Obssesive care vs. Negligance

[lobsterman]

Originally Posted by cb977

Sounds like you have them positioned right...the question is:

do they grow and bloom for you?

If so, then you're doing it right
If not, maybe we can help you with some adjustments.

Remember, the key is to do what works for you in your environment. I also think it's very important to take a close look at the chids while you're watering them. If you catch signs of pests or problems early, it's much easier to fix what's wrong rather than waiting for a big problem and trying to fix that...not a lot of fun

Susanne,

1) I'm only at my first orchid reblooming since purchase. (A white paph with green stripes in the bloom. Variegated leaves. Yeah me!) All others are either still in bloom from purchase, or have since finished and are now dormant. So I guess I'm doing ok?

2) By chids, I assume you mean cymbidiums. (Grassy, long leaves?) If so, the only thing I can complain about is tiny black spots on the leaves. Some, not all. From all of my research, all I can guess is NOT a result of insects. My guess is either some bacteria starting with a 'B', or cold water spots. They are no bigger than a pencil dot. The plants seem fine other than that.

Someone told me about rubbing alcohol and hydro perox on leaves for things, but I'm too scared.

If I were smarter, I could download or upload or sideload photos. 'Course I'd be richer and wouldn't have orchid problems either!!!

[cb977]

Originally Posted by lobsterman

Susanne,

1) I'm only at my first orchid reblooming since purchase. (A white paph with green stripes in the bloom. Variegated leaves. Yeah me!) All others are either still in bloom from purchase, or have since finished and are now dormant. So I guess I'm doing ok?

2) By chids, I assume you mean cymbidiums. (Grassy, long leaves?) If so, the only thing I can complain about is tiny black spots on the leaves. Some, not all. From all of my research, all I can guess is NOT a result of insects. My guess is either some bacteria starting with a 'B', or cold water spots. They are no bigger than a pencil dot. The plants seem fine other than that.

Someone told me about rubbing alcohol and hydro perox on leaves for things, but I'm too scared.

If I were smarter, I could download or upload or sideload photos. 'Course I'd be richer and wouldn't have orchid problems either!!!

First, you got a Paph to rebloom? You're a step ahead of me!!! I think you're doing fine

"Chids" is just a way of saying "Orchids" without actually spelling it out...and since they are like "kids" to me, it works

I keep a spray bottle with regular Listerine in it to spray when I see spots or something on the chids that just doesn't look right. If you do a search here on OB, you'll find a number of discussions about it's uses.

If, and when, you ever get scale on your chids, give the little buggers a spray of a 50/50 mix alcohol and 409 cleaner...as soon as the spray hits them, you can take a cotton swab and easily remove them. In my opinion, it's just as important to remove them as to kill them

As for downloading, uploading or sideloading ...here's some help:
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...chidboard.html

[lobsterman]

a 50/50 mix alcohol and 409

EVEN 50/50? NO WATER AT ALL??

[Gin]

I guess I am a 1 1/2 ? I keep a calendar of when they were fed and watered . Some will go awhile, the mounted should be watered daily it depends on the Temps. sun humidity ect . Wait maybe I am a 1 ?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by lobsterman

a 50/50 mix alcohol and 409

EVEN 50/50? NO WATER AT ALL??

We have another member who does add water to his mix (sorry, can't remember who it is) but I use the straight mix and all is fine

My work table is never without a sprayer full of that mix and another full of Listerine...can't live without them

[lobsterman]

Straight listerine?

[CoolPhrog]

Originally Posted by lobsterman

Straight listerine?

yep! not the minty flavor jus the plain yellow stuff...great on mold and fungus!

[lobsterman]

Originally Posted by CoolPhrog

yep! not the minty flavor jus the plain yellow stuff...great on mold and fungus!

Thanks Phrog!!!!

[lobsterman]

But you still have to wipe the 50/50 or listerine off after spraying, correct???

[cb977]

Originally Posted by lobsterman

But you still have to wipe the 50/50 or listerine off after spraying, correct???

When I'm spraying for maintenance, I don't wipe it off.

When I'm repotting, there's more of a procedure...here goes:

I unpot the plant and remove any medium attached to the roots (wet them good and the stuff will just come off), then I spray the entire plant (and I mean every part of it) with Listerine and let it sit for a minute or two. Then I spray that off and make sure there's no water left in the top part of the plant (the crown). Once that's done, I spray the roots again with the Listerine but this time I leave it there...and then put the plant in it's new pot.

I read somewhere that you should only use the original brown Listerine, as Dana so kindly pointed out, but in a pinch I have used the minty stuff and had no problems.
I use any of the store-brands for the chids, the real stuff is too expensive.

With the alcohol/409 mix, just spray it where you see the scale or mealies and use a cotton swab to remove the buggers. I don't worry about removing all of the mixture.

Keep in mind, you should keep the plants our of direct sun until everything is dry.

There are products on the market like Physan and such that are meant to work on these problems and I do use them occasionally but I like using things that won't hurt my silly dogs if they decide to take a lick