Suddenly got lots of orchids!

[Rowangreen]

I live near Columbia Road flower market in London, so I have a history of buying cheap orchids both for myself or as presents (actually, to be honest I usually buy them as presents and end up keeping some...) without a great deal of success.

Currently, I have some Phalaenopsis bought for a familly get together that didn't happen a few months ago, which I've managed not to kill, plus some labelled 'Cambria' that I bought last week, for a get together that has happened. Over the weekend I've been doing some reading, including finding this board and learning that while my 'Cambria's will always be 'NOID's they do rather resemble some varieties (I decided looking for out-of-flower phal's was a loosing battle, though if anyone finds a greeny-yellow flower with candy pink stripes sounds familiar do tell)

So, my 3 'Cambria's (links are to pictures on the web, NOT my plants):

One poss Pagan Lovesong (pretty sure)

One poss Wildcat (plants flowers are already nearly gone, but looks very similar)

One similar to this, but petals look narrower and there's more patterning with the paler pink (also looks a bit redder, but the same site has another pic of this that looks darker too) Any ideas on this one?

(Also just gave familly what looked like an Oncidium Sweet Baby Caramel and a Colmonara Jungle Monarch. Latter was suposed to smell like chocolate. My comment was it might smell like chocolate compared to other orchids... but I don't think it smelt like chocolate when compared to chocolate!)

Anyway... while I had my 'cambria's out comparing, the pink one got knocked over by one of my cats... bark everywhere. That one is looking a bit yellow, and what fell out looked like a plug of roots: had it been most plants I'd have thought it had been potbound in a very small pot. It looks like a mass of sphagnum moss and roots, with very few roots extending out. I'm thinking I should probably clean out the moss, but it's going to be tricky as it looks pretty tight. I've put it all back in the pot for now (it's late here). Also toying with the idea of doing the same for the others...

Talking of which... before doing this reading I was quite proud of how lovely and dark green the phals I've had for a few months are looking. Now I'm thinking they are probably a bit short of light... (especially as flower buds they have have not developed). Problem is the dark room they are in now is safe from my cats (I have 5). Anyone else have cats and orchids? Wondering if I'm going to have to hang my pots out of reach...

Also been watering with tap water, letting it run through and drain out on the draining board. Putting in a bit with Baby Bio orchid food last of all, about once a week. Anyone else in London know if that's OK? Water is hard I believe.

Sorry for the long post!!!!!!

[WhiteRabbit]

Glad you found us - sounds like you are off to a great start!

I have a cat - myself, I haven't had any problems with my current or previous cat bothering my plants.
You could maybe try growing 'cat grass' (wheat or oat grass) and/or some catnip - kitty may prefer those to orchids

gl!

[RosieC]

Welcome to Orchid Board

Looks like you have some great orchids if your NoID Cambria's are like those. That's a great idea to use them for family events... great excuse to buy them

[Rowangreen]

Trying to upload some pics of the pink one... thought I had but they don't seem to be showing in the gallery...

[Rowangreen]

Will try again later if they don't show up. I got a server error after 'processing image list' so maybe they will.

I'll probably post in the beginer forum... I've got new compost mix soaking, and gathering a few other bits intending to try cleaning out the moss and re-potting tomorrow.

[Rowangreen]

When I go to the upload picture page now, it shows some of my disk space used and says 4 are in the queue, but still no pics showing. Anyone know what's going on? Do they have to be approved or something?

[RosieC]

Sorry, I should be able to help but can't. The gallery is not something I use or am familiar with.

Do you have any other photo sharing site you can use. That's what I do, there are instructions for that in my signature link as well.

[Rowangreen]

Having another go at posting pics... I think attaching them is working *G*

These are of the mystery pink orchid.

[RosieC]

Pretty! Looking to be something in the Oncidium Alliance but I can't tell more than that.

[silken]

The pink one looks to be a similar shape and colour range of some of the Burragearas, Vuylstekearas or Beallara type from the oncidium group. There are many complex hybrids that mostly take similar care. Usually intermediate to cool growing with intermediate light. Most don't like to dry out completely or for long periods of time but have thin roots, so shouldn't be soaking wet either. Nice flower!