Brassavola Nodosa

[maitaman]

We discovered back in the 50's that growing orchids under green sheds will greatly reduce blooms. Green absorbs the wavelengths that lead to blooms.

[Mr.Green61]

I have anothr shed 45 X 22 ft ready on roof without net, flooring marble and Very hot at summer, maximum 45degree centigrade, if green net is not recomended fr orchids, wht net i need. I am thinking abt bamboo shed,
2 x 2 inch room, If any body has some photos of bamboo shed, please post me

[Ray]

Most orchids grown under shade cloth I have seen go with black, white, or the silver-colored, aluminum-coated Mylar product known as "Aluminet", which has the advantage of reflecting-, rather than absorbing the light, greatly reducing the temperature below it.

[Mr.Green61]

thanks Ray, wht abt bamboo shed, with 2x 2 inch holes, i have seen in nurseries, aluminium net is not available only black and green net is available, i m thinking to transfer in this shed all dendorbiums.

[kavanaru]

Hi Mr.Green,

Bamboo sheds are also used in Venezuela with success, however, I prefer the black net. My Aunt and I had better results with our plants under it (well, all her plants and the very few ones I had under the net, as most of my plants were growing outside on the trees). I think important for bamboo sheds is not only the size of the holes, but also the thickness of the bamboo sticks, which are the ones shadingthe plants (if I remember correctly, I think for the ones used in Venezuela, the bamboo sticks were half to one the size of the holes: in your case, 1 to max 2 inches wide)

As per your Brassavola nodosa, let it grow at full sun (adapt it slowly to it, in order to avoid much burning!). Keep in mind that this plant normally grows in xerophytic areas. In venezuela, you find it growing on Cactus or rocks at sea level and full sun (sometimes being bathed with salt water quite often!) It likes a lot of sun and hot temperatures!

[Mr.Green61]

Thank You Ramon,
Is it posible that sent me drawing fr bamboo shed, may be i l get a better idea,
Brassavola i am hanging at terrace, where four hour morning sun light available.

[kentdhill]

Sorry to disagree with you all but I would stop fertilizing altogether for awhile. Sometimes the plant has no reason to reproduce (flower) if it is getting all the nutrients it needs from the fertilizer. My nodossa will spike every year when the temperature takes it's first real significant dip in the fall. If you live in an area that never really gets cold, you might need to simply move it to a different location so there is something different in its light and temperature.

[Ray]

Sorry Kent, but I have to disagree. A plant's whole raison d'etre is to reproduce!

The biggest/most/best blossoms occur when a plant is being grown to its maximum potential, and that means adequate light of the correct wavelengths, proper nutrition - chemical makeup, ratios, and mass - and adequate water, and the elimination of other stresses.

Changes in day length and in temperatures can have effects on blooming as well, but I am not aware of that with this particular species.

FWIW, more often than not, if a reduction in feeding (not referring to plants needing a winter rest, like Den. nobile hybrids) leads to a period of blooming, then it is likely the plant was getting too much nitrogen in its diet, relative to the other minerals.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by Mr.Green61

Dear Frends,
I have this plant since three year, in three years it grow well, but no flowering since three year, this plant is under green shed, one frend sugest me to place it in open sun, second opinion is stop watering fr a week.
Please advise me what to do.

I had one growing on corky bark. It flowered regularly. I think a good exposure of roots that ramble all over the bark showing countless number of green root tips did all the magic. This plant cant take a lot of sun but I have never seen them developing any pigmentation. As you know white flowered orchids seldom have tints on their shoots. Try to grow your plant on a raft or slatted basket and see the reward.

[R Srinivasan]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

Hi Mr.Green,

Bamboo sheds are also used in Venezuela with success, however, I prefer the black net. My Aunt and I had better results with our plants under it (well, all her plants and the very few ones I had under the net, as most of my plants were growing outside on the trees). I think important for bamboo sheds is not only the size of the holes, but also the thickness of the bamboo sticks, which are the ones shadingthe plants (if I remember correctly, I think for the ones used in Venezuela, the bamboo sticks were half to one the size of the holes: in your case, 1 to max 2 inches wide)

As per your Brassavola nodosa, let it grow at full sun (adapt it slowly to it, in order to avoid much burning!). Keep in mind that this plant normally grows in xerophytic areas. In venezuela, you find it growing on Cactus or rocks at sea level and full sun (sometimes being bathed with salt water quite often!) It likes a lot of sun and hot temperatures!

You have rightly observed that Brassavola nodosa was one of the xerophytic orchild. The others with similar terete leaves are Oncidium cebollata, Stultitia steelii, Vanda teres, Aerides vandarum. In respect of the brassavola nodoa grown by Mr Green I noticed few leaves instead of being cylindrical (typical) were opened in their entire length along the median. This is a culture problem. These are soft growth which will not mature to promote flowering. I have been using UV stabilised agronetting for growing orchid in Bombay successfully.