Haraella retrocalla (Project 8 - Spring 2009)

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by camille1585

That's ok, I was just wondering what you were referring to! Usually we don't do these in contest format, it's just this time that there were some prizes up for grabs. Usually, to give you an idea, the point of these projects is to discuss orchids for a few weeks to come up with a list of a good dozen candidates that fit the requirement. After that we vote and every one buys the winning plant. Then there is not really a contest as such, we just compare notes on how we're growing it, what it's doing and help each other out when someone's plant is not doing well. The only contest bit in it usually is for the first one to have a homegrown spike. The prize is just the glory!

Thanks Camille. I have no aptitude for computers, but when I came across Orchid board, I couldn't resist joining. I have been keeping orchids for several years and have already learned a lot fron Orchid board. I thought that if it is a new post that I just add on, but now I've learned something else!

[WhiteRabbit]

I potted mine is tree fern fiber, perlite and pumice - been doing fine that way.

Camille, mine usually starts to spike in summer, then blooms til - idk - January ? It's in a north window, so I don't know if it would continue to bloom during winter if I moved it to a window that gets some sun in winter, or if the lower temps would keep it from blooming anyway.

[quiltergal]

I snapped a pic of the crazy roots on mine this morning.

[billc]

My roots are nowhere as good as Terri's. Ive been growing mine under lights with my phals, so because the pot is smaller than the phals, it's getting a little less light. Probably gets 800-900 FC's and the humidity ranges from 50-75.

Bill

[camille1585]

I don't get it.... I grow mine under lights with the phals (which spiked like crazy this season) and the humidity is in the 50-70% range. I've had zero new roots on it, and the old ones hardly grew. It puts out a leaf once in a while, but no spikes. Why doesn't it like me????

[quiltergal]

Guys, I'm growing mine in Catt light. It's right next to the southwest facing window, and directly under a T5. I'd say it's getting 2000 fc. If it got any more light it would be a crispy critter! Remember it's in the Vanda family. Try growing it brighter. OrchidWiz says bright indirect light in the 2000-3000 fc range.

[camille1585]

Originally Posted by quiltergal

Guys, I'm growing mine in Catt light. It's right next to the southwest facing window, and directly under a T5. I'd say it's getting 2000 fc. If it got any more light it would be a crispy critter! Remember it's in the Vanda family. Try growing it brighter. OrchidWiz says bright indirect light in the 2000-3000 fc range.

Thanks! Don't know what to think of this plant, you grow it Catt light, and others grow in Phal light, and still get blooms. I'll try hanging the mount closer to the lights and see what happens.

But I think that part of the problem is that my plant might just be a dud. My other one (RIP) did bloom a few times. So I just ordered another one. And come summer I should have a terrarium up and running, it'll probably love being in there.

[Becca]

I agree with Terri, I grow mine pretty bright as well! It's odd that some of us can growing it different lighting and still get blooms. I think I counted 5 or 6 blooms open at the same time on mine this last fall/winter!

[quiltergal]

I noticed a new spike started yesterday when I was watering. Must be the season again.

[Becca]

Yep, mine had been taking a break and I now have one bloom open!