Greetings and question about phaius culture

[cb977]

Greg, hope you're feeling better soon...it's really yucky out there anyway

[nynighthawk]

Thanks, Greg,

I'll keep any eye on the water. It sounds like that's the most sensitive issue with these plants.

Hope you feel better.

[Dorothy]

Originally Posted by nynighthawk

Oh Dorothy,

Thanks for the info about the parentage of Mellow Yellow. I find that kind of info very helpful.

Jess

You are very much welcome

[SheilaJ]

About the watering, most of the info I researched on Phaius tankervillae said they are bog plants. Most recommended growing them in a good draining soilless mix, or even straight sphagnum. Some even recommended even sitting them in a saucer of water at all times. A guy in Florida grows his in pots sitting in a stream. So I wouldn't worry about overwatering.

On the other hand, mine was neglected a fair amount, and didn't get watered much, and it's doing fine, although the flower count is definitely lower.

They can be grown in full sun, but they must be acclimated very slowly and carefully, and the foliage looks nicer if you give them some shade, especially in the afternoon. When I first got mine, I put it on an unshaded west-facing deck, and the leaves got burned.

I understand that they are very susceptible to slug damage.

Sheila

[nynighthawk]

Grrrrrrrrrrr slugs... a major problem here. Especially since we've had a series of mild winters. The slugs can be as big as your thumb. I've tried the beer baits and circilng plants with liquid slug killer...all with limited success. I'll have to figure out what to do about that.

[SheilaJ]

Supposedly they don't cross copper, you can buy copper tape and make a barrier with that somehow. I've never tried it myself. I have slugs in the mulched flower beds, especially with the hostas. They don't like beer much, and the Sluggo doesn't seem to reduce their numbers significantly. I just try to buy thick-leaved hostas now.

The phaius is far enough away from the beds that slugs haven't found it. So far.

[nynighthawk]

I've heard that copper works, too. I haven't tried that yet.

I found the same solution as you did, as far as the hostas go...just look for varieties that the critters don't like. There are so many beautiful varieties, now, that there's lots to choose from. I used to hate hostas and think they were sooooo boring, but I'm a fan now.

Jess

[greg sytch]

Yes, most can grow in bogs but bogs actually have moving water at times with rains, winds etc... but using a soil mix that drains poorly suffocates their roots. Slugs? I rarely see them here but boy are the snails HUGE...I've found snails as large as a half dollar or larger cuddled among the leaves and pots. Our lizards help some. Thanks for the well-wishes...I'm just as yucky today except..yippee...it moved to my sinuses! Greg

[nynighthawk]

I hope you're feeling better soon, Greg. I always find it really odd when a cold or the flu moves around in your body, like that. It's like "Alien". Yikes. Take good care of yourself.

About slugs/snails...aside from monster slugs, there are also snails in the neighborhood where I live now. I never saw them when I was growing up in another neighborhood about three miles from where I live now, but they're everywhere here. These snails are a little bigger than a quarter and are very variable in their markings, but basically a creamy background with dark chocolate swirly spiral. I keep meaning to try to find out what they are..native or import...or what, but keep forgetting to do it. They are really pretty, but do munch plants in the garden.

I think I need some toads! LOL.

[Dorothy]

Ever try garlic for snails and slugs?
Not on them as in scampii ..
- FAQ detail
or diatomaceous earth ? - How to Get Rid of Snails and Slugs Naturally | eHow.com
Then there is Escar-Go and Sluggo mentioned here -
Pests: Diatomaceous Earth; Slugs