Leafless orchids--anyone tried them? - Orchid Board

ScottMcC · #1 05-31-2007, 10:25 PM

I was perusing Oak Hill's website when I saw this special on leafless orchids, which I found quite intriguing. Anyone have any experience with these? Would they be at all within the reach of a home grower? Or should I leave this to the experts?

Oak Hill Gardens

Ross · #2 05-31-2007, 11:07 PM

If they are something you like, then why not? Don't see why they would be any harder to grow than many other orchids. At least the leaves won't rot

Lagoon · #3 05-31-2007, 11:23 PM

LMAO!

Dunno scott, I don't grow any of these myself, so I really can comment. I've heard the ghost can be rather difficult to grow due to high humidity.
It would be wonderful if you decided to try one of these gems

markr · #4 06-01-2007, 12:54 AM

I grow several species of Chiloschista. They are fairly easy to grow and flower in a terrarium. I doubt they'd survive long on a window sill, but I wouldn't call them difficult as long as you can maintain humidity and air movement. I don't think you need to be an expert (how does one become an expert at anything without trying it first?) but perhaps you need to put some thought into how you'd accomodate their needs before you rush out and purchase some. I treat them like a slightly fussy Phalaenopsis.
On the other hand, I have heard that only a few people are able to keep the ghost orchid alive longer than a few years. Not sure if this is true or if it's just part of the mystique surrounding this plant. Never tried to grow one.

Charles · #5 06-01-2007, 07:57 AM

I wouldn't throw away a ghost orchid because I thought it was dead. Get the name? There may be a shortage of them in the wild these days as this Florida drought drags on. They say we are at record lows in Lake Okeechobee. Officially as of yesterday. All time historical low.

justatypn · #6 06-01-2007, 11:16 AM

Saw that as well and was wondering myself if it would be feasible in-home growing. Anyone out there have experience growing indoors.

Ross your to funny...would be a blessing though never to worry about the leaves, saves time on clean-up

cb977 · #7 06-01-2007, 11:27 AM

Scott, I'm sure if you gave Greg at Oakhill a call he or one of the staff there would be happy to answer that question. They wouldn't want to sell you something that doesn't have a great chance of survival.

Let us know what you decide

Tindomul · #8 06-01-2007, 02:00 PM

Scott, I also saw the newsletter and was extremely intrigued. If I had some spare cash I would buy it and mount it near the top of my orchidarium where it will get plenty of light, heat and humidity. That is, I hope they like heat.

puddin · #9 06-01-2007, 02:54 PM

I think if you want to grow it, buy one, if they aren't too high on price, and if you think you can. I know one grower that was told he couldn't grow some orchids in his greenhouse. He didn't care and bought some, as seedlings, and has grown them. Their flowering and doing great. He always tells me if I want to grow it, try it, no matter what other people say.

Ross · #10 06-01-2007, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by puddin

I think if you want to grow it, buy one, if they aren't too high on price, and if you think you can. I know one grower that was told he couldn't grow some orchids in his greenhouse. He didn't care and bought some, as seedlings, and has grown them. Their flowering and doing great. He always tells me if I want to grow it, try it, no matter what other people say.

Excellent advice to all of us. I am constantly fine-tuning my collection as I find something that doesn't do as well as expected or that doesn't meet my interests. I am definitely one to try leafless minis some day in the future.