Haraella retrocalla blasts to death - Orchid Board

Blondie · #1 08-04-2007, 02:47 PM

When I bought my little cutie, it had a long string of flowers. But then the last half of the buds blasted.

I got rid of the "spike" because it died, too. I'd appreciate any tips about this orchid. Thanks!

Ross · #2 08-04-2007, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blondie

When I bought my little cutie, it had a long string of flowers. But then the last half of the buds blasted.

I got rid of the "spike" because it died, too. I'd appreciate any tips about this orchid. Thanks!

How are you growing it? I have 5 of them in a very humid environment (90-99% humidity) and they do fine. I'm going to take a guess you have it mounted and are trying to grow it too dry. Am I close? Mine is misted 4-5 per day and dunked in fertilizer solution 2-3 times per week. It sits under pretty bright light in an enclosed orchidarium (terrarium). Any of this type of orchid that takes the time to spike (and Haraella does that just fine) and then blasts the bud us probably not getting enough humidity and/or enough food.

Also, every mounted mini I have purchased (and I have lots) has taken several weeks to adjust to my (or it's new) regime.

Blondie · #3 08-04-2007, 09:21 PM

It's in a pot in a little terrarium type thing, but I had NO idea it needed that much water and humidity--bad orchid mommy! I will set up a humidity tray for it and make sure it gets a lot more water. Thank you!!

Ross · #4 08-04-2007, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blondie

It's in a pot in a little terrarium type thing, but I had NO idea it needed that much water and humidity--bad orchid mommy! I will set up a humidity tray for it and make sure it gets a lot more water. Thank you!!

You might want to consider mounting it on a stick of some sort. It is one of the so-called stick orchids in that they usually grow high in trees on twigs. They really prefer regular watering, but the roots need to dry out a bit between watering. That's hard to do with a pot. Just a thought.

justatypn · #5 08-04-2007, 10:15 PM

Definitely the Harella will tell ya it's upset, either a blasting goin' on or it will pout it's leaves into curling. Had to bump mine up on the watering regimen, got slack to once a day and changes started happening

They love the humidity around them.

Gin · #6 08-05-2007, 05:35 PM

I grow mine fairly shaded mounted on the face of a suet bird feeder that is stuffed with Spag. watered once a day it is in the green house fairly high humidity never below 60% most of the time higher .
One thing it does not like to be disturbed . Here is a picture of it . Gin

Ross · #7 08-05-2007, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gin

I grow mine fairly shaded mounted on the face of a suet bird feeder that is stuffed with Spag. watered once a day it is in the green house fairly high humidity never below 60% most of the time higher .
One thing it does not like to be disturbed . Here is a picture of it . Gin

You showed me yours, I'll show you mine

Blondie · #8 08-05-2007, 07:31 PM

Oops. Got one flower confused with the next! Well, it's true that this one blasted, too. It's growing on a small piece of bark and I didn't keep it moist enough.

What I was REALLY talking about though, was the buds that blasted on this sterohilus hirtus... Geesh. So hard to keep track of names... any thoughts on this one?