You might try the place that Maria (peewee) gets hers from. From what I hear, unlike the liquid stuff I've been using, there is no risk of mold.
I'm convinced that the soaking in kelp solution was what introduced the mold to my lost P. aphrodite- it almost happened to a couple others, but I caught it much sooner. So it only gets used on the garden terrestrials outside now.

So you are recommending I get kelp powder? Where does Maria get hers?.

I can't remember, I'd try PMing her.
I can't afford the shipping and such right now, but maybe someday.

I really can't afford too much right now either. I guess I'll just wait until the garden center gets more in. They said they had some earlier in the year.

So I was gifted a large opaque plastic pot (long story) from OH when I bought from them at my past orchid show.

It's the same size as the terra cotta pot that my L. anceps is in now, which has been growing in coarse bark mix.

Today is repotting day before it comes inside, and I was thinking of repotting into either all leca (not s/h) or 50:50 leca and coarse bark.

My thinking in switching to the new plastic pot is that of course, it will not dry out as fast- as a lot of my plants do in my very dry (and extremely dry in the winter) environment.

I know these guys like perfect drainage and lots of air and water. And a good drying out between watering.
Hence, why I'm on the fence about switching.

Plus- being an opaque pot, it'll really cook in the summer when it's in full sun (which it LOVED this summer, while in the clay pot.)- but I could put it into a clay cache pot to keep it cooler.

But I STILL think that eventhough it's rupiculous, it will appreciate it's roots staying somewhat more humid in the plastic pot.


Sooooo....? :faint:

I think I've decided on the plastic pot, lol. Amazing what venting on the board can do for one's thought process. :rofl:

:dumb: but now I can't decide on whether to do all leca, or the 50:50.....



:faint: or maybe....I'll just stick to the clay pot......or...x.x

Don't sweat it too much. They are very resilient and drought tolerant. Mine Went through a dry period that I though it needed, they don't actually need one. But it Hasn't missed a beat

I know they're drought tolerant- I love that! The plastic pot would be easier to sterilize and clean than the clay....just not sure if it would appreciate it.

I think it would appreciate it. Just because they are drought tolerant, that doesn't mean that it won't appreciate it. I have mine in a placid basket, but I kinda regret it, because it dries up Soooo fast

mine is growing good. i think three new leads. roots are everywhere! ill probably have to repot come time to move outside. i like to have fast draining media for outside, but i cant keep up with it indoors. so idk what ill do. maybe if i repot in ark when i move outside, and then the bar will hold more moisture by the time it gets cold ( fall 2011)

Mine is also growing well. Had 2 new growths last summer and 1 has just started. It has roots galore. I'll try to poast a picture this weekend.

Bill

I have 2- one mounted, one potted and they look good but aren't doing much growing. I hope they'll do more when I can put them outside this summer.

mine has been growing well. hopefully i get some blooms from the growths its working on.
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-2...0/DSC_0017.jpg

Looks good!
Joann

thanks! hope it blooms this year. its getting more light than last.

It started spiking about 5-6 weeks ago. I can see shadows of buds in the sheath. I gave it lots of water this summer and it seems to have responded well.

Bill

great job!

Congratulations Bill! Your plant looks really healthy & I really look forward to seeing more pics.

Ditto!!
Joann

I have two, one potted, one mounted. The mounted one has been in spike since July, and now I can see the shadows of the flowers- finally! The potted one has not spiked.

WOW!!! I just finished reading/skimming this whole thread, and I TOTALLY want a L. anceps! I like the look of the plant, the flowers, and I would love to do breeding with it!

Connie, Are you cutting back on watering for winter? I'm not sure if I should keep it going or let it have it's winter rest. I'm leaning more towards the rest.

Bill

ive heard both that it needs rest and that it doesnt. last year i didnt rest mine. havent gotten blooms, but that may not be the reason. this year im watering less and trying a mini-rest. but not compete drout

I'm not sure if these should have more than 1 flower per stem but here it is. It's been in bloom for about 3 weeks now.

Bill

Yours looks great! Good growing!

Whenever mine gets a new growth the lead seems to never open up all the way. Right note I just ignore it. Hopefully sometime it will bloom. It has a few dry sheaths. But they are really small skinny sheaths. So idk

Well my mounted one finally opened it's blooms. Unfortunately there was some sheath dried and stuck to them so they have not opened all the way and look rather deformed.:(
The next time I will watch the sheaths more carefully.
I still haven't gotten any spikes on my potted Laelia.

Ooo!!! I so want one!!!

I have been having problems with this plant since day one. In February I thought it was a goner so as a last ditch effort I mounted it. I've had it hanging in an East bathroom window, it gets sprayed daily but no other attention. Tuesday I took it down to move it outside and the little booger is growing! There are three new growths and roots that are attached to the wood mount. I should have mounted the silly thing two years ago.
Joann

Better late than never.

Bill

mine still hasnt done much. To be honest, ive kind of just been forgetting about it. so i hope it surprises me! i just picked up a 'medenhall' so i hope i can bloom that one too!