White Egret Orchid? - Orchid Board

PoeticFlames · #1 07-23-2012, 09:37 PM

I was curious to know if anyone here has grown a White Egret Orchid (Habenaria radiata)...

I have Phals and would love to branch out into a few other Orchid types and the blooms on this one really caught my eye but I don't know how this one rates in the maintaining dept... Any insight?

Paul Mc · #2 07-23-2012, 10:20 PM

I have, twice, but lost one. They need semi-big conditions to thrive. Check out Wild Orchids website here in the US. He might have info that can help. If you can't find it, let me know and I'll give you the address and his email. Wonderful man!

PaphMadMan · #3 07-23-2012, 11:02 PM

Habenaria radiata is a temperate zone plant, not tropical, so it needs a winter dormancy. Better grown in an appropriate outdoor location. And not an easy choice even if you have the perfect climate. Nothing like a Phal. You have good taste, but perhaps you will want to choose something a bit more conventional as you branch out from Phals.

PoeticFlames · #4 07-23-2012, 11:11 PM

Paul, Thanks for that! I will have to do some more reading on them for sure! What types do you find you prefer?

Paph, can you suggest some good ones to start with? The options are a bit overwhelming and I have no idea where to start! I figured googeling images would help in at least finding some focal direction... I've taken a liking to the Bulbo family... The long petals are beautiful! I like hanging/mounted plants too...

PoeticFlames · #5 07-23-2012, 11:16 PM

I'm located in NC and grow mine inside in front of a shady window with a lamp for supplemental light as needed. (Hope to be moving soon and setting up a better place for more light)

With all the rain we've been having as of late I'm not having any issues with humidity and haven't had much of an issue with that anyway being in the southeast.

I have a fetish for African Violets as well and my Phals and Vi's always do well with me, so I assume something with like conditions would be good. But on the other hand, I'm running out of space in this part of the house and will be spilling into other areas so setting up a different environment might be doable, haha!

Mira-Claude · #6 07-23-2012, 11:47 PM

It's gorgeous! Good luck!

Brooke · #7 07-24-2012, 05:38 PM

For me it is an easy inside grower if you understand the dormancy issue. It also takes up very little space and no space when it is dormant.

I grow mine in a 3" clay pot in coir/perlite 50/50 mix and during the grow season, water when it is almost dry. When the plant starts to lose its leaves, I stick it on a shelf, give it a taste of water around the edge of the pot about once a week. When it breaks dormancy I gradually increase the water.

You should also check out the Hab. medusae and the rhodichila(sp) - all of my Habs are blooming now.

Brooke

PoeticFlames · #8 07-24-2012, 09:31 PM

Brooke, Thanks for the info and suggestions! I'd taken a peek at the Medusae...

and the phrag grandes...

and the Phal Schilleriana...

and the Dtps. Tzu Chiang Orange x Sogo Sweet ' Sogo '...

and the list could go on! Haha! None of my Phals are scented, so the idea of having fragrant blooms appeals to me as well.

****

Thanks Mira, the blooms are one of a kind and tie in with my love of birds... Two passions in one? I will take ten of them please!!