Let the learning curve begin

 How much water for the vanda, whose bare roots transpire in this hot weather. How much feeding can I get away with, in an effort to kickstart remarkable growth or new flower spikes. The pseudo bulbs on the Schomburgkia lueddemanii x self were black (and seemed to be moving down rhizome). Thought I'd pull off the bad, perhaps some were still green, they were all touched (I hope it was rot and not something that could have been righted, otherwise a plant died in vain). $25-35 on the debit side of the GL. In my defense, it my have been infected before falling into my hands.

Not sure here, but it seems pretty safe to suggest; do NOT water a begonia with any amount of copper fungicide in the water. Don't do it. I drenched b. 'Selph's ..with left over water that containted the copper, leaves started wilting, and falling from the rhizome. Another drench of clean water seems to have washed the poison away enough to stop the wilt.

Filled a bucket of water, added a drop of SuperThrive and soaked aerides, new vandas. They'll be dry by dusk. They need the moisture -- the almost constant breeze and heat stresses them out (thus speaks new orchid master), again, we'll how long it takes. But you never know.. there is some hearty new growth on some of the plants. My heart is in the right place.

Need to get some pics up and document this amateur horticultural circus.

Thanks very much for the comments on typical plant growth cycle. I'll study more.

Pure Science

Injected some fish emulsion into today's orchid douche. I'm at work now, but will catalogue plant size (photographically) by week as I alternate between fish and seaweed additives - as well as SuperThrive. Of course these will be in addition to a weak Jack's 20-20-20. Especially interested in Vanda root growth.

Does flowering stop plant growth?

Friday 9/27..

A spray of the Ascocenda adisak blue suddenly collapsed.. pollination? too much sun? The Aerides Lawrenciae has finished the stalks clipped. I've been trying to find confirmation that blooming halts the plant growth... stalks gone-- keiki on the aerides will finally start growing??

I've been watering the vanda daily with a light solution of tap water and emulsified seaweed extract. My orchids are growing. They seem to like the near constant air movement (ocean breeze). After three weeks now most are acclimated to the sun cycle. Watering the dendrobium, schomburgkia every other day.

Google has totally sold out, searches now on orchid growth brings ads, ads, ads.. I'm ashamed for them.

I searched on Google scholar with more interesting results-- here's one for us in S Florida:

Four-year growth and reproduction of Cyclopogon cranichoides (Orchidaceae) in South Florida

or maybe, 

Recent developments in the study of orchid mycorrhiza

or how about one on ye olde mycorrhizal fungi?

Understanding the roles of multifunctional mycorrhizal and endophytic fungi

Hitting some local nurseries this weekend. I bought 2 plants off of ebay. I don't know why, I'm in the Orchid capital of the country (except maybe for Hawaii), impulse buys while watching Doc Martin.. 

The week in review

I've begun using a 3 gal sprayer to start the day, giving  all mounted orchids a nice shower.. with  a little Jack's 20-20-20 in it. The plants are responding well to this 'bangers and mash' breakfast. The orchids don't seem to be negatively affected by the ocean breeze which has been brisk at times.

It was a beautiful day in S FL just a few degrees cooler than it's been, just one or two but I felt it. Stretching out to hit a backhand on the tennis court I pulled a lower calf muscle slightly, it has slowed me down. But, not enough to keep the family from going to Green Barn Orchid Supply in Delray.  The reason I had heard of them is because I had been scouring the internet for reasonable rustic looking orchid pots. This was one of the few places that advertised them, and at good prices. They had just received a big shipment of vandas from Thailand which were all hanging neatly in the hothouse. I accidently bought a Rhynchorides (Aerides x Rhynchostylis) Bangkok Sunset, evidently quite fragrant. 

I hope this isn't too copyrighted..

Bangkok Sunset ($30)

Also purchased was a quart of Maxicrop seaweed concentrate. Guaranteed to stimulate vigorous growth. I need to research growth hormones / food that are best for these monopodial epiphytes. Ok, I've done some research, I've had fish emulsion on the shelf for a while, it with the seaweed concentrate alternating by week should cause erections all around.

Green Barn Orchid Supply
5185 Conklin Drive
Delray Beach, FL 33484
(561) 499-2810
sales@greenbarnorchid.com

I

10 x 9" Rustic orchid pot $12

More later..

I'm a fool for a plant sale

Ascocenda adisak blue, an astoundingly beautiful deep purple vanda from RR Orchids.(I hope I'm worthy of such a prize).
.

 



Back at the ranch.. the roof provides protection from midday sun. Bird of paradise frond filters morning sun. Aerides lawrenciae hanging quietly (but smelling headily) in the background.

This vanda is from:
Antonio Romani
"The Vanda Man"
R & R Orchids, LLC
12934 25th Street N.
Loxahatchee Groves, FL 33470
Nursery 561.328.7377



El Parque

 Looking east midday, the begonia I was lazily calling 'Red' is actually begonia 'Doc' a hybrid of Tim Anderson of Palm Hammock Orchid Estate, it only took a look at the tag I had wisely left in place. The sun is starting to pass overhead at a more southerly arc already. Plants that were acclimated to the overhead sun (shade was in place for them) are now getting burnt.. need to think of some new protect. The new orchids seem to be situated in friendly sites. A few months will tell.

 

The bird of paradise and fishtail on one side and orchids and vines on the other side, create the hint of a garden room- magic on a city terrace facing rooftops and parking lots.

 

Enchante'



 

A light jasmine candy-like smell from this Aeride lawrenciae. I reckon the leaves got a little sunburnt and flopped over? Maybe too much Nitrogen in the miraclegro caused the leaves get too big and unable to support themselves? (I haven't used the miraclegro since). Do the leaves on the Aeride stand up like Vandas?

Handsome b 'Doc'

b. 'Doc' (lower center more in right side of planter) a deep burgundy red velvet-- a beautiful rhizomatous begonia. Currently tightly potted in plastic, I'm going to try to wait until it's uncomfortably tight before replanting into 8.5 scalloped edge Polyclay pot from Home Depot ($14.95).

Portuguese man 'o war

Check out this idea for growing / mounting Vandas:
http://craftorganic.com/flora/orchids-on-bamboo-lattic

This pic is from the Craft Organic website.