My first B. Nodosa

[PCgeekchick]

Okay, so I just bought my first B. nodosa. I'm not sure why it took me so long other than I plead I never found one at a nursery I visited.... until today. I picked the little bugger up. He's got 2 sheaths and 2 older blossoms on him now.
My question is thus... the leaves that have already bloomed sort of "lay down" in the pot. Is that right? Shouldn't they all be upright?

It was in a greenhouse, orchid breeder, good conditions, I'd say.
Currently potted in a 4" clay pot, clay pot, fresh bark/charcoal/perlite mix. Nice root system, a little overgrown on 1 side of the pot.
He's got 10 leaves/canes.

Also, I placed him with my phals on the back porch (south facing but highly shaded due to a huge 20x20' roof). Good area for this guy? They get morning light but indirect for the rest of the day. Ocean breezes, loads of humidity (canal & pool in backyard).

Thanks to everyone for the help!!
Jami

[PCgeekchick]

I just took some photos to upload to my gallery and snapped one of the nodosa.

[Royal]

Hi Jami, Looks great to me. This guy grows where and how he wants. Your spot is too shady though. It'll be ok while you enjoy the blooms (and you will), but these orchids really like high light. I hope that gets you growing in the right direction.

[PCgeekchick]

Perfect, thanks Royal. So more like where my Vandas grow? I'll move him there after he's done blooming. LOVE the flowers. I'm such a sucker for white flowers!
:-)

[Royal]

Me too. I love the whites and the greens. The fragrance on this one is to die for, but only at night.

With the Vandas will be perfect. Just be careful about any abrupt changes. They can take super high light - but acclimate them to it over time.

[Ross]

I agree with Royal. While your first nodosa is a charmer, you need enough light to put a red tinge on the leaves. Beings you are in Florida, this shouldn't be too hard. East side of house might do it. South side will probably fry the plant. They can (and do) take full sun, and they bloom better with really bright light. Here in Michigan, I put mine out in full blazing sun in summer (we don't get much sun in winter) then grow under t5 tubes in winter to keep the leaves short and fat and reddish on the ends. Good luck, this is a fun one to grow. Royal is also correct on the leaves, they go where they choose. The whole plant tends to be a climber and is good for a mount. It sort of thrives with exposed roots and daily watering (soakings).

[PCgeekchick]

Thanks Ross & Royal. My Vandas are on the east side for morning bright light, so I'll start moving him over there slowly. Perfect!

Oh and Ross, I love your 'signature'. That's the way I am too. I'm not big on the frou-frou orchids. No ruffles in my collection. I do like phals, but mainly the pure colors. My wish list is FULL of whites, pale greens and creams.... now if I could just win the lotto to have loads of cash to spend on new 'chids!

[Mauisoxfan]

One of my favorites - keep an eye out for 'Little Star' a great hybrid that is wonderfully fragrant in the evening. Roy Tokunaga, who made this hybrid as well as about 17,000 others, recommends using little or no media - these nodosa types love having exposed roots. Good luck

[isurus79]

These guys like tons of light, so I would grow them with your Vandas. Mine gets pretty darn near full sun for most of the year and is in nodosa heaven! As Royal said, be sure to slowly acclimate your new plant to bright sun over the course of a few weeks. Grow these ones on the drier side and be sure to inhale deeply at night when in the presence of your new nodosa!!!

[nhman]

I would agree - gradually present your plant with more and more light intensity to the point that they get a little reddish color to the leaves. Typically, as noted above, Vanda intensity will work fine. At that point, they typically seem happy and will reward with blooms aplenty!!