Bllra Peggy Ruth Carpenter 'Morning Joy' - Orchid Board

Ross · #1 09-10-2008, 12:44 PM

This is the 4th or 5th blooming since last fall. This plant regularly blooms from not so mature pseudobulbs. It also has a full set of new pseudobulbs starting!

There are 7 spikes this time and it has a wonderful fragrence. When I first purchased this a few years ago, it had one spike. It now fills a 9" waterlily basket.

Thanks for looking

whygreenberg · #2 09-10-2008, 01:04 PM

Gorgeous, Ross! I love the Bllras...Wish I had more room to accommodate one. I'll just enjoy your success and your photos (as always) for now.

Sandy4453 · #3 09-10-2008, 01:16 PM

Outstanding Ross! Simply gorgeous!

7 spikes? 4th or 5th blooming? OK, cough it up...do tell your secrets, pretty pleeeeeeze!

I have a Bllra. Patricia McCully 'Pacific Matriarch' which has done nothing but sulk for a year now. I repotted into Hydroton last year (my catts all love it) but it did nothing except lose a couple of bulbs. I'm now down to 2 bulbs and 1 growing. It's back in bark and I've up-ed the watering from once to twice a week. I'm giving it more light now (east) and so far, it's holding it's own. Any advice for this Bllra. novice?

Ross · #4 09-10-2008, 02:01 PM

I can only comment on mine. I water/fertilize 2-3 times per week (these love water, but need to dry out between waterings.) I try to push as much water as possible while trying for dry medium between. Mines in a waterlily net basket 9" wide and the pseudobulbs are just about packed in. The fertilizer is 125ppm Nitrogen in RO water. It sits in a south window next to glass. The air tends to be pretty dry in winter with central heat and 40-50% in summer. Try watering more, get air to the roots, use weak fertilizer when you water, try adding 2 drops per gallon of KLN or Superthrive with every watering. Give it more light if possible. Just my 2 cents.

Sandy4453 · #5 09-10-2008, 07:35 PM

I know, definitely needs more water than I was giving. Helen posted her blooms a few days ago and she too, is watering more frequently than I realized for these. Can't do much about the light. All my orchids are on a patio (screened) and east light is the best I can do for them. My Catts suffered big time because of this which, I now have all hanging in a palm tree in front of the house.

Ross, thanks for your input and yes, always do add SuperThrive to the water and weak fertilizer.

Thanks for the 2 cents!

cb977 · #6 09-10-2008, 02:20 PM

What a beauty, Ross!

Job well done

Lagoon · #7 09-10-2008, 04:08 PM

Ross, I think this has got to be my favorite orchid of yours.
Funny thing, I ordered one this morning from paramount orchids, came here awhile later to see you had posted a photo of yours

Just gorgeous for sure!

Ross · #8 09-10-2008, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lagoon

Ross, I think this has got to be my favorite orchid of yours.
Funny thing, I ordered one this morning from paramount orchids, came here awhile later to see you had posted a photo of yours

Just gorgeous for sure!

It's an astoundingly easy plant to grow! I'm sure you will enjoy yours. Check my cultural tips above. The scent fills its area of the house and I really like it more than about any other scented orchid I have (except Encyclia tampensis

)

Lagoon · #9 09-10-2008, 04:23 PM

Thanks Ross, I'm already excited enough - Stop it! hee hee. Paramount better have it

still waiting on word from them.
Will keep you posted eh?!

camille1585 · #10 09-10-2008, 04:40 PM

So beautiful!

I'd love for mine to behave like yours, I would like it much more than now!! I don't think I optimized mine's growing conditions yet. The bulbs are VERY slow to grow. 3 bulbs started last december, and now 2 are finally mature (but no spikes) and one still immature with spikes. I'll see what happens now that it's in higher light.