Prolly gonna get bashed but... - Page 2 - Orchid Board

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #11 07-27-2009, 07:48 PM

Is the air stagnant where it grows naturally? I overheard Andy's brother from Andy's Orchids say they like stale air. I don't know if this is true.

Ross · #12 07-27-2009, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Is the air stagnant where it grows naturally? I overheard Andy's brother from Andy's Orchids say they like stale air. I don't know if this is true.

I don't grow them, but I have been in the Fakahatche and seen them. No, stagnant air isn't their thing. I have repeatedly found recommendations from Andy or Harry to maybe be true for them, but not for my plants. I do believe the type of mounting surface is important, as perhaps, the variation of dry and wet seasons as well as good air circulation. While I am quite successful with most orchids (primarily Angraecoids) in my tank, the Ghost was a loser for me.

got ants · #13 07-27-2009, 11:30 PM

Wow SuzieP, sorry to hear of the difficulties you are having.

I think my Polyrrhiza (or is it Dendrophylax ?) is also from Oak Hill. It was purchased for me at the Miami Orchid show in march. Though it looks a little different than yours. It has less roots, and more straight than curled. It has grown a little, but not much.

Here is how mine is currently growing...
It is in the middle of my pergola, suspended 2 feet above a large bromeliad. It is on a stick, but not sure what the wood is. I hope to find some Pond Apple to move it to. Hopefully something larger than it's current 1" diameter.

I'll post a pic in a few....

got ants · #14 07-27-2009, 11:43 PM

Hold yer breath....

here they are.....

Notice the fence boards in the background (six inches wide) for comparison.

susiep · #15 07-28-2009, 01:18 AM

Wow, Ants! Yours has a couple of roots! Now I really feel ripped off. I got mine along with the Orchid Board Spring Project plant. It was one of 4 plants I purchased that day, so you would think they would have given me a better one, huh? I just measured the little clump. It is 3/4" x 1/2" of little bits of curled roots. The longest one would be about 1/4 to 1/2 inch long stretched out (which it doesn't seem to be trying to do). However it looks like you have 2 good roots there! Congratulations! It is a very hard plant to grow.

got ants · #16 07-28-2009, 01:34 AM

Sue,

First, let me tell you, I did not buy this for myself. It was given to me by my sister-in-law. I would have never spent the $50 for it. Chances are against me that I'll see it bloom.

Second, it was hand picked out of a display at the show. SIL said they had a few flasks for big $$ and by days end they were gone.

Thirdly, I had inquired some time back to Oak Hill and the ones they were selling were only like $12, but they said 10 years to bloom...

I was in Fern Forest County Park and saw a good size branch of Pond Apple broken off from the main tree, I inquired to the Park Ranger, but he was off at the time. I don't know if they will allow me to take it with their no removal of plants policy, though I do know other areas not in park boundries that have it (Pond Apple)

Is there other things I need on it as well? Like lichen? moss?

susiep · #17 07-28-2009, 02:22 AM

Wow, $50! Well that explains why you have roots and I don't. (haha) I only got the $12 plant. Next time I will just save my money up and get an established plant. Oh well, live and learn.

I don't know of any park that will allow you to take any wood out. Or anyone that sells it. Dave (flhiker) would be a good person to talk to about what this plant needs to grow. I think he has one that is doing pretty well. Plus he goes out in the Fak to observe them. He would probably be able to help you. Good luck!

NWBOCHs09 · #18 07-28-2009, 06:21 PM

WOW! I was expecting people to be P*ssed at me for posting this... Apparently there are people legally growing these orchids? And I was also expecting the price of them to be MUCH MUCH more than it is...
this is all surprising!

Malagasy · #19 08-09-2009, 05:07 PM

Hey there. I purchased one from Oak Hill a couple of years ago. Here are some pictures from earlier this spring--both up close and where it grows. Basically it grows under my vandas (for the high humidity in that area), but hidden from most sunlight by a shelf. I have also seen them for sale at Botanicaltd.com. Dendrophylax lindenii. I haven't purchased that particular plant from them, but I have purchased a number of their mounted plants and even a Chiloschista and another species of Dendrophylax and been very happy. I think the ghost you want, Dendrophylax lindenii is $25 or $30 if I remember correctly.

susiep · #20 08-09-2009, 08:39 PM

Mal, very nice! I can see you have several actively growing roots. I have none. For that reason, I will not be surprised if it dies soon.

Ants, I saw those same plants at the Redlands show. However I had gotten mine a short time before that along with my Haraella project plant.

Right now I am looking for a bigger, established Ghost and I may have found one. It is years from blooming, but well attached to the mount (from what I have heard). So I am excited about that. I will keep you posted!