Question about my new plants

[OrchidGirl]

Hey everyone, it has been a while since I posted, but I made it down to J&L Orchids last weekend and picked up some new orchids and am now trying to learn more about them. I want to be sure that I do not kill them right away!

Anyway, what I got was a Masdevallia hybrid that is actively flowering, a Sedirea japonica that is in short spike, a Psychopsis that looks as if it is about to open (it had a very long inflorescence with a tight bud when I bought it and now a new bud is starting next to it) and an Oncidium Twinkle 'Fragrance Fantasy' that is actively blooming.

I figured I would ask if anyone had any tricks or special concerns about these plants that I should be aware of. Are there any problems that I should take care to avoid? I was told all are similar in culture to Phals, which I have grown successfully. I know that the Sedirea needs a bit more light and the Masdevallia needs a bit less and that I should keep the Masdevallia moist but not soggy and make sure the humidity tray under it is always full.

I also read in one of my books that the Psychopsis needs to be repotted often. I was planning on repotting it in a few months. I usually buy from repotme.com and they call for using Paph & Phrag Orchid Mix. Does anyone have an opinion on that?

It is made with:

* small coconut husk chips
* medium aliflor
* small sponge rock
* coir
* premium chopped sphagnum
* small charcoal
* white marble chips

The other option is the Paphiopedilum Imperial Blend, which is made with:

* Small Cork Nuggets imported from Portugal
* Small Aliflor
* Medium Sponge Rock

Supposedly this last one would also work with the Oncidium and the Masdevalia.

Thoughts? Sorry this is long.

[Ely]

I have never heard of such a medium, but maybe I've been hiding in the dark too long... Anyway, I use fine Fir bark and Pearlite at a 60 - 40 mix respectively. Maybe someone else could better answer your questions.

[LizT]

Sorry I missed you - or maybe I didn't. I was there as well.

Feel free to email them any questions or give them a call. They're going to the WOC this week so they won't be around to answer the phone. They're always glad to be of help. I know they were swamped with customers last weekend. But they'll be more than happy to answer your questions when they get back.

Have you ever grown Masdie's before? Watch out they're a dangerous plant. You can't have just one.

In the meantime

Sorry I couldn't have been of more help.

[OrchidGirl]

I don't know.. there was one female customer I chatted with about the Masdevallias. J&L helped me select these orchids for my growing conditions, so I am confident they will grow, I just thought I would see if anyone with more experience could give me advice. This is my first real foray out of the more common orchids.

As for the Masdevallias, no, I have never tried them before. I almost did not get one this time, but my oldest found one she really liked and said I needed it. (And really, it would have been wrong of me to say no, right?) Really, I think it is growing on me and I commented to my husband about how little space it is taking up.

I know I will be heading back for their next sale!