Scott's new and exciting orchid project...

[ScottMcC]

I'm about to undertake a new and exciting orchid project of my own, separate from the chatters' project, but anyone else that wants to participate should!

This one will be at least semi-scientific in nature. It requires that you buy two identical plants, and then subject them to conditions that are identical except for one variable. It could be any variable you want, such as different fertilizer, light, temperature, potting media, etc. The only restriction is that you can only change one thing at a time. Then at fixed intervals, document objectively how the two plants are doing.

If the intervention is significantly better, or if one plant begins to suffer, by all means, stop that experiment and move on to something else. I'm not advcating orchid torture here. Also, don't experiment with something you know won't work, like sticking your plant in a moldy shoebox or something. The purpose of this is to test out a lot of the orchid culture anecdotes, and hopefully prove or disprove at least some of them.

So...I have approval from the wifey to buy two identical orchids, provided she likes them. Anyone else that wants to participate should--just be sure to take pictures!!!

[justatypn]

Hmmmm, I like that project. Buying is not a problem but when reading your project I was thinking about 2 keiki's I have remaining on the Christina Princess that need to come off and potted. Is this workable for your project. If not, I do have my eye on some other chids .

[ScottMcC]

That'd be perfect--then you KNOW the plants are identical, and you can control your potting media right from the start!

It would also help if whatever potting method you use allows you a good view of the roots--that way root health can be objectively quantified as one of your outcomes measures. The more data the better!

Oh yeah, everyone should feel free to choose whatever plants they want--not everyone has to choose the same thing, just as long as you get two of the same one.

[justatypn]

Sweet Doc, will work on that this week, set out a program of differences and move forward.

[ScottMcC]

I'm now once again in the position of looking for something to buy...

my wife would prefer it be something pink, and she gets to approve anything prior to purchase.

available growing conditions:

temp int-warm
light-anywhere from low to high
humidity 50-60%

I would prefer this be something that is small, cheap, and relatively tolerant of adversity--after all, I will be experimenting on it! so if anyone has suggestions, I welcome them.

also...when possible, I will be blinding myself as to the interventions. For example, my wife will mix the fertilizers and place them in jars marked A and B, so that I can't influence the results.

[cb977]

Sounds like a very cool experiment, Scott
Congrats on the early release

[littlefrog]

What is it with women and pink? My daughter just turned three, and everything she owns is pink... Not because that is what she gets from other people, it is what she picks out at the store...

Just going by what I have in bloom right now... How about Slc. Crystelle Smith "BK Orchids"? Easy to grow even poorly, but can be spectacular when grown well. That is the requisite pink (well, pink enough). Or C. harrisoniae (some are pinker than others). Or, if you want a paph, Paph. delenatii. Pink phals you should be able to find by the truckload.

[ScottMcC]

Well...things have worked out.

I have ordered two Ascocentrum curvifolium plants from Ray, which will be my test orchids.

I have clearance from the wifey to buy one additional orchid (with her approval), type to be determined.

The experiment begins as soon as I get my plants! The first challenge: epiweb basket vs slatted wood basket.

[ScottMcC]

plants are slated to arrive tonight. I will inspect them, carry out any required maintenance, and then allow them to acclimate to my conditions for a few days if possible. Afterwards, the experiment commences.

Hypothesis one: baskets made entirely of epiweb, with no media, are superior for growing ascocentrum curvifolium, as compared with a wooden slat basket with no medium.

[gmdiaz]

What a terrific project! And very interesting hypothesis!

Where are the photos? Hmmmm

Have you made any early observations?

Edited to add: Never mind, I found your updates on another thread.