New Mexico - Orchid Board

Optimist · #1 08-15-2013, 07:46 PM

I am not very good with intros.

I live in the arid desert southwest in New Mexico near the Texas pan-handle. Very dry zone 6. I am mainly sticking with Phalenopsis orchids, simply because I don't want to move too far outside my comfort zone. This is fine for me. The fact that there is very little humidity has been a problem to the roots. Basically, I would soak the roots for 10 to 20 minutes and in a few hours the bark would be totally dry. I have finally come across plastic slotted flower pots. This slows the drying time.

I hope to learn much more.
Thank You Optimist

Ghosthunt64 · #2 08-15-2013, 08:44 PM

Welcome! By the way, is the bark dry all the way through, or only the top? It would surprise me if the were actually 100% dry in only 20 minutes. And you will, there is a lot to learn here.

kindrag23 · #3 08-15-2013, 09:08 PM

Welcome everyone is really nice to answer on here. I live in central Texas and its HOT and dry here so I understand really well. I put mine in a window that gets evening sun and I only really have to water every other to every two days. I have a vanilla vine orchid and he seems to be enjoying the heat ×thus far×.....I have had him now for going on a month.

WhiteRabbit · #4 08-15-2013, 11:01 PM

Kevin_PR · #5 08-16-2013, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Optimist

I am not very good with intros.

I live in the arid desert southwest in New Mexico near the Texas pan-handle. Very dry zone 6. I am mainly sticking with Phalenopsis orchids, simply because I don't want to move too far outside my comfort zone. This is fine for me. The fact that there is very little humidity has been a problem to the roots. Basically, I would soak the roots for 10 to 20 minutes and in a few hours the bark would be totally dry. I have finally come across plastic slotted flower pots. This slows the drying time.

I hope to learn much more.
Thank You Optimist

I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. There are orchids that will grow in desert like conditions, you just have to do the research. Google the native orchids in your area. And if you have your own yard even better. You can create micro climates by adding features and vegetation to your garden.

Here are some orchids that will do good for you

Eulophia petersii
Broughtonia sanguinea
Psychillis krugii
many encyclias, and laelias will do fine.

Sorry

Getting back to the Phalaenopsis, You can mix some sphagnum moss into the potting medium, and maybe choose a finer grade medium. Some might go all sphagnum

. You can use humidity tray or just saucers under them if they dry up that quick.

Good luck

tucker85 · #6 08-16-2013, 08:44 AM

Welcome to Orchid Board!

kindrag23 · #7 08-16-2013, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eskevingo

I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. There are orchids that will grow in desert like conditions, you just have to do the research. Google the native orchids in your area. And if you have your own yard even better. You can create micro climates by adding features and vegetation to your garden.

Here are some orchids that will do good for you

Eulophia petersii
Broughtonia sanguinea
Psychillis krugii
many encyclias, and laelias will do fine.

Sorry

Getting back to the Phalaenopsis, You can mix some sphagnum moss into the potting medium, and maybe choose a finer grade medium. Some might go all sphagnum

. You can use humidity tray or just saucers under them if they dry up that quick.

Good luck

Oh thanks for that advice that helps me out as well with the zone I live in.

RosieC · #8 08-16-2013, 12:46 PM

Welcome to Orchid Board

Optimist · #9 08-20-2013, 03:19 PM

[QUOTE=Eskevingo;597884]I find it ironic that your screen name is optimist but you doubt yourself. You said your not good with intros, but I think this intro is very enlightening. I am not trying to be mean I want to encourage you. You will miss out on a lot of joy if you never leave your comfort zone. [QUOTE]

I have killed several now, and I don't like killing plants-- not when they cost so much. I am not really intending on becoming a green-house pro, just a person with a few pretty plants that are not dead after a few weeks. As far as the name, I was amazed no one had it already. It Is not exactly what I am, but maybe what I will be if things go better.

Kevin_PR · #10 08-20-2013, 06:06 PM

Where do you buy your plants from. A goo way to not kill them is to start out with healthy plants to begin with. Make sure the plants are firmly planted or mounted they should not be jiggling around. The root should not be black or brown and should be crisp. If you buy division, I usually don't go for the really small divisions I like when the seller offer established ones, not fresh off the plant. Small division might take forever to reestablish itself. Good luck