Here's another one I'm having trouble with - Orchid Board

CoolPhrog · #1 12-01-2007, 10:00 PM

Ok, this gongora has looked like this since I bought it Spring 2007 at the Jacksonville Orchid show. It has recently put up a new leaf but I can't get the existing foliage to get any better...any thoughts?

nancy · #2 12-12-2007, 12:54 AM

Sphagnum moss = satan.

dave b · #3 12-12-2007, 01:22 AM

Getting the old foliage to improve probably wont happen. It dosent look that bad. Wild ones look worse. Gongoras like lots of water and frequent fertilizer when in active growth. Dont let it dry out excessively. Watch for direct sun that can burn the leaves.

Frdemetr · #4 12-12-2007, 08:54 AM

Well, I don't think sphagnum moss is so dangerous, but it could has salt (NaCl) and salt is dangerous! I use sphagnum only after wash at least twice, and after soaked it in water for one night. (NB: I'm talking about brazilian sphagnum, that grows in the 'mangue' - coastal environment between land and sea; I guess the sphagnum from Chile and New Zealand don't have this problem). I agree with Dave, the plant doesn't looks bad, Gongoras are hard to adapt in a new home (in comparison with Stanhopeas). Almost constant humidity (but no wet!) and regular feeding (very week foliar fertilizer, eg Peter's 30-10-10 1g/10L, sprayed every other day in the reverse of the leaves, in the end of afternoon, plus organic stuff in the media) is enough for Gongoras. If you want new roots, put a few drops (1-2drops/L) of vitamin B complex in the water/fertilizer mixture (complex B is photosensitive, sprays only in the twilight or very early in the morning)

CoolPhrog · #5 12-15-2007, 09:23 AM

I am VERY overwhelmed!

Maybe should just send this poor baby to you

Here's the "re-pot" I did last week-end. She seems happier (I hope). I pulled the older foliage up so the new growth I found during the re-pot could get some light.

It's been in the 80's this week and very foggy every morning, so I haven't misted or watered during the last few days. The moss was soaked in a very weak fertilizer solution for about 6 hours before I used it.

nancy · #6 12-15-2007, 01:05 PM

In my zone (strangely, 9a) sphagnum turns into a toxic slimy mess in just about a year. Though I know people who manage to keep plants alive in it, they invariably have a greenhouse with automated water treatment.
Gongora foliage does tend to get that shredded look - big, fragile leaves, combined with wind - inevitable. Like bananas.
Fortunately we grow them for the flowers!