Grrrrr.... How Aggravating

[Ray]

I am posting this for the benefit of less-experienced growers, so they won't be discouraged by mistakes.

I've been growing orchids for over 45 years, but that doesn't mean I still can't screw up...

I acquired a Phalaenopsis tetraspis C1 seedling a couple of years ago, and it has actually done better growing outside on my deck in NC in the summer, and in a north-facing window in winter than it ever did in my greenhouse in PA. I attribute that to overall warmer conditions. It has bloomed twice for me in the last year, both times with two or three flowers.

A couple of months ago, it started a new spike that has grown and grown, and it ultimately developed nine buds! They all developed nicely.....until Easter week, when practices and services (my wife and I sing in our church choir), followed by family visits, led to me basically ignore my plants. The pot went dry and the buds soon followed.

Did I say "grrrrrrr"?

[berthabloom]

Sorry for your loss, but it's nice to know even the iconoclastic guru's get spanked by Mother Nature occasionally!

[charlesf6]

Wow!

[DeaC]

TY for your honesty! Perhaps the extra attention you gave to religious matters will manifest in a spectacular blooming phal. down the road with fotos galore.

[Paul]

While unfortunate, Ray, could have been far worse.
As I was reading your post, I was wondering if the first part was foreshadowing a great tragedy -- one in which you left the plant outside and an unexpect frost/freeze killed it off. So all in all, not a horrible situation.

[rbarata]

While unfortunate, Ray, could have been far worse.

Yes, you could be aware of what was happening and couldn't do nothing.

[greenpassion]

Wow. Humbling!

[No-Pro-mwa]

Well see now, it does happen to everyone. Sorry about the blooms.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by Paul

While unfortunate, Ray, could have been far worse.
As I was reading your post, I was wondering if the first part was foreshadowing a great tragedy -- one in which you left the plant outside and an unexpect frost/freeze killed it off. So all in all, not a horrible situation.

Great minds, Paul. I was thinking the same. Refreshingly honest Ray. Too much liturgy, not enough water?

[Leafmite]

I have actually forgotten plants outside in autumn and found them too late. There was a nice Vanda once, hung on a tree, that I had grown from a tiny seedling that was probably finally close to blooming-size....