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  #1  
Old 05-18-2012, 03:26 PM
hbozeman hbozeman is offline
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I'm looking for suggestions as to a first-orchid gift to someone in AZ. Any hints as to genera/species, as well as potting media in the very arid area.

thx
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  #2  
Old 05-18-2012, 03:41 PM
Gage Gage is offline
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Maybe a phalaenopsis potted in sphagnum moss with plenty of styrofoam in the center of the potting media. By the way, welcome to OB!
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  #3  
Old 05-18-2012, 03:45 PM
hbozeman hbozeman is offline
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That is what I was thinking...sphag to keep humidity up, but styrofoam to keep it from being waterlogged, right?
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  #4  
Old 05-18-2012, 03:57 PM
Gage Gage is offline
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Precisely. The styrofoam in the center will ensure that the media dries evenly, so when it's time to water it's really time to water. Otherwise the top could be bone dry and the center be wet, so any roots that are in the center will eventually rot.
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  #5  
Old 05-18-2012, 05:24 PM
hbozeman hbozeman is offline
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thx, btw, at my age it's good to be called a "junior" anything...
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  #6  
Old 05-18-2012, 05:32 PM
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Leafmite Leafmite is offline
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Good luck with the gift! I can't make any suggestions because I don't have experience growing in a dry environment. Phals are nice, though, as the flowers last a long time and look so elegant. They are great starter orchids. I give many as gifts.
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  #7  
Old 05-19-2012, 08:05 AM
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If you'll be shipping a plant into Arizona, do not label the package as such, or it will be blocked from entry unless you have the proper permits.
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  #8  
Old 05-19-2012, 06:21 PM
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camille1585 camille1585 is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Ray View Post
If you'll be shipping a plant into Arizona, do not label the package as such, or it will be blocked from entry unless you have the proper permits.
Since when does Arizona not count as a normal US state???? I thought you could ship anything anywhere within the US.
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  #9  
Old 05-19-2012, 06:58 PM
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California, Hawaii, and Arizona are very wary of pests, so are quite restrictive.

The big thing right now is Japanese beetles.
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  #10  
Old 05-19-2012, 11:18 PM
james mickelso james mickelso is offline
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Ray is right. Better yet, contact an orchid nursery in Aridzona and have them make one up for your friend. Better yet, give your friend a night blooming cirrus or something more appropriate to the area. But if you prefer to get them an orchid, I think a cattleya or laelia would be better. Phals don't take the aridity too well. Encyclia, now laelia again, Citrina are native to mexico about 500 miles to the south. I think a vanda would be better than a phal. Just my opinion.
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