Paphiopedilum booster - Orchid Board

moria0672 · #1 03-09-2007, 06:53 AM

Most botanic Paphiopedilums and Phragmipediums request many years to flower. Someone know if there's a sistem to booster palants to flower? Unfortunately I haven't a greenhouse and I have to arrange myself with a windowsill in late fall/winter/early spring.
From late spring to late sommer/early fall I grow all my plants outside with a mist system an fertilize (except Paphio, normally once per month with half dose) manually belong temperature and humidity (no fixed intevals).

littlefrog · #2 03-09-2007, 10:01 AM

The only booster i know of is time and good culture. Paphs will tolerate inadequate conditions, but they grow best if they never stop or even slow down. Just like Phals. If you abuse them for a month, they will take a year to recover.

moria0672 · #3 03-09-2007, 11:04 AM

At the end, only the 3 P rule is valid: Patience, Patience, Patience

have a nice Week-end

Ciao, Ciao

Ray · #4 03-10-2007, 10:34 AM

I agree with Rob, and will take it a step further: There is no such thing as a booster!

If you, as a grower, do everything right, you allow the plant to grow and bloom to it's maximum potential. There is nothing you can do that overrides genetics in that respect. On the other hand, any cultural shortfalls can, and likely will hinder the plant from reaching its potential.

So when you hear someone describe, or read an ad for something that's supposed to "make your plants grow better", you have to evaluate whether it is something that will improve your culture and allow them to do better, because you're simply not forcing anything.

Ross · #5 03-10-2007, 01:27 PM

With the exception of Gibberellic Acid

That's not fair... sorry. I agree with Ray and Rob most definitely.

Ray · #6 03-12-2007, 10:01 AM

Damn you, Ross! I thought of that too, but wasn't sure if it would qualify as a "booster" with implied improvement, or as a chemical that causes the plant to act unnaturally.

Besides, has anyone seen what gibberellins do to orchids?

Mahon · #7 03-12-2007, 02:11 PM

Lately, I've been working with Red and Blue LED lighting for growth development and maturity with orchids, but I couldn't give a definite answer that it's "miracle" equipment (I'll give more details on all this in a month or so). The downside is the high cost.

The Red LED stimulates vegetative growth, while Blue LED lighting stimulates flowering. Both colors need to be in balance for the plant. This LED lighting should be better than most lighting, as it's more concentrated, less emitted heat, and the colors that the plant actually needs.

-Pat

Tindomul · #8 03-12-2007, 02:49 PM

How large are these LED lights? I keep picturing a colony of tiny little bulbs.

esungirl · #9 03-13-2007, 12:24 AM

Haa Haa! Me too!