I've got that itch again - Orchid Board

Bulbofett · #1 03-14-2014, 11:59 AM

There is no cream for it. At least not that I'm aware of. I feel like a total addict. How do you deal with the orchid itch?

I really want a new orchid to add to the collection, but I have no idea what I want. I guess this isn't the worst problem to have

There was actually a Cattleya on here a few months ago that I want so badly, heck if I can remember the name or the member who posted it. All I remember was that they had a pool and the plant was in a hanging basket....that didn't help did it?

Give me ideas on what to get next!

tucker85 · #2 03-14-2014, 12:10 PM

What kinds of orchids have you had success growing? What colors and flower shapes do you like?

Bulbofett · #3 03-14-2014, 12:26 PM

I have Bulbophyllums (obviously, tee hee), Cattleya, Oncidiums, Paphs, Masdevallia (probably a mistake with my climate though), Phragmipediums, Dendrobiums, Angraecum....I think that is it feel like I'm leaving someone out....

I like lots of colors, but I'm crazy about salmon colored blooms right now. Flower shape varies. I'm just not a fan of the skinny spider-like blooms that a lot of Brassia or Encyclias have.

I'm not looking to add any paphs or phrags though. I'm quite content with the difficult ones I have now.

Optimist · #4 03-14-2014, 12:35 PM

I like the thick leaves of a cattleya, and really would like a brassovola nodosa because they have those little "rat tails." I also hear that it has a wonderful scent, and I have been spoiled after getting some scented orchids. To me, all the flowers look the same though, so that is a turn off. Maybe I am wrong. There are so many nice ones to choose from!

james mickelso · #5 03-14-2014, 01:34 PM

As to flower size, nothing beats a big BLC. Large highly fragrant flowers in all colors. Next would be phals. Big full phals with long inflorescences with 20-30-40 flowers. Stripes, spots, multi branched and multiflowered. Multiple flowerings a year. Brasso nodossas are very fragrant at night. Good for the collection and would grow nicely for ya Bulbo.

---------- Post added at 12:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:30 PM ----------

And I know all too well how itchy it can be for ya. The large club down in San Diego is having their annual spring show this next weekend and I have pockets with holes smoldering in them. I will get there early so I can get the good donations off the donation table. That's where a lot of my orchids come from. Cast offs from someone else's collection. Usually full of fungus, mold, bacterial issues. But some great plants. All the flowers I post are on plants with issues.

Bulbofett · #6 03-14-2014, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist

I like the thick leaves of a cattleya, and really would like a brassovola nodosa because they have those little "rat tails." I also hear that it has a wonderful scent, and I have been spoiled after getting some scented orchids. To me, all the flowers look the same though, so that is a turn off. Maybe I am wrong. There are so many nice ones to choose from!

Yeah, I love the lip on the Brassovola, but the spindly upper petals aren't attractive to me. I do love a fine smelling orchid though! Might try finding a salmon colored cattleya since they always smell amazing.

Thanks James! I'm jealous people just give away orchids they don't want near you. From all your pictures I can tell your an expert at bringing things back to life! The closest I've come to free is at the orchid meetings. They sometimes hold raffles, and I've been able to score some cheapies that way. I'd love to take in sick orchids and make them well again though! That is how I first became addicted.

james mickelso · #7 03-14-2014, 03:28 PM

That's one way the club makes money. Part of the profit goes to the species conservation group. Also we are lucky in that some of our local vendors donate extra plants to the donation tables. Costs are from $1 to $5 a plant. Here's a salmon colored LC that you might like. If you buy, think about Sunset Valley Orchids. He specializes in mini catts as well as larger ones.

Daethen · #8 03-14-2014, 04:10 PM

There is only one way to scratch that itch.........buy an orchid.

lexusnexus · #9 03-15-2014, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bulbofett

I really want a new orchid to add to the collection, but I have no idea what I want. I guess this isn't the worst problem to have

Simple answer for that, get at least one of everything!

Bulbofett · #10 03-17-2014, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by james mickelso

That's one way the club makes money. Part of the profit goes to the species conservation group. Also we are lucky in that some of our local vendors donate extra plants to the donation tables. Costs are from $1 to $5 a plant. Here's a salmon colored LC that you might like. If you buy, think about Sunset Valley Orchids. He specializes in mini catts as well as larger ones.

Thanks James! Those orchids are beautiful! I've had my eye on the Slc. Beau's apricot gem from SVO. I'll definitely be ordering that one.

Recently though I purchased a Blc. George King 'Southern Cross' from Kawamoto. I really wanted a 'Serendipity' but I heard the salmon color is hard to find.