Orchid Novice - Page 2 - Orchid Board

Ross · #11 08-13-2007, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patricia

Oh, my gosh! You are all so kind to respond! I hope I'm doing this right! (My computer skills aren't my best virtue!) I'm hoping this goes to all three of you.
Well, I have lost track of the number of orchids that own me. I know it's in the teens somewhere. Orchids enticed me for the first time at the Philadelphia Flower Show several years ago. The show was all orchids. I brought ONE home. Now, if I go to an orchid grower or a "fest" I seem to come home accompanied by three or four.
I have more Phals than anything else. I have two Oncidium and two Cattelayas(sp?).
I have met with enough success to keep my spirits high, but I recently brought home the two Oncidiums (as well as several miniature Phals. from an area Orchidfest, and I am worried that something's wrong with the Oncidiums. Brown spots on the leaves...corrugated leaves. I don't know! All I do know is that I am in a panic, thinking that I should stop buying and focus on becoming more of an expert on whtat I have. I am an eighth grade English teacher, and in several weeks the bulk of my life will be reading novels and grading essays. I simply don't know what I'll do if I have pests or disease.
Hmmm, I do go on, don't I? It's just that I am the only person I know who is an orchidite.
Patricia

Welcome Patricia. Before retirement I used to do desk-side support of computer problems for a large organization with 6 offices. I can sympathize with your position.

As for your questions, I agree with Shakkai that Oncidium class orchids as well as Brassias and a few others, don't like the leaves misted in hot weather. The "corrugated" or pleated leaves come from lack of steady moisture during early growth stages of the pseudobulbs. I get it occassionally as do lots of other here. It won't go away once it happens - those leaves will be pleated till they die. To avoid it, water more often and more thoroughly. Don't just dribble water in as if you were watering an African Violet. Pour water through the mix liberally for several minutes. I choose to soak mine in a large pail of weak fertilizer mix every third day or so. Mine are in the house. Hope this helps.

patricia · #12 08-13-2007, 05:38 PM

Thanks, Ross. I have to admit that I was in something of a panic for the several days leading up to my discovery of the Orchid Board and all of the kind advice I've received. I seem to have gone along for several years without a worry about my orchids; then, all at once I became aware of these questionable "conditions" among my "brood."
I will follow your advice.
Patricia

Lorraine · #13 08-13-2007, 10:43 PM

Hi Patricia, Welcome to Orchid Board. I'm from Philly but now from Florida. The PhiladelphiaFlower shows are fantastic. Attended several over the years but never had orchids till I moved here 3 years ago.

As for your pleating I have a couple that do that sometimes and it's always on the new growth. I found that if I kept the medium watered thoroughly when it has just become dry the bulbs stay healthier. I also put them in a pail and soak for about 3-8 minutes depending on which medium that plant is in and how big the pot is. I have some in a mix of bark/spag/charcoal, some in aliflor/charcoal/spag, and some in only spag ( it needs to be changed due to the spag becoming toxic after a while here). Just don't let the pots sit too long or else the roots will revolt and die. I set a timer if I have to leave the area and put it in my pocket. (Lost a couple phals early on that got too soggy) Hope you find this forum as helpful as I have.

Lorraine

patricia · #14 08-14-2007, 09:28 AM

Lorraine,
I live in Bucks County, about 35 minutes outside of Philly. Yes, the flower shows are terrific! The only problem is the crowds!

I appreciate your note along with the others I've received. I am printing them off and starting a file for my reference. I have 3 or 4 books on orchids, but I originally bought them just to look at the pictures of the blooms! They aren't very good for the pests/diseases side of things. I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday to look for more resources, and one book told me to go to the AOS website bookstore. Lo and Behold, in order to get into the store, I must be a member. Ah, well! The advice that all of you are imparting is more than enough!
Thank you so much!

Patricia

Lorraine · #15 08-14-2007, 09:53 AM

I'm familiar w/Bucks county. I was in Dresher. I have all my plants outside in a screened patio area but still get scale & mealybugs and probably mites. I spray everybody once a month with a systemic insecticide (keeping the bottle handy)and if I see anything in between I use a Qtip and alcohol them off or spray as needed. I try not to get any on the blooms just the rest of the plant. I check my guys everyday for the little buggers. Happy growing.

Lorraine

justatypn · #16 08-14-2007, 10:29 PM

Aboard Patricia....great that you have joined the OB with a wealth of information awaiting you. We all here love to help each other and not silly questions here, just the one you don't ask

Oncidiums are particular about misting, mine all share in yours alike, so no harm done. As for the corrugated leaves...irregular watering will tend to make those leaves have there own type of pattern.