Blooming Frustrations!!

[katrina]

Originally Posted by Reeses

and a Brassia "Little Stars."

I believe you mean Brassavola Little Stars.

If so, you wouldn't want to keep it moist all the time. Water well but the roots need to dry quickly in between waterings. Bright, bright light.

[Reeses]

Thanks for your input, everyone. I am aware I have plants with different cultural needs; I have been trying to experiment to see what grows well for me in the environment I have. I have them all on a shelf with two of Ray's LED grow-lights, and a humidity tray. I know these aren't ideal conditions, but I don't have the space or money to get fancier, as much as I'd like to. I was excited to be able to put them outside this summer, as I thought that would be beneficial to them, and I did see growth on all of them. I know the bud blast is from drafty air from my window (temperatures outside dropped suddenly into the thirties), and I'm just disappointed because I thought I had finally done something right with my growing.

[katrina]

Time and some patience...you will get there.

BTW have you checked out the Miami Valley Orchid Society? They meet at the Cox Arboretum. Lots of knowledgeable and friendly growers in that group.

[Reeses]

Thanks for your kind words, Katrina. I've been to a few of the MVOS shows--they're incredible. I just realized that I need to change my location. I'm currently in Muncie, IN for grad school.

[boxster1990]

What kind of grow lights did you supplement with? How far away are they from the plants?

[bwehr28]

How can you tell if you have bud blast besides the buds falling off? I have 3 phals with buds. All the buds keep getting bigger, but none have started to open.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by bwehr28

How can you tell if you have bud blast besides the buds falling off? I have 3 phals with buds. All the buds keep getting bigger, but none have started to open.

Getting bigger is good! As long as they are plump and getting bigger you are going to get flowers! Patience, patience. Bud blast is when they shrivel and fall off.

[Reeses]

Hi everyone, wanted to give an update about my plants.
I now have 4--count 'em, 4!!--plants in spike! Apparently I just needed to be a bit more patient with it all. Even the spike that was blasting its buds is still growing, albeit a bit slowly.

I have three NOID Phals in spike, and the Brassavola (yes, you were all correct, it is Brassavola, not Brassia). I am so very excited! It's been a tough few months for me, so the thought of having flowers to look forward to is wonderful.


Boxter: "What kind of grow lights did you supplement with? How far away are they from the plants?"
They are Ray's LED grow lights, which he apparently no longer sells. There are two of them, about 10 inches above the plants, and they are supposed to cover the whole spectrum, including red and blue.

[Dollythehun]

Good for you Reeses! They are a great stress reliever aren't they?!

[Reeses]

Thanks Dolly! They really can be. Although, they were stressing me out when I thought I was doing something wrong