Made a few purchases...

[Leslie2934]

Ok so earlier today I posted in the into section and now I'm on to the fun part. I made a few purchases today and may have some questions too.

First I purchased a Howeara (Leochilus x Oncidium x Rodriguezia) Lava Burst 'Punani' AM/AOS, this is a very cool looking orchid with tiny blooms. It has 3 spikes 2 have blooms the other is just buds. Can anyone tell me if this is a low or high light plant?

Then I purchased 2 Phals "Purple Gem" this one is in spike and 'Tiger Cub' this one has blooms. YAY!

Then I have a Paph 'Raisin Pie', no blooms it looks like it may have just bloomed. Are these once a year bloomers?

Then I have a baby Paph (Laser 'Silent Type' x Anhiga) very excited to see how this one does.

Then finally I have a Cattleya 'Mothers Favorite' I think I will put this one on my work desk as it is a high light area.

So I think that's all. How did I do? lol lol lol lol

Oh and I repotted the Phal I had, I am glad I did, the roots were just amazing totally filling the pot so that they were squeezing through the tiny holes in the sides. I will try to tak pictures of this one later so tha I can get some advice on getting this one to bloom. Thanks again all!

[Ross]

Sounds like quite a haul. Congrats. Normally we recommend you first determine what growing conditions you are able or willing to provide, then buy plants that fit that range. It saves having to do something drastic like build an orchidarium because all those orchids require more humity that you can provide Not saying who did this, but I (oops they) ended up with an extensive new system. Hope all these work for you. The Phals certainly should. Once again, glad you joined the board!

[Leslie2934]

Thanks Ross for the quick reply.

I did some checking on the Howeara and it appears these are medium light plants. Somewhere in between a Phal and a Cattleya. So that's good for me. According to the article I read the care is similar to a phal. So I am glad I did purchase this plant.

[Shirley]

Hi Leslie, Sounds like an interesting selection you've made. Well done! The Phals, Cattleya and Paphs shouldn't give you too much trouble. My Howeara Lava Burst from one year ago has all but died on me. I treated it like my oncidiums (in sphag moss and keeping it moist) but seems that rot was the problem so I'll have to change tactics if I get another.

[Roly0217]

Leslie I want to be like you when I grow up !!! I want more orchids

[quiltergal]

Leslie, great selection. I think all of the plants you chose will do well in intermediate conditions. Howeara Lava Burst 'Puanani' is one of my favorite orchids. My son had one and that thing was constantly in bloom. Sadly he lost it in a funky greenhouse experiment along with 20 of his other chids. I've been looking for a replacement ever since.

The Paphs will only bloom once per growth. Check the sides of the plant for new growths starting. Those will be next year's flowers!

[Leslie2934]

Thank you all for the great tips!