So, I went to Orchid Doctor!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Laughing out loud after reading the title? I do as well, when thinking about it and what people who are NOT orchid freaks must think:-) But I really did today visit my local "orchid doctor". I love Broward orchid supply company, and I do shop there for all my orchid supplies. Sandi and Tom are amazing people, with huge love and what's more important, knowledge, about the babies we all love so much! I was about to leave house today to get some stuff there, when I decided to TRY Tom's Orchid Doctor and Re-potting service. I had on my mind 3 orchids for quite some time, one of them, Den. Bracteosum, than Epidendrum Mabel Kanda, and also my Dendrochilum Filiforme. Bracteosum was bothering me, because I did not see really any new growths this year, and old canes lost nearly all the leaves by now. I didn't know if there is some issue with roots, and due to the fact the roots are so delicate, I wanted advise. Also my Dendrochilum and Epidendrum were growing fine, however i had some feeling there is something NOT KOSHER INSIDE. So I took them all, and I was right, about 2:-) Bracteosum was just fine, and after 3 weeks when Tom recommended during my last visit Epson salt to push new growth, we did see finally 3 tiny new spikes pushing through, so I was really happy. However, my Epidendrum was not so good, having some ORCHID CANCER as Tom named it. He did cut the infected tissue, separated 2 bulbs that were beyond saving, and re potted it. Dendrochilum had great roots, however the medium and wooden basket had already that penicillin fungus, which would slowly kill it, if not caught on time. So again, new wooden basket, and re potted. All in all, they are going to be FINE, but, my gut feeling was RIGHT. Sorry guys, I know this is too long to read, BUT, if you are newbie like me, with huge orchid fever, and you need beginners help, try to find YOUR ORCHID DOCTOR close to you, I bet you, you will love the help, and all advices you can get! Thank you so so much Tom for the diagnosis and treatment, patience will be hopefully just fine in no time

---------- Post added at 10:03 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:57 PM ----------

Ohh, I forgot to mention, after the SURGERIES, I went of course to get some supplies, and Sandi showed me this amazing Cooling Pot for my Dracula Lotax, which keeps it more than 10 degrees colder at all times, so happy for that, plus like if this was not enough, when I was leaving, I was treated with gift, amazing huge Vanda Miss Joaquim. Check out the new Dracula pot, and also how I did mount Miss Joaquim on huge piece of bamboo I had left home for a years, pretty cool looking. AND, my Ghost orchid, Dendrophylax Funalis arrived today, so after some advice from Tom I did cover it with spanish moss and keep under it pot with water, so it will get as close as possible to it's natural growing habitat, when it needs really lot of humidity:-) Lets hope it will be doing fine at my balcony:-)

[nikkik]

Loved reading your post! An orchid doctor, what a fantastic idea! Great pictures of your plants to illustrate your post!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by nikkik

Loved reading your post! An orchid doctor, what a fantastic idea! Great pictures of your plants to illustrate your post!

Thanks, I had a great day today, spending it in "orchid clinic". It is funny to think about, but at the end of day, I think I did great decision and pretty much saved my to orchids I do love a lot, so I am very happy. What is so great about it, these guys really do help a lot of people, they do teach about orchids, diseases, re potting at many shows, and in Fairchild Gardens as well, but sometimes it is just much better when you can take your orchids and have them checked, diagnosed, and re potted by profi. Price is very reasonable, and all the knowledge is priceless anyway! They even DO HOUSE CALLS, they will come to your house, check your orchids, suggest where you should actually have them, what is best for each one of them, this is just amazing service and I wish them truly all the best!

[lornaheath]

Flip! That is a great service.

I consider myself to have had an Orchid Nurse!

She is the Lady in charge of the House plants and the Orchid section in my local Nursery. I have asked her advice and opinion before. They also do a re-potting service and generally help out old codgers and the disabled gardeners.

Having said that, I consider all of YOU here to be my Orchid Doctors. You have all gone into so much depth and intelligent diagnosis and advice that I would never go anywhere else for the help I need.

TOMMY the roots on that picture, well I'm sure you could dye it blonde and wear it Matey. Makes an impressive Hairpiece! Well done on a great post.

Lorna
x x x

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by lornaheath

Flip! That is a great service.

I consider myself to have had an Orchid Nurse!

She is the Lady in charge of the House plants and the Orchid section in my local Nursery. I have asked her advice and opinion before. They also do a re-potting service and generally help out old codgers and the disabled gardeners.

Having said that, I consider all of YOU here to be my Orchid Doctors. You have all gone into so much depth and intelligent diagnosis and advice that I would never go anywhere else for the help I need.

TOMMY the roots on that picture, well I'm sure you could dye it blonde and wear it Matey. Makes an impressive Hairpiece! Well done on a great post.

Lorna
x x x

Thank you Lornie:-)
you are so right, all people here are the bunch of SPECIALISTS and DOCTORS, and that's why I love this forum, plus to have some new friends with the same hobby! Ghost orchid is truly interesting, will see how it will do here at my balcony:-)

[Island Girl]

Yea, I agree this forum is AWESOME!! That's why I joined, & that's why I stay! There's always something to learn!

I've heard of these "Orchid Doctors" in nurseries nearby, but haven't met one yet (other than on here), but I only recently discovered a couple orchid nurseries that were closeby (w/in 2 hours drive... Well, 4 hr round-trip). I've heard many good things about Broward Orchid Supply, so this does not surprise me I have not been lucky enough to go see them in person, but if I'm down that way, I will definitely go! (Do they have those clay "orchid" pots... The kind that are just the regular terra cotta, and come with holes all over the sides? Those are impossible to find here, and most places that do have them (usually Florida suppliers), don't ship them, b/c they're breakable).

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Yea, I agree this forum is AWESOME!! That's why I joined, & that's why I stay! There's always something to learn!

I've heard of these "Orchid Doctors" in nurseries nearby, but haven't met one yet (other than on here), but I only recently discovered a couple orchid nurseries that were closeby (w/in 2 hours drive... Well, 4 hr round-trip). I've heard many good things about Broward Orchid Supply, so this does not surprise me I have not been lucky enough to go see them in person, but if I'm down that way, I will definitely go! (Do they have those clay "orchid" pots... The kind that are just the regular terra cotta, and come with holes all over the sides? Those are impossible to find here, and most places that do have them (usually Florida suppliers), don't ship them, b/c they're breakable).

You know what I actually think they DO, I do not buy these but I think one time I did see them in their little store in the garden. Next time when I will drive there for my supplies, I will check it for you, I know exactly what you mean, they are so huge in Asia right? every picture of orchids form Asia is in these pots, but so hard to get here:-) If I will find them, I will be more than happy to ship them to you, I owe package forwarding company, so we can really pack them well, the only think you need is to cover postage from Florida to you:-)

---------- Post added at 05:43 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:39 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Yea, I agree this forum is AWESOME!! That's why I joined, & that's why I stay! There's always something to learn!

I've heard of these "Orchid Doctors" in nurseries nearby, but haven't met one yet (other than on here), but I only recently discovered a couple orchid nurseries that were closeby (w/in 2 hours drive... Well, 4 hr round-trip). I've heard many good things about Broward Orchid Supply, so this does not surprise me I have not been lucky enough to go see them in person, but if I'm down that way, I will definitely go! (Do they have those clay "orchid" pots... The kind that are just the regular terra cotta, and come with holes all over the sides? Those are impossible to find here, and most places that do have them (usually Florida suppliers), don't ship them, b/c they're breakable).

I just checked their page, and LOOK: Terra Cotta Pot with Holes:

Price: 4½" - $3.00
5½" - $4.00
6¼" - $5.00
7" - $6.00

So they DO HAVE THEM:-)
it is not biggie to drive there and get you some, it is like 30 minutes from my house. Just let me know which one and how many:-) If you have paypal we can do it via paypal, or any other way is fine:-) I love these guys anyway so another visit will just make me happy:-)))

[Island Girl]

Oh wow! You're awesome! I will pm you in a couple days (next little while is kinda busy! Lol) Thank You soo much!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

Oh wow! You're awesome! I will pm you in a couple days (next little while is kinda busy! Lol) Thank You soo much!

no problem, any time, I am busy all the time but I will find a minute to drive there and get it for you if you will choose some:-)

[Optimist]

No prob with length of post. Most nursery people around here know NOTHING about orchids! Would love to have someone who knew something take a look at them & give advice. More work for orchid doctors in this world.

Epsom salts are actually useful. I have given mine them, like a few grains per 2 gallon of water. Come to think of it, I am getting my very first ever orchid spikes. Maybe this is the cause?