Sophronitis cernua (Project 14 - Spring 2012) - Page 82 - Orchid Board

Mira-Claude · #**811** 07-21-2012, 08:07 PM

Gus is now in his forever home at a friend's, he is a bit sick now, I think he will need to be shaved, all that fur in such a hot weather must not be too good for him!!!!

Charlie is a little pest, but he is my little pest so it's fine!

Both are getting used to the brush and the nail clippers though!

Your new growth look amazing too Nenella! Can I see your kitties????

Rowangreen · #**812** 07-21-2012, 08:15 PM

Don't shave him for the weather. Their fur insulates them against heat as well as cold.

Meanwhile, I'm jealous of everyone's growths! (That sounds wrong, lol) On mine there's only one of the older roots looks ok, though I think some others might still be functioning a bit. A leaf has also died back. On the other had the new root is now digging in. With the dying back I think I can see a second new root in the centre of the old roots too... hopefully!

It's basically looking healthy, so hopefully it won't be long till it starts catching up!

nenella · #**813** 07-21-2012, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rowangreen

Don't shave him for the weather. Their fur insulates them against heat as well as cold.

Meanwhile, I'm jealous of everyone's growths! (That sounds wrong, lol) On mine there's only one of the older roots looks ok, though I think some others might still be functioning a bit. A leaf has also died back. On the other had the new root is now digging in. With the dying back I think I can see a second new root in the centre of the old roots too... hopefully!

It's basically looking healthy, so hopefully it won't be long till it starts catching up!

I agree! don't have the cats shaved! better to get them used to a brushing session every day/few days!
Rowan, I too was jelous of every one getting new growths

... you have root growth that's the main thing ..growths come after roots (in my experience of a few months with this 'chid) In fact they just appear so

: for you. Also I had a leaf on an older growth fall off.....

Mira here they are.. these were taken today and it was their first day outside!!!!!! Very exciting....
they are persians

orchidsarefun · #**814** 07-21-2012, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

Mine has 2 new growths, possibly more starting.........depending on the answer to this question. Does anyone know if the sympodial growth is one way ? or can it "fan" out in all directions from old growths ?
The roots at the back of the mount are growing strong, all in all about 2-3 inches long.

I answered my own question. I have 1 growth NW and 2 growths W, so they do fan out. That's good cos I was beginning to think that it would appear lopsided eventually.
Also - does this flower off of new or mature growths ? I hope the latter as I have about 7 non-previously-flowered maturing growths and about 5 previously flowered growths. I don't know however if they had flowered all at once. Anyone know ?

Wynn Dee13 · #**815** 07-22-2012, 12:49 AM

These flower on new growths. The buds develop in the leaf before it opens and the leaf acts as a sheath. They didn't flower all at once. At first probably only one bloomed then as it gets older with more leads you can have more growths blooming at the same time. When they become specimen size they will bloom on multiple growths because they start to grow more leads in all directions. The older matured growths that haven't bloomed won't bloom.

Paul Mc · #**816** 07-22-2012, 12:54 AM

What kind of fertilizer balance is everyone using? I'm using 20-20-20, but really don't see much happening. Maybe I'm just not seeing the growth,

Mira-Claude · #**817** 07-22-2012, 01:01 AM

Nenella!
They are lovely!!!!!
I am allergic to cats so I maxed out for my nose!

Paul!
I am solely using superthrive in low quantities 6 days a week. I tend to over feed, so I tend to avoid fertilizer!

Wynn Dee13 · #**818** 07-22-2012, 01:01 AM

Be patient. They are slow growers. They don't bloom tell winter so the plant has a while to produce new growths. Also with such a tiny plant you might not see them yet. My other cernua bloomed in February. These bloom anywhere from fall to spring but most bloom in winter. That could be one reason why some people's plants are more ahead than others. I use MSU and fertilize when I have time. I need to more often.

Vina · #**819** 07-22-2012, 06:31 AM

Mira-Claude,
oooh, what a cuties: both - cernuas and kitties.

camille1585 · #**820** 07-22-2012, 07:06 AM

As requested, here is a pic of mine, the 2 growths are slowly getting larger, and you can see some of its dozen new roots. There was a third growth that started on another bulb, but it rotted. (That'll teach me to water in the evening, I should have waited until morning, no matter how thirsty it was!)

I also added a side by side shot with my 2nd project plant, Soph mantiqueira. Identical culture, but the blooms are much larger. It's a bit over a year from blooming size. When I asked my favorite dutch grower if he had Soph cernua, he didn't have it but offered me the mantiqueira at a reduced price. I couldn't say no! It's growing like a weed, I counted 5 new growths and 6-7 new roots.

If you are wondering about the pots, they are French 'fromage blanc' pots. (It's a very fresh cheese that we eat like a yogurt). Perfect for small orchids since they're transparent and have lots of holes!