Beginning with Beallara

[justatypn]

Wooden stakes will work as long as they are not coated with a lacquer. Shish-ca-bob's (don't raze on the spelling) is good because they are porous.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by LeRoostLorane

(Q1) to be clear about watering...the person I bought my orchid from said to let the water, with the proper ratio of Dyna-Gro (before blooming), cascade through the 4" pot (after bloom, she offers one free repotting) and drain (do this every 5-7 days; first testing to see if drying out, so I don't over-water; and, don't soak). But...I read on this board somewhere that the orchid should soak for about a half-hour before thoroughly draining. Futher thoughts on this? (Q2) Also, what does "RO" stand for, what is it's purpose, and if a product, where do you get it? (Q3a) you may already have read my discription, but if not, my orchid has 6 pseudo bulbs and 14 leads (buds...same thing?) and it came is a 4-inch plastic pot in some kind of bark. I put this inside a decorative pot; you can see in my only photo of her. So, the question is, the orchid plant appears to be healthy, therefore, may I safely assume that it's current pot is going to be adequate until after she stops blooming? (Q3b) Do orchids, in general, prefer to be somewhat root bound?

Cris, from my experience with other Bllra's they like lotsa room to grow. They don't seem to be like some genera that want the feet packed in tight. I would wait till the bloom is over. Then repot up enough to handle all the new growths you describe. If this is a MUCH bigger pot, so be it. Also I water mine during growth at least 3 times a week (every third day, or so) and the test will ultimately be if the new leaves seem "pleated" or wrinkled, you need to increase water schedule. Once a week, even in Oregon, seems too little to me when these guys are in active growth. I also water every time using MSU mix for RO water plus ProTekt.

Oh, yeah, and I soak it good to be sure the roots and media are really wet. During rest period (winter, usually) you won't be so agressive on water, though.

[LeRoostLorane]

Woo-hoo..."Bella", my name for my Beallara Marfitch Howard's Dream, has "babies" - three gorgeous blooms! As soon as I can upload some images - photos will be in my gallery. Thanks for your encouragement and expertise!

[Ross]

Sorry I missed the questions. I don't have your Beallara, but a different one. My experience (in Michigan) is pot up to another size, as these guys love to grow. I water 2-3 times per week with 125ppm Nitrogen MSU mix and RO water. I have found that the secret is to watch the leaves. If you see "pleating" of the leaves (folding) then you are lacking water. I choose to fertilize with each watering as Ray suggests Plant Nutrition

[Shirley]

I bought a young Howard's Dream about 1 1/2 yrs ago and put it in a bark mix where it seemed to struggle. After about six months I moved it to straight Chilean moss and it now seems very happy and has great roots. I water about every three days this time of year (whenever the moss starts to feel "crunchy") and fertilize every second week. I can hardly wait for my first bloom!

[LeRoostLorane]

Hi Shirley,

Mine came in a bark mix, in a 4" pot...I water on Sunday and Wednesday - letting the water (with Dyna-Gro (7-9-5)) cascade through and drain. I set it in a low, east light location. I am so thrilled - "Bella" now has 10 blooms! I hope to post a photo or two within the next couple of days. Thanks for sharing your experience. I will be excited to see yours in bloom too!!!

[LeRoostLorane]

Hi rsfrid!

Crazy week; meant to respond sooner. Thanks for the great tips about symptoms of folded leaves and watering with fertilizer each watering...this I am observing now and this I am doing, respectively. You input is much appreciated !!

[Toddybear]

I have Howards Dream...in spike at the moment. Mine is getting large although only 2 new growths..yours must be really huge! I split mine last year. I've had it for 3 years and its blooms regularly with about 10-15 flowers per spike. It's my largest-flowered Oncidium allianace orchid. Mine is in a bark-perlite mix in a south window so fairly strong light...perhaps a bit too strong. I fertilize weakly, weekly (15-30-15) but use plain old tap water. That beallara is a great beginners orchid and should get you hooked on growing them.

[Candice]

Welcome aboard Cris! and of course Happy Birthday!
As you can see you will receive vasts amounts of info for your questions here at the OB!
Can't wait to see your 'chid bloom!

[orchidexpress]

RO Water is reverse osmosis water. It brings back the water almost to it's purest state.

I would water my Howard's Dream about every 5 days as oncidiums need a little more water than others. Give it a long drink, a 3 to 5 minute drink as it is thirsty. Let it drain before you put it back in it's decorative container.

Regarding low light orchids, look for the phalaenopsis, lady slippers and ludisia orchids as you can rebloom them from your windows. If you want to use grow lights, all orchids will bloom then. The grow light must be a special light that carries more of a red to blue spectrum in order for an orchid to bloom. If using just a regular gorw light you will just have lovely green growth.

Enjoy color and happy Growing!

Lee