what happens when?

[flhiker]

Hi all, What happen when you plant two different varietys of Phalaenopsis in the same pot? I bought 6 small plants and was thinking of mixing them. Thanks

[dave b]

If one had pests or disease, it would spread to the other easier. Otherwise, should be just fine. No rule saying you cant.

Have you considered trying one mounted? Ive been wanting to experiment with phals on mounts. Since you are down south in the warm humid zone, they should do well that way. I know everyone (almost) pots their phals. Every once in a while i see one mounted, and think they look so much cooler and realistic that way.

[flhiker]

These are the first orchids I have ever tried to grow except a ghost orchid I bought on ebay about a month ago. I still have the welt were the orchid bug bite me. What would you use to mount it wood, moss, ect.?

[Mahon]

Originally Posted by flhiker

Hi all, What happen when you plant two different varietys of Phalaenopsis in the same pot?

The plants WILL suddenly explode!

Nothing should happen, but typically orchid growers like to keep different plants separated from each other. But since you're dealing with common hybrid meristem-propped Phalaenopsis, then it's perfectly ok trying to get both to bloom at the same time may be a challenge...

-Pat

[dave b]

Originally Posted by flhiker

These are the first orchids I have ever tried to grow except a ghost orchid I bought on ebay about a month ago. I still have the welt were the orchid bug bite me. What would you use to mount it wood, moss, ect.?

Hardwoods, cedar planks, or the most common...cork bark. Dosent rot as easy and looks good. You could mount it directly to the bark and if you wanted, put a bit of sphagnum moss around the roots for added humidity. May not even be needed though in your region. There are many different methods to adhere the orchid. Some wrap the roots and base with fishing line, wire. Another method is to drill 2 holes about an inch apart at the area you want the base of the plant to be. you then use wire or twist ties to tightly hold the base of the plant to the mount running them through the mount and twisting the ends together behind the mount. In time, new roots will grow out and adhere to the mount and then you can remove all the wire, string...whatever.

[flhiker]

Great I just happen to have a nice piece of cedar, will definitly mount a couple Thanks

[dave b]

Mounted orchids can be watered more often and many should be, since the roots are exposed to the air and dry out more quickly. But, thats a good thing. Less prone to root rot, and photosynthesizing roots like those of phals will benefit. Phals dont like to dry out much, and could be watered daily at times. If the humidity is really high (or its raining), they could miss a daily watering and not be hurt at all. Phals dont like really bright light, so keep them out of the direct sun or they will burn. Grow them outside if you want, in the shade. They will love the humidity, rain, and fresh air (nothing below 50 degrees - does it get that cold where you are at?). If potted phals are left outside, water collecting in the crown of the leaves can lead to rot, so watch for that. Thats another benefit of them being mounted. The water will run off the crown since they are hanging perpendicular to the mount.

based on the photos ive seen you post, id say you have more exposure and understanding of how to grow orchids naturally than many of us.

[flhiker]

The orchid I see need no help.

[Shadow]

If you decide to separate them later, you won't be able to do so, because they will stick to each other. Don't forget about that.

By the way, how is you ghost doing?

[flhiker]

Thanks for asking, the Ghost seem to be fine it really hasn't changed since I received it, but still looks healthy. Putting different plants together sounded different then what I was seeing, but thats me trying to be different. Never wanting to do things that are easy or normal.