Orchid show haul

[SaraJean]

So I did not go crazy this year, running out of space and all, but I did get a few new babies!

1. A gorgeous Aliceara Stellar 'Hoku'. this is my first one of this type but with 3 beautiful spikes and.. well... stellar purple flowers, I couldn't pass it up.

2. Bulbophyllum Occlusum. super excited about this one! I purchased a bulb. hamelinii from the same growers last year and its doing well so I thought I would try my hand at something similar

3. A Psychopsis Mendenhall with 5 spikes (!!!!!!!!! ) I need to repot this guy and I am down right terrified of breaking/killing one of the spikes. The media looks like its breaking down so it must be done I suppose.
If anyone has any tips on this repot, I would appreciate it! I'm not changing the pot size or type (it's plastic), just the media

[ShadePlant]

Nice haul! I think we were at the same orchid show as I'm from New Orleans too. I didn't see any psychopsis with spikes so that was a lucky find.
I too am running out of space but I bought five including a seedling Vanda luzonica.

[SaraJean]

Really?? The guy had a whole tray of them (most with at least 2 spikes) when I was there Friday morning, glad I got there early as that was the one thing I knew I wanted! I was also hunting for some catasetum types but struck out I think I'm going to go back tomorrow and check out the seedlings again, there were some really cute varieties

[Roberta]

I have managed to successfully repot several Psychopsis... papilio and several of its various hybrids. The secret is "gently". Since these, if healthy, are always in spike (since the spikes rebloom for years), there's no choice but to pot them that way. Take the plant out of the pot (gently), and shake off the old media that comes off easily, Perhaps a gentle rinse, as well, to get rid of the mushy stuff. But don't try to clean aggressively. Basically, disturb roots as little as possible. Then put it back in the pot, and add new media. Just tap the pot to settle it around the roots... no need to pack it down. I have grown these in pure inorganic (diatomite) but they seem happier with some bark mixed in . If you use good, hard bark like Orchiata that doesn't break down quickly, that's desirable because these plants really don't like repotting so the less you have to the better. You can mix in some inorganic stuff with the bark (perlite or pumice or LECA or volcanic rock, etc), again to help keep the mix open for longer. Also, since these do like to dry out between waterings, the bark tends to last longer than it does in plants that need to be wetter.

[Cheddarbob14]

That's awesome SaraJean, would love to see some pics when you get a chance!

[ShadePlant]

Yes I normally am able to go in the am but didn't get there till about 2:30 pm so I guess they had sold out by then. On the years that I have gone more than once there is always something different the next time I go.

[SaraJean]

Originally Posted by ShadePlant

Yes I normally am able to go in the am but didn't get there till about 2:30 pm so I guess they had sold out by then. On the years that I have gone more than once there is always something different the next time I go.

That right there is the perfect excuse to go back

---------- Post added at 08:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:49 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Roberta

I have managed to successfully repot several Psychopsis.... The secret is "gently".

This is what I may have a problem with... I have always been a bit of a bull in a china shop.
I think this endeavor will require some meditation, herbal tea and lavender oil going in the infuser. Gotta align myself and steady those hands before I start ripping this one out of its pot. Oh, and lock the cats up in the bedroom too

[SaraJean]

Should not have gone back... my self-restraint is weak

Catanoches crazy creature

Cycnodes wine delight

Sedirea japonica (this ones staying inside)

Bulb. Baileyi

Den antennatum

Den polysema

Ascda princess mikasa pink

Pot. (Cindy Yamamoto x Owen Holmes) Carmela

Vanda Yano blue ploenpit

[NikkiM]

I too have very little restraint! Good haul!

[ShadePlant]

Wow I SHOULD have gone back hehehe. But I guess you can say that they mark stuff down on the last day (or at least they usually do)