Can I really do this (newbie thoughts and doubts)?

[bballr4567]

I was just checking my newest addition (Dtps Sogo Vivien) and its the first orchid I have brought home that didnt drop at least one leaf in the first two weeks I've had it. In fact, the dang thing is putting out a new leaf, the panicle is still growing and I think I will see some more buds here in a couple weeks. Now, compare that to the 3 that are still in the store that are nearly dead and its obvious Im doing something right.


But.....Im probably going to add a Sogo Yenlin to the cause here soon as well!!! lol

[Rowangreen]

The variablis is getting quite low light, but the leaves are quite pale, which I was taking as meaning it doesn't want more. Do you think it's actually similar to the ten lightwise? That's currently getting put close to a light on a regular basis, but will probably get moved into my south facing livingroom at some point (the problem there being it could get pretty hot in the summer!)

The Lycaste I think I may have come close to drowning when I first got it: it had some very tatty leaves then! Since then I've repotted (kept dry for bit then...), it's dropped the old leaves (leaving a fine set of spikes) and has a new shoot coming up, so is definitely in growth now, so I am watering and feeding. The shoot is just at the point where you can see the leaves shaping up and about to start dividing, so I'm hoping it's not too late for flowers to appear from the base!

[Rowangreen]

Mutant, which was the one with the black spot on the stem?

I've had a noid like that. I made sure I kept it on the dry side, treated with cinamon, pulled the media back a bit to allow more air cirulation round the roots and base. I had some roots shrivel, but several months later the plant is now fine and healthy and is throwing out masses of new roots! Disclaimer: I am new to orchid growing myself, and it was a robust hybrid not a picky species... I think your plant looked healthier generally though from what I saw in another thread.

[PeaceLoveOrchids]

Don't fret about the overwhelming feelings! My experiance with phals is once they get acclamated to their enviroment, they can be sooo easy to care for. It's very routine now with water and fertalizer and my orchids seem to grow almost constantly thru the spring and early summer. Once I find somthing that works I stick with it. After 2 years of only phal growing (not long I know) now I hope to get into oncidiums or cybidiums. Whichever I find first.What I mean to say is, it gets easier!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

The variablis is getting quite low light, but the leaves are quite pale, which I was taking as meaning it doesn't want more. Do you think it's actually similar to the ten lightwise? That's currently getting put close to a light on a regular basis, but will probably get moved into my south facing livingroom at some point (the problem there being it could get pretty hot in the summer!)

No, Max. variabilis cannot handle the same intensity of lighting as Max. tenuifolia. Max tenuifolia can handle full sun without a problem. When I say Max tenuifolia can handle full sun, I mean it can handle a good number of hours under direct sunlight, much like a cacti. I had it growing on a wall with absolutely no cover whatsoever and blazing bright sunlight, and it did just fine. Warmth is not an issue with Max tenuifolia. It is actually an intermediate to warm growing plant. However, it can tolerate cooler temperatures quite well.

Max. variabilis can grow under lighting that Miltoniopsis, Oncs, and some Cattleyas can grow in. If you're not sure, move it in increments to brighter light. See if that gives you better growth.

Maxillarias in general can handle quite a bit of light, so if they aren't growing well or blooming well, it is usually attributed to this.

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

The Lycaste I think I may have come close to drowning when I first got it: it had some very tatty leaves then! Since then I've repotted (kept dry for bit then...), it's dropped the old leaves (leaving a fine set of spikes) and has a new shoot coming up, so is definitely in growth now, so I am watering and feeding. The shoot is just at the point where you can see the leaves shaping up and about to start dividing, so I'm hoping it's not too late for flowers to appear from the base!

Lycaste drop leaves during dormancy. It's natural.

[Leafmite]

My concern is always...how will I fit them inside when winter comes? The orchids aren't too bad but my other plants....
I think it is normal to freak out a bit. I'm feeling a little crazy myself! I just ordered Cinnamomum zeylanicum and it is a bit fussy in the home. What on earth possessed me to do that? Planning the soil mixture has me stressed! The soil will determine if it dies or thrives.....

[The Mutant]

Thanks guys! I feel better now after venting here for a bit. The Phals I've had for a while are doing fine (except the mini I wrote about before - it's still looking depressed but it hasn't declined further at least) and putting out new roots and leaves, and some even plan to bloom. Even one of the minis I asked for advice how to save it has finally started growing (this even after Pelle managed to pull it down twice and break all of its leaves!).

I know it takes time for them to adjust, and that bud blast/leaf drop is to be expected. I just felt...overwhelmed. I think it just hit me how darn many they are now, which is both good and bad; good, because I won't have time to fret and fuzz too much over every single plant (I know I'll try to anyway); bad, because I won't have time to fret and fuzz over every single plant.

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Don't freak out.

If you must know...

One of the parent species to your Phal Braquestris, (Phal braceana x Phal equestris), Phalaenopsis braceana is actually a species that has the ability to become deciduous. So your Phal Braquestris is not going to die if it becomes leafless. The roots will be able to take care of themselves.

The species Phaleanopsis pulchra is one of those with soft, lighter green leaves, much like the Phals that are in the video links of them growing in situ that I've posted on other people's posts asking about Phals, instead of having the thick leathery leaves you see on hybridized Phals . The roots are rather thin, instead of the thick ones you normally see on the hybridized Phals. Well check this out...all you have to do is - water a little more frequently. That's it. There's nothing to this.

[...]

Here's something you can do next time...

In the future, if you'd like to try out some orchids and you're not sure about them, you may post questions regarding the orchids in question to see if anybody with experience can answer your questions or concerns.

Thanks! Then I won't worry too much about my Braquestris since it apparently may have the possibility to start growing even after losing its top leaf, and also, thanks for that info on the pulchra, I thought it had the same firm leaves as the other Phals do, I feel much better now.

I have asked about several about the Phals both here and in the BLF, but somehow I forgot to ask about the pulchra. I will, however, ask about the Paphs in a thread of their own since those are the ones I'm the least confident I'll be able to provide for.

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

At least you are being sensible and sticking to a couple of types! I keep adding totally different types (already had noid phals and various oncidium alliance hybrids): Lycaste, Maxillaria, Epidendrum, Prosthecea, plus ferns and carnivores (had to get special water for the latter...). And of course now I'll be making my first internet order for the project... I might be getting my first Paph so I might need your help with it! LOL

Know what you mean about being overwhelmed. So far my expanding hoard seems to be doing OK, though some seem to be sulking (eg my Max. variablis has done NOTHING, and I'm hoping it's just it considers it's winter and it's resting). It's true, a month or so after getting them I have several that ARE putting on new growth and that is great! (My Max ten is working on new pulbs... my mystery Lycaste has a new shoot and I'm still hoping there's a chance of flowers...).

I think you're the first one to call me sensible since I started the with orchid craze!

I only stick to two types since I don't really want any other (I'm so glad my scope of interest is so narrow considering what low self discipline I have when it comes to purchasing myself to death!), I think you and me both might need a tip or two in regards to Paphs (I warn you, they are highly addicting!).

I'm glad you're getting new growths on your new acquisitions, keep up the good work!

Originally Posted by Wynn Dee13

I don't think I would mist them either. You just have to give them time to adjust. They have just been shipped in a box from their homes, transplanted then put in a whole new environment. A lot of newbies overly smother their plants and it is best to leave them be when your not watering or repotting. Also if a few die don't be too hard on yourself. I think almost everybody kills a few when they first start out. I know I did and I still loose one now and then. All you can do is your best! If you can bloom Phals you should be able to bloom Paphs. Enjoy your new hobby! Good luck and like the others said your worries will pass soon!

I leave them alone, and I'll stop with the spraying of water (I sprayed it on the underside of their leaves since I'm very careful of not getting anything into their crowns), the only thing I really do with those I've repotted, is moving them out of harms way when the sun has moved on the sky, thus managing to shine in above the cloth I shade them with, and, of course, I stare at them a lot.

I really don't want to kill any of them, but I'm trying to prepare myself for the fact that I will very much probably do so, especially a Paph or two since I'm so very new at this genus. I've already killed my share of Phals (I've had Phals for seven years after all) so I hope I've filled most of my quota when it comes to them.

Originally Posted by bballr4567

I was just checking my newest addition (Dtps Sogo Vivien) and its the first orchid I have brought home that didnt drop at least one leaf in the first two weeks I've had it. In fact, the dang thing is putting out a new leaf, the panicle is still growing and I think I will see some more buds here in a couple weeks. Now, compare that to the 3 that are still in the store that are nearly dead and its obvious Im doing something right.


But.....Im probably going to add a Sogo Yenlin to the cause here soon as well!!! lol

It's a wonderful feeling when that happens. I checked in on the Dtps. Queen Beer 'Tiny Doll's the florist's shop had left where I purchased mine from, and there's a huge different between mine with its 48 flowers and new leaf growing and its rather sad looking colleagues still left at the store...

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

Mutant, which was the one with the black spot on the stem?

I've had a noid like that. I made sure I kept it on the dry side, treated with cinamon, pulled the media back a bit to allow more air cirulation round the roots and base. I had some roots shrivel, but several months later the plant is now fine and healthy and is throwing out masses of new roots! Disclaimer: I am new to orchid growing myself, and it was a robust hybrid not a picky species... I think your plant looked healthier generally though from what I saw in another thread.

The one with the black spot was the Phal. equestris 'Blue Lip' I got from Popow. I've cut the lowest leaf off and a piece of the leaf under that one as well, used peroxide and sprinkled cinnamon on the cuts, let it dry out a bit before potting it and I've kept the media away from the "wound". I think I caught it in time since it hadn't spread any further. It'll probably lose the leaf I had to cut a piece off, but the rest of the plant looks fine so far.

[Phal grower]

I'm glad you posted this because I think everyone feels a little defeated at times. I always want my plants to grow to there full potential and when they don't it just, well...sucks. I have to remind myself why I started growing plants, and to have fun. Good growing.

[rangiku]

Mutant, if anyone can take care of these orchids, it is you. I know you will do just fine.

Equestris blue lip is tough. I killed one, pitched another due to mites (ack!) and the third tried to commit suicide but its rounded the corner a while back.

Sadly, I've come to the conclusion that some orchids just will not thrive no matter what care we give them. Typically those are the ones we love the most.

Good luck and the only upside when we fail an orchid is that another space opens up for a new one.

[Wynn Dee13]

I leave them alone, and I'll stop with the spraying of water (I sprayed it on the underside of their leaves since I'm very careful of not getting anything into their crowns), the only thing I really do with those I've repotted, is moving them out of harms way when the sun has moved on the sky, thus managing to shine in above the cloth I shade them with, and, of course, I stare at them a lot.

I really don't want to kill any of them, but I'm trying to prepare myself for the fact that I will very much probably do so, especially a Paph or two since I'm so very new at this genus. I've already killed my share of Phals (I've had Phals for seven years after all) so I hope I've filled most of my quota when it comes to them.

I didn't know you have been growing orchids for 7 years! You aren't a newbie. If what your doing is working don't stop anything!

I know the feeling of being overwhelmed. I feel like that when I have to water. I have like 150 plants and I have to cart them from the back bedroom to the kitchen sink. I'm also a little overwhelmed with repotting right now cause all my catts are putting out new growth and need a repot. I really was feeling crazy when I found those yucky bugs in the medium last year because it took me forever to figure out what they were. I thought my whole collection was going to be dead in a few weeks!

I hope none of your plants die too. It is terrible to loose one! I think you will do just fine with all your new chids!