Gastrochilus japonicus (Project 12 - Spring 2011)

[shadytrake]

That's too bad, Dave. My experience with this project is that it does great mounted on a coconut husk. It doesn't mind the heat and bare roots on the mount are fine. Mine would probably grow faster if I watered and fed more but I tend to be a bit stingy with that.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by shadytrake

That's too bad, Dave. My experience with this project is that it does great mounted on a coconut husk. It doesn't mind the heat and bare roots on the mount are fine. Mine would probably grow faster if I watered and fed more but I tend to be a bit stingy with that.

Sorry about yours Dave, mine is also mounted and there is barely any moss left, the roots grip really well to the curve of bark it's on. I water daily (ok most days) and fertilize most waterings. It grows like crazy and blooms frequently. It gets outdoor uk temps from arround may to end of september (although it's under cover) and comes inside for the winter with the house between 15C and 20C. Goes in a south west window in the winter and gets non direct light from all sides when in the open greenhouse in the summer (but I don't really know what light it gets).

[RosieC]

Just taken another look at mine, the spikes are growing very slowly... but there are now 8 of them!

---------- Post added at 05:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:08 PM ----------

Interestingly, on the main crown there are two, clearly seen in this pic... but a third has started in the gap just below the one of the right. Still quite tiny but it's coming out from beside one of the spikes from the last flowering, rather than from a new place on the stem.



---------- Post added at 05:16 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:16 PM ----------

just spotted a 9th!!

---------- Post added at 05:21 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:16 PM ----------

... and possibly a 10th though it's very hidden and difficult to tell.

This guy has 6 crowns having grown basel keikis early on. Now all of them are flowering. 3 on the main one, 2 on one of the squished in crowns underneath, and 1 each on the other four.

[shadytrake]

Wow!!

[nenella]

Wow Rosie! It obviously loves your growing conditions in the green house!
My plant has actually got 3 spikes but the third is growing between the bark mount and roots... also I have not been watering as much as it needs to be and my roots don't look as good and thick as yours.. luckily this is a 'toughie' and still bloomss twice a year!
Looking forward to seeing pics of your plant in full bloom it'sgoing to be incredible with all those spikes!

[RosieC]

Well it's almost completely in flower now. There are 10 spikes of which 7 are in flower and basically the plant is covered in flowers. Hubby asked just now whether it's an "Orchid in Flower" or a "Bunch of flowers in Leaf" Three of the smaller spikes still not open, but most are now.

[Lauris]

Amazing! She really loves you!

[nenella]

That is FABULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic roots too. Superb growing well done & thanks for showing us!

ps: my dasypogon has six buds this time.

[Bud]

It was upon reading this thread on its early months that I decided to get myself this kind of orchid plant, too bad I was already late for joining....and now it has bloomed on me....I just followed the culture and advice of many of you here and I am just glad I got this plant.

[RosieC]

Thanks everyone. I love this one