Gastrochilus japonicus (Project 12 - Spring 2011) - Page 59 - Orchid Board

Call_Me_Bob · #**581** 08-01-2011, 09:11 PM

i heard they were fragrant

Zoi2 · #**582** 08-02-2011, 01:12 PM

If I remember correctly mine had a faint citrus scent during mid morning when the sun hit it. I did not notice a scent untill the flowers had been open for several days.
Joann

Paul Mc · #**583** 08-04-2011, 08:25 AM

Well, I have good news and bad news about mine. The good news is that it is finally opening it's first flower bud! Yeah!

The bad news though is that 4 out of the 7 leaves are turning yellow and look really, really bad. Why is this do you guys think? I have mine on the original mount it came with, but have had to water 2 to 3 times daily because it's been in the 100F's here and it dries quickly. Could it be the heat, too much water? On a side note, I did leave last week for vacation and the guy who was watching after everything didn't do the best job. He may have only been watering it once a day.

Daethen · #**584** 08-04-2011, 09:13 AM

That is very good and very bad news Paul. I know with mine, it has very little sphag under the plant. I also water at least twice a day. I am growing inside under lights so the heat isn't such a factor. I am just waiting to find a really neat mount that will do it justice and I am going to remount it.

nenella · #**585** 08-04-2011, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

Well, I have good news and bad news about mine. The good news is that it is finally opening it's first flower bud! Yeah!

The bad news though is that 4 out of the 7 leaves are turning yellow and look really, really bad. Why is this do you guys think? I have mine on the original mount it came with, but have had to water 2 to 3 times daily because it's been in the 100F's here and it dries quickly. Could it be the heat, too much water? On a side note, I did leave last week for vacation and the guy who was watching after everything didn't do the best job. He may have only been watering it once a day.

Congrats for getting the first bud to bloom!

I'm not an expert.. but IMHO ....
If it were mine I'd just keep on watching & caring for it as you do. As long as it's roots continue to grow and it grows new leaves it will very probably be OK.
I believe 'chids are 'toughies... My project plant arrived with a keikie who had suffered crown rot, Plus 2 'yellowing' leaves on the main plant and less than nice roots. (I have looked after it as my other same plant I got last year) Since then it has grown thicker roots, a leaf and there is a bud forming!

Keep us posted. pics would be great!

Jennyfleur · #**586** 08-05-2011, 06:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

The bad news though is that 4 out of the 7 leaves are turning yellow and look really, really bad. Why is this do you guys think?

Hi Paul, when mine started opening flowers, it lost a leaf and, when it finished flowering, it lost three leaves quite quickly. It's now growing a new one and lots of roots and looks nice and healthy. Yours could be doing the same

Paul Mc · #**587** 08-05-2011, 09:04 AM

Might be, though the new leaf has started yellowing just at the base. That's why I'm a bit concerned.

However, I got an e-newsletter from Oak Hill Gardens the other day (the place I bought mine from) and they mentioned that in this extreme heat a lot of mounted orchids will do exactly what mine is doing. They suggested taking the orchid off of the mount and remounting it with fresh sphag. Their experience has been that in a few weeks the orchid recovers.

I'm just leary of doing this as it's just started blooming though. Your thoughts on this? I'd be inclined to believe the newsletter as this is what they do and they described my situation perfectly, minus the buds.

Jennyfleur · #**588** 08-05-2011, 11:59 AM

Hmm, I'd say that if you're instinct is to re-mount, then the health of the plant comes before flowers - can't get any flowers on a dead plant! But, that's just my penny's worth.

Paul Mc · #**589** 08-06-2011, 01:23 PM

Alright, so I remounted it as Oak Hill's newsletter suggested. I have to say I was a bit sad though because three of the roots were stuck to the mount and they tore despite my best effort to save them.

So, here's how I remounted it. Please let me know what you think - if this is acceptable or not.

And here's my first bloom on it (sorry for the bad quality image).

Zoi2 · #**590** 08-06-2011, 11:46 PM

Looks good!
Joann