New Orchids!--Had to Share

[Claire25]

Within the last two weeks I've purchased seven new orchids...that's a record, I think, for me...guess I really need to put DOWN the credit card and step AWAY from the computer for a bit! Anyway, figured I'd share, since I know quite a few of you will understand. And, of course, if anyone has any recommendations regarding the following species I'm all ears!

The new additions:

Cattleya walkeriana
Dendrobium kingianum
Encyclia dichroma
Encyclia dickinsoniana
Encyclia microbulbon
Laelia crispilabia (caulescens)
Laelia fournieri

Thanks for reading!
Claire

BTW I grow most of my orchids in south-facing windows indoors (at least in winter) and usually opt for the sphagnum moss/clay pot combination. I tend to get lazier than usual with watering/fertilizing in the winter, so I try to choose plants that can tolerate that.

[sii]

Do you have pictures?

[Zoi2]

Nice assortment, can't wait for pictures.
Joann

[Claire25]

They're going to all be pretty teeny, but I will certainly post some pics when they all arrive. The Encyclias came today, I may possibly receive the Laelias by Friday, and hopefully will get the others by early next week. So excited!

[Claire25]

Right--so I think all the orchids I am likely to receive this week by either the mail or Fedex have arrived.

Here are some pics!

1st photo, left to right: Encyclias dichroma, dickinsoniana, and microbulbon; then Laelias fournieri and crispilabia.

2nd photo: the L. fournieri was shaky in its pot, so I dumped it out to have a look--the medium it's in is actually a bit more water retentive than I would have thought--there seem to be a lot of tiny bits of something organic (bark?) in there, along with the gravel. Thought the roots could've been better, so I did add a bit of moss after dumping out about half of the original mix. At least it will be easier for me to tell when it's still damp in this mix...I actually feel that it will dry a little more evenly, too, but we shall see. The L. crispilabia seemed really well rooted in its gravel, so I'm not messing with it, as per the advice I've received.

3rd photo: the original mix.

4th photo: the final product.

5th photo: E. dichroma out of its pot. Happy roots! It's going into a clay pot.

6th photo: E. microbulbon. Not so happy roots. Definitely a bit dried out. I removed the styro peanuts and potted it up in pure sphagnum, back into its original pot.

Thanks for looking! Hopefully my order from Olympic will come soon. I think I'm still waiting on Paypal to complete the transaction!

Claire

[GardenTheater]

Wow, they sure look healthy! Enjoy!

[cythaenopsis]

Wow, what a nice diverse selection--looks great! Was this your first time ordering from that company? Would you order again? I've never done mail order for plants, as I've got some pretty reasonably priced places nearby. But of course, they lack diversity.

[Call_Me_Bob]

nice haul

[Claire25]

Cythaenopsis, actually I ordered these from three different companies! (Can never seem to find everything I want at any one nursery--that would be too easy, LOL). The Encyclias came from Jewell Orchids (Georgia), the Laelias came from Andy's Orchids (California), and the Catt and Den. are coming from Olympic Orchids in Washington state.

I don't know what I'd do without mailorder orchid nurseries. Around here, the only options for in-person orchid shopping are Lowe's and Home Depot...and after all, how many half-dead Phals and NOID dendrobiums does one really need?

I've ordered from Jewell before; both other orders are coming from companies new to me. I would not hesitate to do business with any of the above again...my main interest is in seed-grown species orchids, and each of these guys have a fair selection. I am also cheap, and enjoy paying as little as possible for shipping...Jewell is running a special thru the end of this month for $5.00 shipping on all orders, FYI.

I don't know what your main interests are, but if you enjoy seedlings and interesting species the above companies should satisfy you...I also have had good experiences with Exotic Orchids of Maui and Tropical Orchid Farm. Check out the "Vendor Feedback" forum on here for other good places to shop. Oh, and welcome to Orchid Board!

Claire

[Call_Me_Bob]

same here nothing to buy in person.

ill check out jewell!