St Swithin and Deena Nicol Culture Info? - Orchid Board

murphy48 · #1 10-04-2009, 07:10 PM

Hi
So I knew I was getting in over my head yet couldn't stop myself and I ended up getting a giant St Swithin and Deena Nicol and now that I have them I'm hoping someone experienced in their care can give me some guidance. I know the basic culture info but there are so many other important details to make them thrive.

Any experienced growers our there who are willing to share their tips?

I also have a question about repotting... it appears that the Deena Nicol was last repotted in July 2003 and the St. Swithin in Feb 2006. The Deena Nicol's potting media definitely looks broken down. Should I repot them both now or wait until spring?

What potting mixes have people found best for these two?

In your experience how much light do they need?

Thank you all for your amazing advice!
Kristen

BikerDoc5968 · #2 10-04-2009, 07:45 PM

Paph. philippinense x Paph. glanduliferum (praestans) = Paph. Deena Nicole... very nice plants. I wouldn't mind a division of this one. I have some St Swithin crosses. I grow them like most green-leave paphs. I usually use a medium or smaller mix of bark/CHC because of the hairy roots and it will stay moist longer but still circulate air. If they've been in the pot as long as you say, a few more months til spring shouldn't hurt. Just don't over-water. As for light... I was growing in a low light situation and got very little growth or flowering. I've moved them into brighter light and have noticed a BIG difference. Just my opinion.

P.S., Kristen... anytime you want to divide, let me know!

murphy48 · #3 10-04-2009, 08:06 PM

Thanks BikerDoc for your quick reply! I'll hold off repotting until spring when I normally repot.

The Deena is much larger than I was expecting... when I divide I'll definitely let you know. I was suppose to get a 15 growth St Swithin and the Deena Nicol should have only been 8. Both have many more growths than that. I just hope I can get these guys to bloom.

Strangely enough I can't seem to find old cut of spikes on the St Swithin which worries me a little... I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

murphy48 · #4 10-04-2009, 08:10 PM

I forgot to mention, that is a beautiful picture!

BikerDoc5968 · #5 10-04-2009, 08:31 PM

Kristin, did you get these from a friend or purchase? A plant as large as these should be mature enough to flower. It may be that all the old plants have been removed, since after the paph flowers, that growth dies back with time. If you got them from a friend, just as if they have ever flowered and how they were growing them. And thanks for keeping me in mind