Maxillaria tenuifolia (Project 11 - Summer 2010)

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

do you think they would be a good candidate for s/h? since they like it moist

I've seen it being very successful, but there have been some people whose plants weren't a big fan of it.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

thanks! i also read that they like a rest from fertilizers from october to the end of november

That's generally what a winter rest means. cutting back on water according to the plant's needs, and less (or no) fertilizer.

[Call_Me_Bob]

oh, i didnt know that! i love learning stuff on this site

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

ohh, that makes sense!!



BEFORE YOU BUY FROM IANS ORCHIDS!!!

LOOK AT THEIR PICS, THEY HAVE PUT NEW PICS UP ON THE LISTING, AND THE DIVISIONS LOOK SUPER SMALL AND TINY!

These guys are very fast growers under good conditions, so I'm not worried about getting one. As Philip said, a 2-3bulb division will be ~2yrs from flowering.
But for me, the projects are more about learning to grow a plant well, than seeing it flower immediately.
Not saying that this is how everyone should treat these projects, that's just how I view them personally.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

oh, i didnt know that! i love learning stuff on this site

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by Izzie

These guys are very fast growers under good conditions, so I'm not worried about getting one. As Philip said, a 2-3bulb division will be ~2yrs from flowering.
But for me, the projects are more about learning to grow a plant well, than seeing it flower immediately.
Not saying that this is how everyone should treat these projects, that's just how I view them personally.

i know, just wanted to give people a heads up, who wanted a plant sufficient size to bloom immediately, given the correct conditions

i think i will try to do what you are doing, if i ca only find leca

[Call_Me_Bob]

Originally Posted by Izzie

+1

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by Izzie

That's generally what a winter rest means. cutting back on water according to the plant's needs, and less (or no) fertilizer.

Just to be clear, it's all that, plus cooler temperatures.

Again, all according to the plant's needs. Temperatures and water will vary, and some plants just need less fertilizers, while others like a complete stop on fertilizing.
And then you factor in your particular growing conditions...and personal preference...and what works best for you......and it just gets clear as mud.
But that's the general gist of things.
You can make it as simple or convoluted as you want.

[Izzie]

Originally Posted by help

i know, just wanted to give people a heads up, who wanted a plant sufficient size to bloom immediately, given the correct conditions

i think i will try to do what you are doing, if i ca only find leca

The Home Depot (and maybe Lowes) near me has started carrying Hydroton. As have several of the garden centers near me.

If not, if you can find medium/small lava rock that would work as well.
Or even chunks of styrofoam. Perlite would be too fine, in my opinion.

[Call_Me_Bob]

i checked at lowes, they didnt have any. i havent made it all the way out to HD, the garden center, i dont remember. but the garden center definitely has lava rock, and maybe perlite.

does anyone know if red or black lava rock is preferable? i know someone had roots not grow as well into one, just cant remember which one