my nelly isler - Orchid Board

sii · #1 07-08-2011, 08:08 PM

So I've been watching my nelly for quite some time. I find that almost everyday I have to water it as it feels pretty dry.

But I noticed this stem a couple of days ago. Doesn't seem to be moving and it's curled. I didn't notice the stem when it bloomed the last time, but, is this the normal way it comes up?

silken · #2 07-08-2011, 09:17 PM

I would say that isn't normal. I'm assuming that's a Burrageara Nelly Isler. I have one and the spikes just came out straight and normal. I have found this happens to some of my milts tho. The spike gets caught between the pseudobulb and a tight leaf. I can't tell from the photo, maybe it is free now but otherwise you might want to very gently pry the leaf away and try to free the tip of the spike. Or I would even consider getting rid of the leaf if absolutely necessary.

Eyebabe · #3 07-08-2011, 09:19 PM

Your leaves look a bit dry and I have had similar looking leaves and stems on Miltoniopsis plants that I have tried to grow.
As the spike is coming up through the leaves they are supposed to be flexible enough to open up and allow the stem to grow up straight. If the leaves are crinkled, stiff and inflexible due to dryness, the stem will kink, holding the bud down while the stem continues to lengthen. Thus the "deformity" occurs.
I have had this happen and the solution was more water. The miltioniopsis are difficult for me as they like it wet and cool but need very good air.
You might try a different media that holds more water...but I am not familiar with the culture requirements of your Nelly tho...however, that is my "instinct".
And I am fairly certain you can't "fix" the stem. I would however, release any restriction on it and see what happens

silken · #4 07-08-2011, 09:19 PM

It also looks like the new growths are a bit wrinkled. That means it's not getting quite enough moisture either because of poor roots, or just too dry of media and low humidity. I feel that is also why the spikes get stuck, but I'm not sure about that.

silken · #5 07-08-2011, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyebabe

Your leaves look a bit dry and I have had similar looking leaves and stems on Miltoniopsis plants that I have tried to grow.
As the spike is coming up through the leaves they are supposed to be flexible enough to open up and allow the stem to grow up straight. If the leaves are crinkled, stiff and inflexible due to dryness, the stem will kink, holding the bud down while the stem continues to lengthen. Thus the "deformity" occurs.
I have had this happen and the solution was more water. The miltioniopsis are difficult for me as they like it wet and cool but need very good air.
You might try a different media that holds more water...but I am not familiar with the culture requirements of your Nelly tho...however, that is my "instinct".
And I am fairly certain you can't "fix" the stem. I would however, release any restriction on it and see what happens

I was posting just when you were but you said it better. I have had a quite bent milt spike and once it was freed it eventually straightened out amazingly well. But I agree, it's a moisture issue. Mine is potted in fine bark with a bit of moss and perlite mixed in. They like to be watered just before it dries out and they don't like a lot of heat. Similar to milts sort of.

actually their lineage is approx. 50% miltoniopsis

sii · #6 07-08-2011, 11:52 PM

I find that I'm watering it almost everyday. It sits by an east window with my other phals. I can move it slightly away from the sun, maybe close to the wall by the window. I have it in bark. I'm worried about moss as I've had some bad luck with this medium. The only time it works is with my little phals, as their pots are small.

I gently pushed the stem out of the leaf. I'm hoping that it'll straighten out.

silken · #7 07-09-2011, 12:03 AM

40%-80% humidity. Water heavily but ensure perfect drainage. Water just as medium starts to dry; Watch water quality carefully. Commonly grown in pots. Fertilize twice monthly, less if overcast. Common media: fir bark, ammended with coarse sand, coarse perlite and shredded peat.

Above is what OrchidWiz says for moisture and potting media. Can you soak the pot when you are watering it so it reatains more moisture? That might help. Good luck with the spike. Mine has two spikes and I can't wait for the blooms, which will be a while yet.

sii · #8 07-09-2011, 12:10 AM

Hi Silken,
what I typically do is put water in the sink and then let it sit in the water. As I type this, I've put water into a vase (with no holes) and I have this baby to soak again. (it's probably to late to be doing this - it's 11:10pm)

My original orchid hobby began with phals, which I habitually overwatered. Now that I'm expanding my love for these flowers, I try not to overwater because I'm worried I'll lose them again.

Still learning. Thanks for the info!!

silken · #9 07-09-2011, 12:24 AM

I killed a number of orchids due to over-watering. It's a little tricky finding the fine line between enough and too much water. I'm doing much better at it but some still suffer from my ignorance. Live and learn and having patience seems to be what growing orchids is all about. Oh ya, and the thrill of seeing a new growth, spike or bloom

WhiteRabbit · #10 07-09-2011, 02:09 AM

seems hard to imagine that daily watering has been insufficient - roots may be rotted, and plant is unable to take up water

I use bamboo skewers in pretty much all my orchid pots, so I can easily determine when they need water.