| MONTH | DATE | DATE | DATE | DATE | MONTH | DATE | DATE | DATE | DATE | |
| January | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | February | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-28 | |
| March | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | April | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-30 | |
| May | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | June | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-30 | |
| July | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | August | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | |
| September | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-30 | October | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 | |
| November | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-30 | December | 1-7 | 8-14 | 15-21 | 22-31 |
From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Laelia lobata
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 00:10
Hello Erica,
Will look forward to seeing the resultant flowers when it happens.
The maxima looks great. Lovely colour
Max.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Laelia lobata
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 09:15
Erica Hi,
Do you mount the Laelias or do you grow them in pots and if so what mix do you use?
Regards,
Gordon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From:
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: [OrchidTalk] (no subject)
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 11:30
terrestrial orchids
Having grown terrestrial orchids from seed when the plants are mature enough
to plant into soil, should the soil be sterilized and should the Ph of the
soil be known?
Mike, France
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Terrestrial orchids.
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:10
Hi Mike,
Can you please tell me exactly what orchids you aim on planting out, as this will help me to possibly give you some information.
Regards, Rocky.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Laelias.
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:15
Hi all,
Maybe a year or so ago I wrote to tell you that some of my friends and I were experiencing the same problem with our Laelias. It was a case of the flower spikes growing as per normal, but when the buds got to the stage when they could be plainly seen, they would just turn a soft brown colour and rot.
I would like to hear if anyone is having the same type of problem this year.
Second question.
Does anyone know where I can buy a Laelia superbiens in the U.K.
Regards, Rocky.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Brenda Beale BB
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pat Achari
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:20
I have had this plant for four years, from a young plant. It just gets better each year, 7 spikes this year.
Brenda
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Book.
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 19:30
Hi all,
During the past three and a half years I have been steadily putting a small book together, and a few weeks ago I had fifty copies run off. It is in A5 format and consists of fifty six pages.
Way back in the 'twenties and thirties' a local [Totton] haulage and coach [charabanc] company had their charabancs sign written with the words, 'The Orchid'. That was the start of my investigation which centred around one Guy Harben owner of Colbury House, Hillstreet, Totton, and his orchid grower a Cyril Rathbone.
Then on to the R.H.S. in London. The Prudential Insurance Company. Wylde Court Orchids at Newbury. Betty Garton, and back to my home town.
Many awards were won by the partnership of Guy Harben and Cyril Rathbone.
If anyone is interested and would like a copy then the cost is £5.oo.
Kind regards, Rocky.
P.S. Another book all about growing in an inert medium will soon be at the printers!!!!!
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Trade mark, copyright or watermark
Date: Wed, 22 Nov 2006 23:25
My watermark started as a trademark 15 years ago when
I wrote a garden column for the local paper. The
little guy is close enough to my true looks that
people started to relate it directly to me. He even
has a name. it's TOG. If you go to either of my sites
home page you will find out what the name means. A
few years ago the watermark was smaller. Then I saw
Ae Ae banana pictures of mine appearing in other
sites. I knew that they were pictures of my garden
because a small watermark was visible to people who
knew what to look for. At that point I decided to use
a larger watermark. Now if you see the mark you now
who took the picture. I try to keep the mark in dark
or simple areas so others who would like to save the
picture could erase the mark. When ever I post
messages related to this beautiful variegated banana,
I always get a spike of viewers on my sites. If any
of you orchid growers would like to see my bananas go
to:
http://togofcoralgables.com/AeAebananas.aspx
If someone wants to edit my pictures and do not care
to spend money on Photoshop, try Gimp. I do all of my
editing with the free, open source Gimp editing program.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: ema.orquideas Perú
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Laelia lobata
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 00:45
Hi Gordon:
I grow Laelias and Cattleyas in both methodos , in pots , with osmunda , perlite and charcoal or in osmunda plates. In both cases I suppress the water when it goes to begin the formation of buds inside of the spata. Lima has to much humidity. Regards Erica
BiOrquidTropic Perú-Laboratorio (MR)
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pat Achari
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 06:20
Looks rather like Thai Sky.
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pat Achari
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 07:50
Hi Brenda,
That is a real beauty. What are the growing conditions please?
Gordon.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:20
My new address is:
r.newstead@sky.com
If you have sent messages to me and have received no answer, now you know
why!
Ron N
-------------------------------------------------------------
From:
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Terrestrial orchids.
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 11:20
Dear Ricky,
Thanks for your reply. I'm living in the south of France and I am set up
for tissue culture. I am interested in trying to grow any terrestrial orchid.
When seeds have grown to maturity and are ready for potting out, should the
potting mixture be sterilized and of known Ph.? Is the use of Physan
recommended at potting out stage?
If I'm successful, I'll share anything with you.
Sincerely, Mike
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: MARK GRIFFITHS
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Trade mark, copyright or watermark
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:00
Hi, long time no post! Not sure what proceeded this but I've had some interesting experiences in this area.
About a year ago I was using Google images to find pictures of rare cyclamen (it's actually quite a good way of finding sites with more content rather than wading through sites that just have the name of the plant appearing once on the whole site) and low and behold there were some of my pics on a japanese seed merchants site..they had even stuck their own watermark on it! I contacted them and got profuse apologies and a request the that as the president of the company was visiting the UK could he visit my "establishment"? I see now instead they have a google image search link for the less common plants (so don't they harvest their own seed? ..or their suppliers don't have a camera?)
The other, odder experience I had was that about 2 years ago, I was contacted by my namesake asking that I make it clear on my website that I was not the Mark Griffiths who was the gardening correspondant for the Telegraph. Actually I don't use my name on my website Inspiring Plants but it is off my domain, markgriffiths.org. So I responded to this somewhat grumpy and arrogant e-mail that it seemed odd to say who I was not, I would prefer to say who I was and then proceeded to list the various areas where I had web presence for one reason or another. I never heard from him again.
regards, Mark
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Janet Fabricant
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pat Achari
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 13:15
Hi Brenda,
Your plant is just lovely. May it bloom for many years to come.
Wirey hugs and love and xxx and licks from Janet, Bobby and Asta in Boynton Beach, Florida
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Laelia lobata
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 14:30
Hi Erica,
Is the Laelia lobata also a native of Peru. Mine comes from Brazil.
Your Laelia lobata seems to be much bigger than mine. Mine measures
11 cm across. I would love to have one seedling of the lobata / maxima
cross. It sure will be a stunning large flower, and if you are lucky
it might carry more flowers per inflorescence and a bit more spaced
apart.
Kind regards
Peter from Bloubergstrand
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Trade mark, copyright or watermark
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 14:30
Last night after I sent the email about my water mark I thought I better check my Ae Ae site to make sure that the watermarks were all in place. To my surprise some were missing or very small, indicating that the jpg was older and had not been upgraded. I then went to check if my email had been listed, it hadn't. So late last night I took all of the Ae Ae pictures off of the site, reworked them and put them back. This morning I saw that my email was posted. I went to the site and sure enough I had more hits in the middle of my night then I had any day this month. Thank you all for looking at my site. Now I have to check the entire site and find all of the older jpg's. The site has many pages, but one of them is hard to open. It is the page 'about us'. This page shows pictures of my immediate neighborhood. It doesn't have my picture, it doesn't have my house, nor does it have my name. Check it out at:
http://togofcoralgables.com/aboutus.aspx
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Inquisitive !!!
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 17:30
Hi all,
I have been having a good look at the web site of 'Easy Orchids' up in Pontefract, Yorkshire.
Does anyone know who owns the company, or who runs it?
Thanks, Rocky.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Brenda Beale BB
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Pat Achari
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 18:25
Hi Gordon
I grow my Pat Achari on a rockwool raft, it is hung quite high in the greenhouse, and the minimum winter temperature is 15c.It is sprayed once a day in the winter and more if I remember in the summer.
Brenda
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Terrestrial orchids.
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 18:50
Hello Mike,
Although my very good friends at 'Ratcliffe Orchids' may be able to help, and if you wish I can ask them, I myself did answer your E-mail because the wild orchids of England have been one of my hobbies for about 39 years.
When the little plants are ready for potting out, maybe the choice of soil should be correct.
For this I mean: Here in England the Greater Butterfly Orchid grows only on chalk soil, but its 'cousin the Lesser Butterfly orchid does not like chalk soil....only the acid soil here in the New Forest close to my home. We are 5 miles west of Southampton.
To give you an idea about the variety of soils that some orchids grow in, I will tell you about the Bee orchid.
It normally grows very well on chalk soil, but here in the New Forest I know of a place where many Bee orchids grow on ordinary forest soil, and one group grows very well on a bank of clay.
As to the sterilisation, maybe you should try planting some just as 'Mother Nature' would do.
I hope that we can keep in touch and help each other.
Kind regards, Rocky.
Totton.
Southampton
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 19:20
Hi Ron, nice to hear from you again ; I did know that you had been having
trouble with your PC or something ( via Joyce/Betty?Doris? etc.).
I see you have gone Sky ! I put my name down and get periodic e-mails
telling me that I can't have it yet , but why don't I upgrade my present
overly expensive Sky Plus subscription ( costs about £5 per hour that I
actually watch , due to me not watching much ! )to something even more
expensive and of even less interest to me.
I'll bet that when it is offered , the 'free' broadband will end up costing
more than the one I have now.
Anyway , welcome back.
geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Book.
Date: Thu, 23 Nov 2006 21:45
Hi Roger,
Forgive me if I don't claim deep enough interest in the subject matter of your book to contribute to your Merry Christmas (I don't know the company concerned) but I am most interested in the technology you have used to produce a 56 page job so economically (unless it's DIY).
I edit our monthly Society's Newsletter which is a simple double-stapled A5 job of four folded A4 sheets (16 A5 pages) and a cover sheet. Until this month I have had photocopied about 80 innner page-sets and ink-jetted the cover cards myself to get the colour images. This month, the covers are Canon colour laser printed for economy and speed (Christmas has come early!)
I have occasionally contemplated special issues and small-run guide books but if the booklets are of more than say six folded A4s, then they spring open. On the other hand, if I go to double or triple 'sutures' each of four sheets, there are binding problems.
You seem to have gone for 14 A4 sheets (plus card cover?) and so I wonder how you have put them together. I guess a commercial job would be far above a fiver . . . so how did you do it? Cheating with spiral binding? Perfect binding with flexible glue at the spine . . sheer magic . . .or what?
The attached shows our Newsletter sitting on two opened copies.
John
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: mojca klancic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Book.
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 06:35
Dear Rocky,
I would be very interesting in haveing your book. If you can send it to Europe, Slovenia, please tell me the amount with shipping costs, so I can send it to you. I do prefer a recomended leter, that is far the cheaper way for me to send money abroad.
Can you tell me more about the second book you mentioned? And, do you have the book written by Jack Ross, The World of Orchids, A practical guide to cultivating orchids in soilless culture? As I was searching the web it was till now the only available literature.
Wishing you a nice day,
Mojca
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Some recent blooms to share
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 10:55
Hello all,
Here are some of my recent blooms:
Kingidium deliciosum:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1875b.jpg
Brassocattleya Nanipuakea:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1868b.jpg
Schoenorchis fragrans:
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1862b.jpg
cheers,
esther
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Jack Ross
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 11:40
Hi Mojca
> And, do you have the book written by Jack Ross, The World of Orchids, A
> practical guide to cultivating orchids in soilless culture? As I was
> searching the web it was till now the only available literature.
I bought this book and I can only say that I was very disappointed. Not
very practical at all and vastly overpriced.
In short what he is saying is very basic hydroponics info that you can get from your local library. He tarts it up with lots of graphs and tables which will have your mind reeling.
If you really insist on having a copy, you can have mine for the cost of postage from Australia to you.
If you really want to know about soiless culture, talk to Geoff.
Tony
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: P G Hieke
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Pat Achari
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:50
Definitely not. Thai Sky is dark blue.
Peter from Bloubergstrand
> Looks rather like Thai Sky.
>
> Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: The price !!!
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 17:10
Evening all,
It was so nice to read what Tony had written from 'Down under'..........don't mention the cricket !!!
When I saw how much the book was advertised at I was very surprised and wondered why it commanded such a price.
Which just goes to show how valuable our Club is and the information that we can access.
Cheers Tony.
Regards, Rocky.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:05
I HAD TO LOOK UP Kingidium , could not remember what the genus is ; Jay
Pfhal showed me a flower almost identical to yours , but perhaps faintly
spotted pink around the centre. A nice species − new to me.
I like you BC too − I buy these B.nodosa )( etc) primary hybrids , on sight
, and think they are lovely.
Another new one to me is the Schoenorchis − I knew the name but that's all
. But I love it. Obviously difficult to photograph − Jay Pfhal has a better
picture of one with rather more flowers . This is one I shall tick in my
memory , and look out for , to add to my collection.
From the encyclopaedia pic it looks as though it will form a clump when doing well.
Nice to see pics of little known species. Keep it up.
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: James H
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: virus issues
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:40
hi,
i posted a while back about the possiblity of my orchid collection having a
viral infection,
i have switched to hydroculture using a aquatic plant soil (clay pellets of
irregular shap like aquarium gravel but baked clay)
this imporved my culture but a number of my orchids mostly from the same
source are not doing very well, they have light green stripes over their
leaves that seem to resemble odontoglossum ringspot virus or possibly
Cymbidium mosiac virus.
does anyone on the list know of a testing service in canada?, i found a
couple on the web in europe and a couple in the states but i cant ship any
known dieased plants or plant pieces to another country.
i have heard of a home test kit but cant find anywhere in canada that sells
them, i have tried contacting a couple orchid societies but i dont have a
local one in my town and the closest ones havent responded to my emails and
dont have phone numbers.
does anyone know what genera are suceptible to either of those viruses?
because some of my plants have no symptoms and are growing very well but
ones like ondontos and onc are all not doing good, but my catts are growing
great as well as my phallies.
not all of my orchids are in the same room and those ones seem to be doing
better like my ludisia's.
i also want to test my moms orchids as mine lived at her house for a few
months a couple years ago and i could have spread it to them (even tho hers
grow way better than mine and she doesnt even look after them at all, only
get water once a month or when i come over and water them)
thanks in advance
James
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 18:50
Esther, Very nice indeed. That is the second Schoenorchis fragrans I have
seen in bloom this week. I can't get a thing out of mine − except decline,
recently!!
Can you tell me about your conditions light, humidity? Are you using a
terrarium. Do you immerse or mist? How often? etc.
Thanks in advance!
Barbara
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Rudolf Günnel
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Terrestrial orchids.
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 19:00
Hello Mike,
I'm not that expert with regard to terrestrial orchids but there are
two
things I have in mind (I hope they are logical and common sense).
Firstly − sterilized medium is necessary for in vitro culture. It
won't
make sense to plant the plants in sterilized potting medium after
deflasking. Sterilization will fade away very quick in a 'normal'
environment.
Secondly − the ph factor differs from species to species. It's
impossible to give a general advice. The genera Cypripedium for
instance. Most of the species grow in a soil with a ph factor between
6.5 and 7.5 (little acid / neutral / little basic). But Cypripedium
acaule needs a ph factor of 3.7 − extremely acid.
Try to find out what are the needs of your plants.
I hope that helps,
Best regard from Germany, Rudolf
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Fri, 24 Nov 2006 21:15
Very nice pictures. For some reason a web address is faster to download then an attachment when I am using Linux.
I have Bc. Nanipuakea hanging in a fruit tree. One of the best things is that it blooms off and on all year. It' a really nice surprise to see the bloom, as I never notice the thin green bud. Now that you gave me the right spelling I could put it in my site(http://togofcoralgables.com/FlowersofOct06.aspx.) Thank you.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Fertiliser.
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 10:35
Hi all,
I saw an advertisement on the web for some 'Orchid Fertiliser'. Nothing new in that, but I was very surprised to read something on the label.
It might put off newcomers to this wonderful hobby, so I would like to hear your comments from all parts of this world of ours.
The piece that I think is just down to, 'Buy our product and not from other sources' being a sales gimmick, reads as under:
It is not advisable to feed orchids with a general purpose plant food, as these contain high levels of ammonia and urea which are toxic to orchids.
Same message is on the other bottle which is intended for 'Bloom'.
Now don't get me wrong and go barking up the wrong tree, but the word TOXIC would most probably frighten the life out of any newcomers.
Regards, Rocky.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 11:05
You can buy a "Pocket Diagnostic Orchid Virus Screen" from a UK source − and
I would not imagine any difficulty in importation − it will be quite a small
package. Try:-
pocketdiagnostic@csl.gov.uk or fax UK ( 44) + 1904 462122
Said to give result in 15 minutes.
geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:40
Barbara,
Thank you :)
I grow mine under bright indirect sunlight and mist it thoroughly once a
day. It is bone dry by the time I mist it again the next day. It's hanging
on my window grill.
Hopefully, yours will grow better.
cheers,
esther
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 12:50
Geoff,
I am glad you enjoyed the pics.
I have another Bc hybrid that is very floriferous − Bc Maikai. It is
starting to bloom again. Here is a pic from 3 months back:
[IMG]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1760b.jpg[/IMG]
Schoenorchis does produce multiple sprays of flowers, and I hope that mine
will eventually do that.
cheers,
esther
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Barbara Larimer
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:25
------_Part_67618_7786270.1164461312263
formatflowed
Esther, Your conditions sound remarkably similar to mine − but, no joy. I
did get a flower spike, but it just withered away. I will persist. I know
terrarium culture is often recommended for them, but that didn't seem to be
doing the trick for me either.
Well, let's look on the bright side, I haven't killed it yet!!!
Thanks,
Barbara
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tina Stagg
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:35
Hello James,
A UK company called Pocket Diagnostics markets a home test kit which they may be able to send to you. Their website address is www.pocketdiagnostics.com but you may be better emailing them on pocketdiagnostics@csl.gov.uk
Good luck!
Tina
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 13:40
Sorry, the url should be
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1760b.jpg
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> I have another Bc hybrid that is very floriferous − Bc Maikai. It is
> starting to bloom again. Here is a pic from 3 months back:
> [IMG]http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1760b.jpg[/IMG]
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Fertiliser.
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 15:35
What is the question Roger − or didn't you know ?
geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 17:15
I have grown Maikai for many years − I remember the day I got the plant -
visiting a nursery in East Germany just after German unification and I was
perhaps the first Englishman they had seen for many a long day − although
when we got talking it turned out that the proprietor had trained with
Ronnie Ratcliffe in England many years before. So I got presented with
Maikai as a keepsake . Later that day went into the nearest town ( can't
remember for sure − I know I was near the Harz mountains − that's what took
me there ) ,I think it was the place where the Pied Piper legend originated
- you know the one ? lured all the children out of the town and they
disappeared for ever , just because the mayor two-timed the piper about
payment for his services as a ratcatcher...) . Anyway , drinking coffee in a
street cafe, my eye was caught by newspaper headlines quite 12 inches high "
Di Tod " they said. It was the report about the death of Princess Diane. (
Di Diane , tod dead ).
Maikai has flourished for me, been taken up to a 9 inch pan, divided up ,
bits sold off, etc. etc − still have several pots full.
What a pity there aren't more orchids like Maikai. ( culturally speaking ,
not in terms of the tale I tell ! )
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 22:35
I have this plant and it is flourishing but no flowers − giving it bright
light and MNW temp of 15. What can be the problem?
Andy
"Geoffrey Hands"
>I have grown Maikai for many years...
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: some photos
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 22:40
Here's a few of what I am enjoying at the moment. The Burrageara was from you Geoff − A fantastic plant − this is the 2nd spike from this bulb − I didn't notice it for ages hence I didn't stake it − looks rather good like this and a wonderful spicey perfume.
The Bulbo I've had a few years − bought it as a very young plant and this is the first flowering. I am rather taken with it.
I do like this den − rather elegant.
Andy
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] The price !!!
Date: Sat, 25 Nov 2006 22:45
I'd be interested to know what books you think are good reads...
Currently I am enjoying Dendrobium and it's relatives by Bill Lavarack et al
and Vandas and Ascocendas by David Grove
Andy
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues "said to give results . . ."
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 00:05
At our Orchid Soc (CANWOS) late last year we had a meeting at which we were given a demo (several in fact) from this organisation. The packaged kit for a test (or was it a small number of repetitions of the same test?) was very compact (about the same size as an audio cassette case). Several of our members, forearmed, supplied a selection of plants with leaf markings that might have suggested virus infection. All proved to be negative for the viruses tested . As far as I can recall the kits were specific to particular viruses or viral groups.
I dont know how many different viuses are known to infect orchids detrimentally but, my impression is, that you would need to know which viral group you were looking for! Again from memory, I think there was a kit for tobacco mosaic virus, soya virus and some others well-known in horticulture. Certainly, the testing procedure was quick (definitely less than 15 mins), clear and easy to perform but I would suggest that you explain precisely what you want to do before parting with (again from memory) about £10.00 a throw. I seem to recall it being more a confirmation of a suspected virus rather than an indicator of what you might have!
However, if our 'Man from the Ministry' was anything to go by, they are a very helpful and enthusiastic lot and, who knows, the technology may well have advanced to the point of 'broad spectrum' diagnosis.Certainly worth making contact for clarification. I have the impression that the kit is a UK product (whaddyamean, all UK products are made in China?)
John Stanley
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From: ema.orquideas Perú
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Laelia lobata
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 01:50
Hi Peter:
My Laelia lobata is from Brasil too.Perú does't have it.
Look the seedlings...they are growing very fast.
Regards
Erica
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From: Roger Grier
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Orchid Focus fertiliser.
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 11:35
Mornin' Geoff,
How's the thunder down your way !!!!! Crazy weather for late November.
The point that I was making about the wording on the plastic bottle of 'Orchid Fertiliser' was that any newcomer to orchid growing might be frightened and put off if they were thinking of using shall we say 'Tomorite' or similar fertilisers that are sold in Garden Centres.
Rocky.
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues "said to give results . . ."
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:05
I seem to remember that at one point, some 10 years ago , I was rather
desperate about cultural problems, and bought an anti-viral agent ( from a
farmer's pharmacy , to coin a phrase) which was said to be specific against
'all 22 kinds of virus'. I did not of course expect it to cure virus in
plants, but hoped it would prevent spread via the usual suspects. The point
however , being that there are a lot of different kinds of virus out there.
geoff
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] some photos
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:10
That is an exceptionally good spike on the Burrageara. My surprise is that
there are no branches on the spike, not that the branches add very much in
any plant I have seen. But if you are getting two spikes, then it would be
churlish to complain !
My big Elizabeth Anne has 4 spikes at the moment, but since it is in a 15
inch pan and growing all round and even underneath ( it hangs up) that is
not very significant , but its early days yet as I expect it to be still I
flower when the Spring Show's are here.
Geoff
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From: Brenda Beale BB
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] some photos
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:15
All of the plants look lovely Andy, I especially like the Burr. and the Dendrobium.
Brenda
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From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 16:35
--0-1211957720-1164559125:82146
I just took this picture of Bro. negrilensis. The lip is very dark for the species. It is growing on an avocado tree. The birds fertilize it and I thank them.
http://togofcoralgables.com/FlowersofNov06.aspx
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From: nancy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 17:40
Hi James -
The best place I know of is critter creek labs, which
is in california − perhaps I'm mistaken, but I would
not consider canada to USA as shipping to 'another
country'.
http://www.crittercreeklab.com/
The results are e-mailed to you very quickly. The
website details which virus tests are run − I think it
is the most common 3-4 in orchids.
Since the samples are sent in zippered freezer-type
bags, there is little chance of releasing infection.
There are indicator plants that you can grow and test
yourself, something I've never tried but have been
interested in testing out. Most are common plants -
gomphrena, brugmansia, amaranthus, etc. I think
different plants are indicators for different viruses
(virii?).
Regards − Nancy
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ending a sentence with a preposition is
something up with which I will not put."
--Winston Churchill
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Orchid Focus fertiliser.
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 18:15
The point I was making Roger , is that I think this is excellent advice -
don't use Tomorite ( especially in the recommended quantities) unless you
want dead orchids quickly. So I think its good advice.
Hard lines if t puts anyone off − but why should it ?
Geoff
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From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Orchid Focus fertiliser.
Date: Sun, 26 Nov 2006 19:20
Roger This was one of the two reasons I refused to buy it when it was offered. The other was its price.
Regards from a dark wet and miserable Devon.Dennis
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From: jan
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Orchid Focus fertiliser.
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 05:40
Geoffrey Hands wrote:
> The point I was making Roger , is that I think this is excellent advice -
> don't use Tomorite ( especially in the recommended quantities) unless you
> want dead orchids quickly. So I think its good advice.
>
Really? I started using Tomorite (half strength once a week) last year,
and my plants have really taken off since then. In fact I had this
recommended by a lady that works for Kew − in fact I think it was that
girl we've seen on TV in 'A year at Kew'. Before I used a specialised
'Orchid Fertilizer' which was expensive and not particularly good, I
have to say.
As for urea being 'toxic' (as mentioned on that label) − that is another
thing that surprises me. One of the first things I remember reading
about orchid feeds is that you can spray urea on the leaves as a
fertiliser for plants with weak roots. So what's the truth here?
/jan
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From: jan
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 05:45
nancy wrote:
> Hi James -
> The best place I know of is critter creek labs, which
> is in california − perhaps I'm mistaken, but I would
> not consider canada to USA as shipping to 'another
> country'.
>
Yes, I think we've all noticed how especially mr Bush and his merry men
seem to have rather expansive ideas about how big the US is or should
be, but Canada is still a seperate nation, I believe ;-)
I am sure there are restrictions in place when it comes to transporting
diseased plant tissue. Unless you perhaps have some sort of free trade
agreement like the EU we all love and admire?
/jan
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From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 09:30
Andy,
The Burrageara is lovely!
As for Bc. Maikai, it needs lots of light to bloom. Mine has purple spots on
the edges of its leaves which is a reaction to high amounts of light. Also
the temperature here does not fall below 22 degrees Centigrade.
cheers,
esther
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From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:20
Barbara,
I forgot to mention that I live in the tropics − warm and humid most of the
year.
cheers,
esther
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] RE: Orchid Focus fertiliser.
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 10:35
Tomorite is a cheap high urea fertiliser, which is really excellent for very
many purposes.
However, it is pretty well universally agreed , that orchids prefer their
nitrogen in the form of a nitrate and can't handle urea.
Urea requires soil bacteria to break it down and release the nitrogen , and
a true epiphyte is not exposed to soil bacteria in the same way − its roots
are not in the soil ! So they have evolved differently in this respect , and
it is unlikely that the bacteria spectrum in an orchid pot will be typical
of that in the kind of soil in which amateur gardeners will be growing
tomatoes. .
The other point about Tomorite can be seen by testing pH of the solution -
you will find that it is very high. Maybe it needs to be for the nitrogen
release from ammonia , or maybe it just happens that way from the high
potash content − but that is only speculation by me as a non-chemist . I
would think that using it − in the concentration suggested on the bottle -
which is what I said in an earlier e-mail − would rapidly lead to root death
, and leaf-tip burn ( and maybe an attempt by the plant to produce as many
flowers as possible before it succumbs ) . If you dilute it sufficiently ,
no doubt there will be no problems, but the point surely is to give the
plants the best possible nutrition, not to use the cheapest possible, and
dilute so far as to be harmless ( and also useless ? ) .
As a matter of fact , the advice I give to non-orchid growers who buy
Phalaenopsis from Supermarkets and Garden centres locally , is to water once
a week, using cold tap water , and use no feed at all . But that is based on
knowledge of the potting composts employed , and the local water EC etc. and
also on the supposition that they are not trying to grow in the same sense
that we enthusiasts use the word ; they will not want to cut the flower
spike down to the base, pinch out the next few flower spikes, and so grow a
much larger plant which in a couple of years time may have 30 or 40 flowers
on all at once , so my advice is tailored accordingly. But this is a
digression.
Orchids in general do well in acidic rather than alkaline environments. pH6
is pretty well normal for most ( its what you find in the rain-water
trickling around them , when growing wild, in the rainy season ) , but pH
7.5 or more occurs easily in a Tomorite solution .
I have found that using tap water ( starting off at over pH7 )and using
Tomorite as part of a balanced feed (with other components) I ended up at
over pH8 . I acidified to bring it down to what my orchids need − pH6 , and
got precipitate ! Which means loss of nutrient content . Not very
clever.
I have to declare an interest in Orchid Focus , whilst I had no hand in
devising the fertiliser , I am a consultant to the firm who did devise it -
(I did design their compost )
You will of course carry on using what suits you , both in terms of expense
and results , but before you claim that A is better than B it might be wiser
to use both for rather longer than you have done so far.
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share- ing conMaikai growing conditions
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:20
My plant is grown with other cattleyas , and until late 2004 , shared a
greenhouse with my Vandas, and the conditions were aimed at the Vandas
rather than the cattleyas as much light as I could manage − meaning just
one layer of 40% shade cloth on clear glass ( no lining or bubble-pak) ( not
too good for many of my cattleyas ! ).
So that may be why it grew so well.
The B parent explains this − you see them growing in the wild on the lower
branches of solitary trees , rather than in thick forest , where they
clearly get a great deal of light . In fact just looking at the leaves of
the Brasso parent also tells one this- they are effectively terete.
If you can't provide anything like this, then the best solution seems to be
to hang it as high as possible, so that it is at least not shaded by other
plants, and maybe outside in full sun in the height of summer ? Just a
suggestion.
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Schoenorchis − help with a traders name....
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 12:40
I have not so far found a source for this genus − which seems to have
several very interesting species apart from the one recently show on our
mails, which I think was S.fragrans. Of course it has to be a Uk or EU
source because of you know what.
If anyone happens upon one, or even has spare plants − then please let me
know.
But in the meantime, the best finder I think is Malcolm (?) but in (yet
another) senior moment I have forgotten his name. Can anyone help me out ?
An e-mail address would also be valuable − he is not , it seems, a BOGA
member.
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Fertiliser
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:05
I cannot claim to have grown orchids for as long as Geoff but when i started I was very interested in Lycaste and Ceologyne. Henry Oakley, who has the nationl collection of Lycaste and Anguloa and Colin Howe who at that time had the largest collection of Ceologyne in UK both advised me to use Tomorite at half strength. I started using it and then at a meeting the speaker basically said that if you use anything other than Peters you would kill your orchids.
I contacted a plant scientist I knew who advised that in certain circumstances Urea could kill orchids. It takes a long while to break down and if you allow your orchid to dry out (ie no moisture) the urea would coat the roots and burn.
As the orchids i grow are never allowed to dry out I have had no problems
I vary between Tomorite, Chempack and any other that i can see at a reasonable price as each of my waterings/feedings take about 150/170 litres.
I object to the word TOXIC as in this day and age has specific meanings.
Regards from a bright sunny and mild Devon
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From: nancy
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 13:15
Hi Jan -
In mailing various things to Canada (which is still
North America, dubbaya notwithstanding), I have found
that packages, packets, letters weighing less than a
pound (~.45k) with a value of less than $400 (US or
Canadian, not sure which) are not subject to any kind
of customs restrictions or declarations.
A mailer of enclosed/contained leaves would surely
fall into this range.
And they're only diseased if the lab says so!
For what that's worth − Nancy
~~~~~~~~~~~
"Ending a sentence with a preposition is
something up with which I will not put."
--Winston Churchill
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: [OrchidTalk] Bc. Nanipuakea
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 16:10
More new blooms :)
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f359/rockhop/IMG_1880b.jpg
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: Pictures
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 17:20
On 20 Nov, roy white wrote:
> Hi,
> I always read the 'E's and know some of the contributors, but can not
> find any pictures, Help.
Hi Roy − I've just noticed that you take the Digest version of the list. I
had to give up including pictures with the digests some time ago because
the resulting messages were too big for a lot of subscribers' settings.
I try to put them on the website at the end of each month but there has
been a delay during the last two or three months due to circumstances
beyond my control.
The only way to be virtually sure of getting the pictures is to switch to
individual messages, I'm afraid.
Best wishes,
--
Tricia
Vital papers will demonstrate their vitality by moving from where you left them to where you can't find them.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Gordon Walker
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Schoenorchis − help with a traders name....
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 18:45
Geoff,
Do you mean Malcolm Perry from Bristol?
Gordon.
"Geoffrey Hands" wrote:
>I have not so far found a source for this genus − which seems to have
> several very interesting species apart from the one recently show on our
> mails, which I think was S.fragrans. Of course it has to be a Uk or EU
> source because of you know what.
> If anyone happens upon one, or even has spare plants − then please let me
> know.
>
> But in the meantime, the best finder I think is Malcolm (?) but in (yet
> another) senior moment I have forgotten his name. Can anyone help me out ?
> An e-mail address would also be valuable − he is not , it seems, a BOGA
> member.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Schoenorchis − help with a traders name....
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 19:25
The name you are looking for is Malcolm Perry.. His Email is
hperry@westfields14.freeserve.co.uk
Regards
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From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Schoenorchis − help with a traders name....
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:00
Hi Geoff,
I had Schoenorchis fragrans for a few years. I'm pretty sure we had it
originally from Peter williams of Mae Tang orchids. When he's in the UK he's
Chester based. At other times he's in the warmer climate of Thailand. Sadly,
our S. is now in that
orchid graveyard in the blue yonder but tht's no fault of Peter's!
John
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: John W Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues "said to give results . . ."
Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2006 20:05
Geoff,
I'm sure it would have been a pharmers farmacy, to coin another.
John
"Geoffrey Hands" wrote:
I seem to remember that at one point, some 10 years ago , I was rather
desperate about cultural problems, and bought an anti-viral agent ( from a
farmer's pharmacy − to coin a phrase) which was said to be specific against
"all 22 kinds of virus". I did not of course expect it to cure virus in
plants, but hoped it would prevent spread via the usual suspects. The point
however , being that there are a lot of different kinds of virus out there.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Max Redman
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Help wanted
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 03:30
Hi Folks
I have a friend who is travelling to Italy in January/February and is
interested in seein some orchid nurseries if there are any available.
I am not sure of the itinerary but they will have about a week in Rome and
then the same in Florence and then trvel around a fair bit. Any address
would be very helpful as we find it hard to access such things out here in
Australia.
I am also enclosing some pictures of a few of my latest seedlings.
Cheers
Max
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From: James H
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] virus issues
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 05:25
Canada is seperate from the states and has some of the toughest boarder
controls of any county. i do alot of shipping at my work and i have to ship
all over the world and american customs has seized alot of our property for
inspection even envelopes, takes about 3-4 weeks for them to check them and
all they do is open it make sure its what on the label then put it in que to
ship back, another 2 weeks usually.
i will ask about shipping to crittercreek they should know if its worth the
attempt.
thank you
James
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Fertiliser
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:35
I am sorry if I upset anyone by using the word 'toxic'. It must have some
mening which is unknown to me, if it causes offence in this way.
In my innocence, I used it in the primary dictionary sense , I have just
looked it up in two , and I can't do any better than quote Chambers 21st
Century.. 'Toxic , poisonous..
Is this not exactly what you are saying Dennis ? .I quote you − 'a plant
scientist I knew who advised that in certain circumstances Urea could kill
orchids' ?
I don't see any difference !
geoff
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From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Schoenorchis − help with a traders name....
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:50
Thanks for that Dennis. Very helpful.
. I had remembered "Perry" earlier today , but had not got as far as
looking for an address .
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help wanted
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 08:55
Try www.theorchidmall.com/ which has lists and addresses of orchid
nurseries in Italy ( and many other countries ) and from this you will also
see what the nursery does, whether visitors are allowed, e-mail addresses
etc..... I think the revised AOS site may do something similar , but have
not had occasion to look,.
Geoff
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From: Andy Mckeown
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Some recent blooms to share
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 13:10
Thanks Esther and Geoff for your comments.
I have had a look at the BC Maikai and the leaves are a nice dark green so
it can obviously do with some more light. I have hung it up with the vandas
and will let you know how I get on − ( the 22 degrees min temp is not on
here!)
Interestingly I also grow BC Binosa − also a primary nodosa hybrid but it
does well for me in a similar position. However the leaves are not so fat
and stubby as Maikai and they are a much paler green at this light level.
It's a wonderful bright day here and the autumn colours still very vibrant −
just for now it si easy to forget how drear it can be for such a long time!
Andy
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From: Sharon Williams
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help wanted
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 16:45
Max: I am interested in your Den Aphrodite. It is one of the parents of Den
Golden Aya which I own (aphrodite x capillipes). I notice it is blooming and
still has its leaves. Do you give this one a dry, cool winter's rest? I have
given mine such a rest for the last 6 weeks and now it is under warmer
conditions as I had to bring my greenhouse plants indoors as it is -41C with
the windchill outdoors today and the heater couldn't keep the gh warm
enough! Do I need to continue with the dry part of the rest until it blooms,
or can I begin to water it a bit now that it is growing in warmer
conditions? I have been misting it periodically to prevent the bulbs from
shrivelling.
Thanks for your help once again
Sharon in Calgary
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From: Ron Bower
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Urea
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 21:30
Hello Dennis,
Like Geoffrey, I am curious as to why you take exception to the word Toxic.
Urea is most certainly toxic in as much as it will kill most vegetation if applied in strong concentration. The question maybe is how strong is strong, and I do not wish to get involved in long and drawn out discussion on this, how long is apiece of string ect.But most fertilisers will see off most plants if applied too often and too much.
Urea is the cheapest source of Nitrogen and is probably why it is used in many made up liquid fertilisers and the reason why it is the most used source of Nitrogen in agriculture. However, it should be used with caution for Orchids in general and fleshy rooted ones like Phals in particular. Peters is more expensive and not always as easy to find but definitely safer. Apart from a few odds & sods, mainly gifted hospital cases, I only grow Phals and I only use Peters.
Regards,
Ronbow
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From: mojca klancic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help wanted
Date: Tue, 28 Nov 2006 21:40
Dear Max,
I live in Slovenia, very close to the border with Italy so I believe I could help you. Of all the nurseries in Italy I far prefer the Nardotto e Capello http://www.nardottoecapello.it/ They are really nice people, their plants are so nice and the prices lower than anywhere else. The problem for you could be that the nursery is Nord West, on the border with France. They have mild winters, that's why the prices are lower than from the other growers.
There are also:
Located in Morosolo http://www.orchideemadeinitaly.com/it/pozzi.htm
Varese http://www.riboniorchidee.it/riboni.htm
Torino http://www.orchideerare.com/
Rome, a garden center recomended for orchids ,I would check by mail http://www.vipgardenroma.it/e-site/orchidee/index.asp
Albenga http://www.enricoorchidee.it/page11.html
Roccastrada, their webshop http://www.orchidandoshop.it/catalog/index.php?languageen&osCsid7c07b6840d8b1eb6d9cfe9d04ecf1c53
Comnago http://www.orchidslago.com/sito/main.htm
Hope this helps, If you need any help translating, please let me know. I help myself reading the German, Frenc and even Chinese sites by using an online translation page. They translate you in a minute and for free a webpage, text,.. from lots of languages to English and viceversa.
Mojca
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From: Esther Koh
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Help wanted
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:15
Sharon,
minus 41C???!!??
Wow! Hats off to you for persevering in growing orchids!
Regards from a warm and humid Singapore,
esther
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From: jan
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Fertiliser
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 06:45
For what it's worth I didn't see anything offensive in the word 'toxic'
- but perhaps it is like the word 'epithet', which to me only means 'the
second half of the scientific name of a plant', but which apparenty
means something more sinister to other people.
I just wondered why you would be against Tomorite. Perhaps my success
with using it is due to the way I grow my plants: all are potted in very
coarse bark (even the terrestrials) − I mean serious chunks, some pots
contain only 5 or 6 pieces; and I fertilise once a week by total
submersion. Other than that I water 2 or 3 times a week, so perhaps any
left over urea is simply flushed out.
/jan
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tony Watkinson
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Persevering!!
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 10:30
Hi
> minus 41C???!!??
> Wow! Hats off to you for persevering in growing orchids!
We had 35C plus here in Perth Western Aust the other day, but I'm sure that we will improve on that, as Summer begins on Friday!!!
I do sometimes wonder why you folks insist on living in such awful climates.
Tony
PS. Should I open another cold beer or not?? Oh what the hell!!
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: dennis READ
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Fertiliser
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 11:15
Greetings all,
I agree with geoff's definition of toxic but in this day and age toxic is used in the press etc to describe Polonium, Uranium, Mercury, Cadmium etc. Anything that kills can be descibed as toxic. Water in sufficient quanty can kill humans.
But to the point. My last purchase of fertiliser was phostragen. I paid £2.85 for 1.25 Kg. which should feed my orchids for a year. Here is a pic. of a Phal. bought 3 years ago and a pic. of my warm house.
If you expand the picture of the warm house, going from left to right you will see a plum coloured Dendrobium phalaenopsis, Coelogyne Chelsea 'Green Dragon', Phragmepedium besseae finishing with Phal. Sweet Memory. There are others in between but not so obvious.
As long as the fertiliser does not dry out there is no problem.
Regards from a sodden but sunny Devon
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From: ron newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sobralias
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:25
The first and only sobralias that I have seen growing in the wild was on a
fallen tree in the Brazilian rain forest about 40 years ago so they are not
only terrestrial.
Unlike most orchids, the flowers seem to .last only a day or two.
Ron
On 17/11/06, Geoffrey Hands wrote:
>
> It sounds as though you had an interesting time in Ecuador, Dennis. Did
> you go with an OSGB group or a local travel agent ?
> We( spouse and self) have talked of "doing" Ecuador and the Galapagos some
> time − although it may never happen as the rather long journey is now more
> of a concern than it was when we were younger !
> But I will be interested to hear any comments you can make on this.
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From: jns tropic
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Persevering!!
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 21:30
When I was less then 10 years old I heard adults
complaining about the warm summer and how nice some
cold weather would feel. And then in the winter you
could find people wishing for a good warm day. Often
it was the same person doing the complaining. I
decided that I would learn to like one season and
stick to my choice. Since we had warm weather most of
the time here in south Florida, I would cherish the
heat. To this day my favorite is when I am sweating.
When I went to college up north, my class mates all
seemed to hate the weather. I kept my mouth shut, I
thought that Atlanta was pretty nice. Yes, Atlanta is
north for me. After my first degree I went to New
Orleans for my dental degree. The students hated the
rain and especially the cold after the winter rains.
At that point I realized that I just plain like
weather. I like the heat, the cold, the wet, and the
dry. I would even enjoy a hurricane if it didn't mean
all that clean up afterwards.
I must admit when I am all sweaty and sitting under a
avocado tree and looking at my garden with a cold beer
is hard to beat.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Terrestrial orchids.
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 22:25
Roger, you should meet our neighbour who is not an orchid enthusiast in our
understanding of the phrase. She is an enthusiast specialising in English
wild orchids and has a wonderful collection of photographs of them. If you
are ever going to be in the area, let me know and I shall try to arrange a
meeting.
Ron
Roger Grier wrote:
Hello Mike,
Although my very good friends at 'Ratcliffe Orchids' may be able to help,
and if you wish I can ask them, I myself did answer your E-mail because the
wild orchids of England have been one of my hobbies for about 39 years.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Ron Newstead
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Wed, 29 Nov 2006 22:25
The delay in installing Sky broadband was due to a misunderstanding. In the
original questionnaire, I was asked to insert my telephone number which I
did, forgetting that I had had a 2nd line (dedicated to the
computer)installed in the days of dialling up so that Betty would not need
to ask me constantly to get off the line!
Consequently they had connected the broadband to the general line and I
didn't notice because it turns out that with broadband you can talk at the
same time as the computer is on line − which was information to me!
The good news is that I can now save some money by having the dedicated line
disconnected.
And talking about money, broadband of 2Mb is free but I felt that I might be
more comfortable with 8mb. This costs me £5 per month.
Ron
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: James H
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Persevering!!
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 01:00
here in BC Canada we have summers of 45C or higher and our winters have cold
spells of -60 but as i live on the south coast we usually just get the high
temps, i live in the hottest town in canada record temp 48C but we usually
sit high 30's all summer and only a few weeks below 0 most of the time its
above 10 and raining.
im jealous of all you in the tropics :P
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 09:20
That is interesting Ron , will certainly be an improvement on whatever it is
I am paying Virgin at the moment , The only problem of course is that
nuisance of changing e-mail address , yet again , and having people tell me,
rather reproachfully , 'you never answered my message' , and then it turns
out that I either forgot to tell them/they were not on my address book/they
didn't get my message/they got it and forgot to enter it in their address
book, etc,etc..
Geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 13:25
At the risk of repeating myself again, why don't you get your own domain
name with email forwarding?
geoff-hands.co.uk, geoff-hands.org.uk, geoff-hands.me.uk,
geoffrey-hands.co.uk, geoffrey-hands.org.uk and geoffrey-hands.me.uk
are all currently available for UKP 5 per year. You lease the name and set
it up so that your mail is handled by the hosting company before your
current ISP. You then don't have to tell everyone when you change you ISP,
just the hosting company. I use www.easily.co.uk but there are other
companies such as easyspace who are reputed to be just as good.
Regards,
--
Tricia
After any salary raise, you will have less money at the end of the month than you did before.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Geoffrey Hands
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 15:00
Thank you Tricia for your very helpful suggestion. I ask forgiveness if you
have told me before − you'll have to put it down to my age − I shall
celebrate my 3/4 century in just over a month − and/or my general
stupidity.
I suppose this is like Bigfoot (?) − which I subscribed to in the past − and
I do have to tell people of a new address , but this time will be the last
time as long as I maintain the subscription/lease ? I am getting on to
your suggested site , as my next task ( it is amazing how many jobs I can
find to do as the last job before burying myself in Dreamweaver/Flash/Studio
etc etc again....
BTW I have recently bought (?) or maybe leased since it is for 2 years, the
domain name OrchidsAndMore.org.uk , which is for my new web-site − almost
ready to be launched , when I have got my head around making a flash-file
for the front page and I will have "e-mail me" on that page − but to avoid
getting buried in spam ( as I used to be when my last web-site was current )
I intend to use that address solely for people communicating after seeing
the site − so that I shall only look at it occasionally.,
geoff
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: Tricia Garner
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 16:50
On 30 Nov, in article ,
Geoffrey Hands wrote:
> Thank you Tricia for your very helpful suggestion. I ask forgiveness if
> you have told me before − you'll have to put it down to my age..
>
No worries − I've been forgetting things all my life :-)
Yes, you only have to tell the hosting company if you change your ISP. I
use www.easily.co.uk for the orchid-talk email addresses (you get twenty
permutations for each domain name) and they also host the website. They
provide all kinds of internet services so you can tailor a package to suit
you and they are not expensive.
Perhaps you could get OrchidsAndMore.co.uk or .me.uk for your emails
if there isn't any forwarding associated with the .org.uk one.
--
Tricia
Love may be blind but marriage is a real eye-opener.
-------------------------------------------------------------
From: John Stanley
To: Orchid Talk List
Subject: Re: [OrchidTalk] Sorry to have been off the air − re; Orchids and More
Date: Thu, 30 Nov 2006 22:55
Please forgive my jumping in here but I happen to notice the suggested
website "Orchids and More",
Just in case you aren't aware, there is a mainland European site with that
name as its title but http://www.orchideen.com/ as its web address.
It may not matter but, if it does, then better now than later to become
aware!
John