Neobenthamia gracillis

[cb977]

Here's a photo of what the new free keiki I got will hopefully look like some day:

http://www.orchidspecies.com/neobgracillus.htm

Here's a better explanation and more pics of the plant:

http://www.merklesorchids.com/Orchid...benthemia.html

I got it from Marie at Crystal River Orchid Supply here in Florida.

[Tindomul]

That is sooo cool. Congrats and good luck!

[justatypn]

Thats' so pretty, looks like styrofoam and magic markers...lol. When was/is that show??

[Mahon]

Sue,

I once had a plant of Neobenthamia gracils about 4 feet tall... it is a toughy to keep alive... I ended up selling it to a local grower along with my collection of Tetramicra. The flowers smell kinda like bubble gum, and kinda like perfume... it's cool to grow... a plant about 5mm thick and about a foot long will be blooming size... I only have a single division left, and should bloom within the coming months... this unispecific species makes new growth at nodes along the stem of the plant. This species is also VERY root rot susceptible, I lost one smaller plant to it...

Good luck growing it though, I believe this species comes from Africa (?), I don't remember... ttyl,

-PM

[cb977]

Cheryl, what show are you asking about?

Pat, what's the best medium to grow these in? The lady I got it from said a terrestrial mix, but the information I've read says bark mix. What did you have yours in?
You're right about their origin...South Africa

[Mahon]

Sue,

I do not recommend a terrestrial mix on larger Neob. gracilis, it will quickly rot the roots... I think this species is a terrestrial, but it has the dry times of the year (I am pretty sure)... I potted mine in humus and bark chips, mixed them both up so I would have like a ventillated humus mix...

But since yours is a single growth, try a terrestrial mix, and since you are in a more forested part of Florida, try and go out into a patch of woods of oaks, and scrape the top layer of leaves away, and reveal the humus... then only take the black colored dirt... and try not to expose it all to the sun, cover the bucket (pot) of humus, it will kill the helpful symbiotic fungi...

Let me know what you decide... ttyl on chat,

-P.A. Mahon

[cb977]

Unbelievable!!!

[Mahon]

Sue,

Looks like a great shoot (most of the freebies I get are complete junk, so this is amazing). Looks like it's in good condition. I assume there are plenty of roots at the bottom of this shoot.

That new root growth is good. It looks almost blooming size! Great plant!

(sorry I wasn't on chat last night, I can't believe I missed Cypripedioideae... I will be on tonight though...)

-PM

[cb977]

another pic

[justatypn]

Like dahhhh...thought you said Show, and you said supply...brain freeze