Calling UK growers!

[Sammy]

Hello Guys and Gals,

I've been growing a selection of Noid Phals, dends and paphs, not forgetting my Sansai blue vanda for about 6 months to a year now. I just want more and more!

I am going to the RHS Orchid show in Westminster next month and know i am going to end up bringing a couple of plants home with me.

I'm thinking about trying a cattleya out. most of my plants are in a sw facing room and in a fairly constant room temperature.

The reason i am posting, was to ask us uk growers if anyone has tried cattleyas and had any advice or suggestions for growing them in these conditions?

I was also hoping to get a fragranced plant.

Cheers guys!

[RosieC]

I've not tried them so not sure if they will work in our conditions.

I would also be interested to know if anyone in the UK has tried them and whether they were successful or not.

[Sammy]

Oh dear Rosie... looks like no one on here in UK has Cattleyas.

Might just give one a go any way they are so pretty, i dont think i'll be able to resist a nice one!

How are your Phals doing? any sign of spiking yet? I put mine in a colder room for a month or so ... and nada. Do you think they need to go back in cooler conditions for a while?

[RosieC]

Shame, it seems no one has tried them. If you decide to try let me know how you get one.

I'm wondering about trying my Phals in an even colder room (we're not keeping our house that warm just now anyway) but the only room I can sensibly keep cooler currently has a Masda in it (which is something I'm trying to see if I can grow). Those need even colder temps and I think it's too cold in there just now for Phals.

[Kaykay]

Sammy,
I'm in South London too. I don't have cattleyas, but I do have a Near Blooming Size Epicattleya (hoping this is the year!), and some Epicatt. seedlings almost a month out of flask. I grow in my flat, but I do have almost floor to ceiling South and West windows in a white decorated room where I grow them. (Not my choice of decor, the landlady's, but hey, works for some extra light for my orchids!)
Why not experiment with a cheaper plant at the show? the worst that can happen is that after a while you realise that there may not be enough light for it to bloom.
I hope that helps!
Kay

[Sammy]

Thanks Kaykay.

I appreciate the advice.

I think i'll just have a mooch around the show and see what i can pick up and speak to the people there for more specific advice.

Good luck with your Epicattleya this year!

Sam

[Hedge]

Sammy, I went to Harrogate Orchid Society Show last year and they had Catts for sale and in flower. I am sure if you want to you can do it - you may have to get a bit more technically advanced. According to The Orchid Expert by Dr D G Hessayon they need bright light with protection from strong summer sun and popular hybrids are easy to grow in intermediate temperature range (summer max 24C)

Have a go!!

good luck

Just found the link to my album from the show http://www.orchidboard.com/community...eak-season.jpg