Blc. Cornerstone 'fine circle' about to open!

[silken]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

You're welcome!
It is really nice indeed! You will love it when yours eventually bloom.
How big is yours by the way?

Mine has about 8 pseudobulbs with 2 of those being new growths this summer that are nearly full size. When I got this it had a sheath but next to no roots and the sheath died. It is growing well now so maybe the next new growth if not these ones

[NYCorchidman]

Wow 8 pbs? It is definitely a flowering size plant then. Maybe it's still recovering from root loss. I wonder why they (whoever they are) sent you a plant in such condition. glad it is growing well for you though.

Mine has 5 pbs and this is the first time flowering as all others do not have any old flower spike cut off mark.

[silken]

Yea, I agree, it is bloom size! I got this bare root from Ching Hua when they were in Canada at an orchid show. I guess by the time they get them here the roots degrade. It seems to happen more often than not with most of my bare root purchases. It used to take me a good 6 months to get things established after they were purchased bare root. I must say, now that I am using kelp they get established and begin growing roots much faster!

[NYCorchidman]

kelp?? as in sea weed kelp???
I wonder what's in sea weed that helps plants to grow. It seems like many people here use that stuff.

By the way, I'm personally too scared and impatient to try something bareroot.

Even when I order online from a Hawaiian grower, I get the plant potted in a pot. lol

[silken]

Yes, kelp as in seaweed! It has growth hormones that especially promote root growth, but other growth too. I am seriously impressed with it. I just add it to my watering regime from time to time. But when I re-pot a plant or get one bare root, it gets soaked in some seaweed water for a few hours first!

I wouldn't get to try many of the orchids I have if I didn't get them bare root since they have to be sent that way even from the U.S. and any company coming from out of Canada for a show must bring them over bare root.

[NYCorchidman]

Wow~ that sounds very tempting! do you use on every watering? no side effects?

[silken]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Wow~ that sounds very tempting! do you use on every watering? no side effects?

I don't use it with every watering but maybe every 3rd. No real science to it but I follow the recommended dosage. Ray's Solo and Kelp Max (can't remember if that's the new or old name) seems popular with members here. Other than much better growth and awesome roots, I have had no side effects. I think its a little safer that way than using too much SuperThrive which can cause abnormal flowering or plant growth. You should give it a try! My catts especially seem to react rootwise. I have some I re-potted in July in clear pots and I can't believe the new roots I see. But I mark all my tags with re-pot date and they say July so I have to believe it

[NYCorchidman]

Alright, great to know. will try soon and see what happen to my kids.

[silken]

Originally Posted by NYCorchidman

Alright, great to know. will try soon and see what happen to my kids.

Good luck and let me know what you think!