Brassavola Grand Stars

[tanlu]

Hi all,

Most of my orchids died since I can't provide much humidity and air flow in the house. I have one $2 Pot. Little Fortune 15 that sent up a new pseudo-bulb which grew vigorously in the summer, but seems to have slowed down considerably.

However, a week ago I saw an unusual orchid at my local nursery and since it was on sale $13 so I decided to go for it. I read that B. Grand Starts are very easy to care for, even indoors, which was very encouraging! It has two blooms, 3 spikes, and is almost busting out of the tiny 3" plastic pot.

I keep my orchids in between my other plants on a south east facing windowsill to provide humidity and maximum sunlight. There's a screen and two layers of windows that provide some protection from the sun and so far there's no signs of over exposure. I also read that B. grand stars likes high light, and sometimes even direct sunlight.

It's almost winter here in NY. The days are shorter and my house is around 55-50 degrees during the evening and night. Since I see 3 flower spikes I'm not sure if the plant is still in it's growth phase or if it's slowing down for the winter. I read they need to be kept dry between watering, and should be watered often when in growth. I watered it once last week since it was light and dry when I purchased it. Is my plant still in its growth phase or is it slowing down for a winter rest period?

Any advice is welcome!

T

[Bud]

Put some water on the pebbles level to have more humidity...you say its is dry indoors, try a 12 hr (2 gal) cheap humidifier and a small oscillating electric fan...water it every other day and once a week fertilizer...theres no winter rest for those plants on your pictures...even if it is in bloom you dont change your water regimen...

[Paul]

my house is around 55-50 degrees during the evening and night

I would agree with Bud -- with one caveat. Your night temps are quite chilly. You didn't mention your day temps, but if they are likewise low I would cut back on the watering. Chilly and wet very often leads to root rot.

[silken]

Your plant is 3/4 Brassovola nodosa. According to Orchid Wiz, it is a warm to intermediate grower with winter nights no lower than 58 or 60F. It mentions that it could adapt to colder maybe but it is vitally important that the plant is kept dry and it won't bloom under colder conditions. They also have a 2 week or more winter rest where they are given considerably less water. Plants must always dry out after watering but in high light and heat of summer would require water possibly every few days while in active growth. Hope that helps. I would be tempted to try and find it a bit warmer spot as it might get fairly chilly near a window if the house itself is at 50 or 55 at night.

I forgot to add, fertilizer is reduced or eliminated during winter rest period as per OrchidWiz.

[tanlu]

Thank you all for your thoughtful replies. Our boiler just got fixed so now the issue is dry heat rather than the cold. The day time temps in the house are in the low 70s. I came back this evening to take another look at the plant and noticed that the larger bud is starting to open. The leaves also changed to a lighter green and the pot seemed noticeably lighter. So does this mean the plant is in its growth period and that I should water it a bit more? If so, should I fertilize it too?

[silken]

While buds are opening I would think it is in a growth mode, but I am not sure. I would water it just after it dries out but I have read that its best not to fertilize while they bloom. I've also read to not water too much while in bloom. All my orchids (Catts, Phals, Oncids, etc. etc.) live in a greenhouse that gets fairly cool over winter. I have learned to cut back on water or watch them die from root rot. If pseudobulbs are starting to shrivel, it means they need some water.

I put a bamboo kebab skewer in each pot and leave it there. Then I pull it out and see if it is wet or dry before watering. It's surprising how light a pot can feel and skewer is still damp. If it is damp I do not water. In summer when things are growing and it is hot, I don't worry as much about that but am still fairly careful.

[catwalker808]

If your plant is now in bud/bloom, it has just completed or nearly completed its current growth phase. The flower spikes emerge from the leaf axils of newly matured pseudobulbs. Because your plant is now in its bloom phase, it does need water to support its flowers.

The B Grand Stars is B Little Stars x B nodosa, which is (B nodosa x B cordata) x B nodosa. As silken points out, it is 3/4 B nodosa. But it is also all Brassavola. The parent species & the resulting hybrid prefer it as warm as you can in the winter, with well drained watering if you can keep it warm.

If it gets into the 50-60, or lower, range, then make sure to let the roots get fairly dry between waterings. The plant needs water, but wet roots & chilly conditions are not good for this plant. But be sure to give enough water since it is now blooming. It is NOT in the rest mode while it is blooming.

After it finishes blooming, under your conditions, the plant will be less active, unless or until it becomes warm again.

[stefpix]

I use a Vick's / Kaz warm vaporizer that was $20. It has no moving parts/fans and provides a good cloud of steam ( the more salt - a few pinches - you add to the water the more steam). It also raises the temperature. Before the heat kicked in my bedroom was 60/65 F for a few nights. The vaporizer itself raised the temp to 70 F or s. I have Brassavola Little Stars. Many growths but no blooms yet. maybe a sheath… Expensive humidifiers sometimes are less effective and also need expensive filters.

[florafan]

Originally Posted by stefpix

I use a Vick's / Kaz warm vaporizer that was $20. It has no moving parts/fans and provides a good cloud of steam… Expensive humidifiers sometimes are less effective and also need expensive filters.

Hey I can pick this up at my local drug store! My house gets really dry during the winter.

[stefpix]

cheap to buy but I think it may use up to 700W. need to check and calculate. but I like it. It works well and it is effective. you can direct it to your plants