Miltassia shelob 'Red Spider' ( in bloom )

[Bud]

This has been with me for 4 years...and I bought this in full magnificent bloom with 7 spikes each having five to seven flowers in the spike...at a military PX store when I was visiting a HS friend who just arrived from the war.... I got it as an adult sized specimen. This flowers as many times as it can per season, it survived spidermites and bugs in its life with me...This is placed hanging on a southern facing window in a location where temperature remains between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit during day time and night temperature is between 60 and 65 degrees. When I grew this orchid for the first time, I was completely unaware of its light requirements therefore I consulted a flower shop on 29th street in Manhattan. If the leaves become reddish green, it means they are getting too much light. On the other hand, if leaves become dark green, it will indicate that plant is not getting the right amount of light. The leaves of this orchid should have bright green color which shows that lighting conditions are adequate. While watering, I make sure that media is moderately dry. I don’t wait for watering until media becomes fully dry and hard. This plant doesn’t need much water when new shoots are not sprouting but when a new flower blooms, it requires more amount of water. Another thing which needs to be noted here is that always water this plant at their base. Water should not get inside the new bloom. I discovered this need to be fertilized only once a month as over-fertilizing may harm it. I have gone through all these experiences so I want you people not to repeat any mistake I made. As far as fertilizers are concerned, you can research for one that suits you=I alternate seaweed mix and worm tea mix. In winter, humidity level on its location is between 40% and 50% whereas in summer, I give it 55% to 75% humidity. After every two years, I repot this plant in a new fresh medium of large bark, lava rocks, charcoal and hydro ton when a new shoot is about 3 inches in length or when I see new roots. I follow all of the tips mentioned above with confidence because I have experienced all these and got same constant results that I expected.

[silken]

Very nice blooms Bud. The plant looks happy.

[Gage]

Great plant and blooms. Bud, I really appreciate all of the history and details you give about your plants. It's nice to hear the whole story, and how others are growing their chids - sometimes very similar, sometimes very different. Thanks!

[NYCorchidman]

Wow~ so many pbs!

[Bud]

Thank You, Silken !
Thank You, Gage !
Thank You, NYCorchidman !

[CTB]

Good Growng!

[Bud]

Thank You, Carol !

[Lilac]

Very good info,thank you!

I have one that I bought in the summer with a couple of spikes in bloom. They lasted quite a while.

It has recently thrown up one spike with at least six little buds on it. I am watching it like a hawk!

[RosieC]

Great growing, looking really good!

[Bud]

the mealies and scales were back but I gave it intensive care and it rewarded me with four spikes, bigger and flatter flowers with such vivid colors....