone needs a RO/DI system depending on the type of orchid in question.

But she is talking about a genera that is sensitive to high concentrations of dissolved minerals (Pleurothallids in general are sensitive to high concentrations of dissolved minerals).