Hi, I'm from Wellington, New Zealand - Orchid Board

nzkiwi · #1 07-13-2010, 08:26 PM

Hi all, I hav 14 phals & like most new collectors am waiting for them to rebloom. I read on the net that if you use Epsom salts diluted of course as a fertiliser when the temp drops will help to encourage spikes.. has anyone tried this & has it worked??? Smiles sue

marydaniellesantos · #2 07-13-2010, 08:33 PM

Welcome to the OB!

I have not done it myself, but have heard great things.

Just wanted to say Hi! And welcome!!!

nzkiwi · #3 07-14-2010, 01:11 AM

Many thks Mary.. I hav a passion with orchids as all of us... just wish I had liked them 20yrs ago. Another question, do phal do better in clear plastic pots?? & if so where can I buy them, they arn't available in NZ as far as I am aware?? & does keikipro really work & is it good for beginners for phals

WhiteRabbit · #4 07-14-2010, 01:56 AM

Hi Sue! and welcome!

I'm afraid I don't know about the epsom salts - I have read that Phal roots are photosynthetic so many people like having them in clear pots - as well as for just being able to see the roots. I know there are online US vendors who sell them. I imagine shipping from the US would be too expensive, but would think there are probably vendors in NZ - perhaps do a web -search.

nzkiwi · #5 07-14-2010, 03:27 AM

Many thks.. unfortunately.. here in NZ there is only 1 Phal grower & he sells to trade only.. We are in mid winter here & temps in Wellington drop to 0C... overnight & my house keeps 9c during the nite then I come home after wk & heater is pumped.. up to 20C. I hav tried the Epsom salts 2 wks ago & now have spikes appearing... here in NZ we have a low temperate climate, where I live the highest temp in summer would be 26C max on a gud day.. any advice welcome

RosieC · #6 07-16-2010, 04:37 PM

Welcome to Orchid Board Sue

I've not used epson salts but most phals like a temp drop to initiate spikes. I the fall/winter I let mine drop to arround 15C-19C BUT that is really too cold and they go dormant... then all spike in the spring as it gets warmer. Others allow a drop but not as much as me and they spike earlier I think then.

I grow all mine in clear pots. I find it much easier than opaque ones and the roots do photosynthersise. I'm afraid I can't help with where to get them in your side of the world though.

Zoi2 · #7 07-16-2010, 04:46 PM

Hello and welcome to the OB.
Joann

CTB · #8 07-25-2010, 11:14 PM

Sorry, I missed you. Welcome to the Orchid Board, I've just gotten rid of all the plastic and repotted in clay, I like to water and clay dries out faster. Everything seems to be doing great. You just have to experiment and see what works for you and your conditions. I hadn't heard of the salts creating spikes but for sure the drop in temps would. Best of Luck.

Tindomul · #9 07-26-2010, 01:40 AM

Welcome to the Orchid Board!!

VickiC · #10 07-29-2010, 12:45 AM

A very big welcome!!

I haven't any experience with Epson salts, so I can't help you on that...I'm sorry. I have read that many people do use it so hopefully they'll chime in for you!

Quote:

Originally Posted by nzkiwi

Hi all, I hav 14 phals & like most new collectors am waiting for them to rebloom. I read on the net that if you use Epsom salts diluted of course as a fertiliser when the temp drops will help to encourage spikes.. has anyone tried this & has it worked??? Smiles sue