New Chid Addict

[Rapunzle79]

Originally Posted by ACK2

If it were me I would put them in more shade initially and gradually give them more sun. You don't know how long they have been in artificial light and you don't want to give them sunburns. But they will be much happier outside with fresh air and breezes.

My back porch (north side of house) is completely closed in, but all windows. All of the windows have thick (5 mil?) plastic on them because this house is older than Mathusela! So although it is bright, the light is quite filtered. Perhaps try them there first?

Originally Posted by ACK2

The other thing I do is repot new orchids. That way I can check out the roots and get them started off on the right foot. Also, what I have discovered is, a lot of the growers will take a hunk of sphagnum moss and place it in the middle of the roots. You want to get that out of there.

All but one are packed in nothing but sphag I am repotting all of them one at a time. Using Better-Grow Special Orchid Mix, and soaking it before. Adding just a touch of sphag to help with moisture, and help the chids adjust. Would appreciate your on how I am doing so far!

Originally Posted by ACK2

I still can't believe you paid $1 each. I am really happy for you.

Thank you! That honestly means a lot to me I hate to see plants suffer when all they needed was someone to care... Bonus for me; I get to revive absolute beauties that I couldn't have afforded otherwise! Also, I get a whole new community of really great people that are willing to help me care for these wonderful plants!

[ACK2]

Let me ask you, is there any ventilation at all on back porch? I know it is hot right now in Kentucky and you don't want to bake them. If there isn't any ventilation then go for it on the front porch.

Otherwise I think you are spot on. You go girl!

One more thing, be careful not to plant your new babies too deep (crown rot), or in too big a pot (over potting).

I by no means have the experience that many others have. I can only share what I would do, given my experience.

[turtleamy]

Belated welcome! You make me want to go to my Lowe's so I can see if they have any Mother's day left over chids deals.

Remember we love pictures so feel free to share.

[Rapunzle79]

Originally Posted by ACK2

Let me ask you, is there any ventilation at all on back porch? I know it is hot right now in Kentucky and you don't want to bake them. If there isn't any ventilation then go for it on the front porch.

Otherwise I think you are spot on. You go girl!

One more thing, be careful not to plant your new babies too deep (crown rot), or in too big a pot (over potting).

I by no means have the experience that many others have. I can only share what I would do, given my experience.

It is ventilated. It has been turned into the laundry room, and is also the door we come in and out of constantly. The door from the back porch/laundry room stays open, so it doesn't get terribly hot because of spill-over air conditioning. I have a thermometer/humidity guage that records the highest and lowest temps and humidity. I think I will set it back there today and see what the temps are like...

[Rapunzle79]

Ok, so the high temperature in the back room was 84 today. The humidity, surprisingly enough, was the issue at around 40%. I'm thinking that this might be a good place to adjust my chids to more light! I have quite a few with very dark leaves from being in the stores so long...

[ACK2]

Guidelines can be offered and yet at the end of the day we have to figure out what works best for us given our local, temp etc etc. Try the back and the worst that can happen is you switch to the other porch. That is the beauty of learning. I am surprised though that the humidity isn't higher.

By contrast we are having temps in the 60's, but humidity is 90%. Part of it is because we are on an island. My Masdies and Pleuro's are happy, the rest want warmer temps.

Is the gang repotted ?

[Rapunzle79]

I moved two of my icu cases to the back. One had very dark green leaves, the other had dark, floppy leaves and had been dehydrated. I gave it a good soak, then repotted it in orchid mix with a touch of sphag mixed in. The first ones leaves are already brightening, and the floppy one has filled in most of the wrinkles in her leaves and is holding them up by herself! Been working pretty hard because of the holiday, but going to repot the two minis tonight.

[Rapunzle79]

Still fighting to get the humidity right back there, but making up for it by misting until a better fix comes up.

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[ACK2]

Happy Memorial Day!

Since you are working so much, set chids on a tray with pebbles to deal with humidity issue. That may help.

So happy to hear the two perked up right away!

Good Job!!!!

[Rapunzle79]

Thank you! I was successful with the transplanting of the minis. One has a new growth that may be a root, or might be another inflorescence? It still has its original stalk, and it is still healthy. Not sure why it would put up another at this point. Not going to complain if it does though! I've seen a lot of talk about the humidity trays. Figured I would fix one up soon. Until payday I have a pie plate full of water in between the two larger chids. The minis are in front. Hoping that will help by morning!