Odbrs. Fangtastic Bob Henley 'HOF' #4 - Page 4 - Orchid Board

MattWoelfsen · #31 08-23-2014, 03:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charitysmama

So is it possible that on my other oncidiums when the bulbs get wrinkled but are still firm, that means that they are getting old? They seem to be getting enough water.

Yes, they are aging but they serve a purpose, they usually provide nutrients to emerging new growth. The spike growing in back, that growth came from the back pBulb that no longer has leaves. The big pBulb in the middle, it still has a long, strap-like leaf. It might put out another growth which will eventually become a pBulb.

charitysmama · #32 08-23-2014, 06:59 PM

What is a pbulb and do phals that have totally lost all their leaves ever survive? lh

MattWoelfsen · #33 08-23-2014, 10:32 PM

Pbulb is short for psuedobulb. Many Oncidium--I think all of them?--develop pbulbs to store energy to help nurture new growth. Phalaenopsis store their energy in their leaves. If a Phal looses all of its leaves, it usually won't survive. But sometimes a plant may grow keiki--a small growth that develops into a new plant. Sometimes if the roots are still viable they might grow a keiki. I'm testing that idea now. I have three Phals that have experienced crown rot--a loss of leaves due to decay. All of their roots are very healthy so I'm hoping this might happen.

charitysmama · #34 08-24-2014, 12:57 AM

I will try babying it. I have an orchid with a terminal spike and it has a keiki growing on the spike. Interesting. And it is still putting out new flower buds. Has two spikes. Doesn't look like it is near death.

MattWoelfsen · #35 08-31-2014, 08:58 PM

The spikes are getting longer!

charitysmama · #36 09-01-2014, 01:44 AM

showoff!!!! Looking forward to pics of the flowers. I have two in the greenhouse that are doing great, but no flower spikes. Linda

MattWoelfsen · #37 09-01-2014, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charitysmama

showoff!!!! Looking forward to pics of the flowers. I have two in the greenhouse that are doing great, but no flower spikes. Linda

Hi Linda, I am NOT the one showing off! LOL. I too can't wait to see these flowers. I was impressed last year, with two spikes....

charitysmama · #38 09-02-2014, 12:01 AM

I just saw a pic of the Black Maxillaria schunkeana Orchid. Now I have a new love, but may just admire for a distance. I have to take care of the babies I have. how do I take care of my Bob Henley?

MattWoelfsen · #39 09-02-2014, 07:26 AM

Linda, since it is in the Oncidium alliance, I grow it like an Oncidium: bright light--if the leaves are dark green, it is not getting enough light. My plant is in a plastic pot with large holes on the side, planted in large sized bark, that drains quickly.

Water a lot in the summer and growing season and feed regularly. I let it get dry between watering, but don't keep it dry more than a day or two. It can tolerate cool nights as low as 50*F but the days should be nice and warm. If the day is forecast to be into the 90's, I water it early in the day so that the water provides relief from the heat.

When I bring it indoors for the winter, I have it in a bright, sunny room, in direct light. I water it less often and I sit it on a humidity tray.

charitysmama · #40 09-02-2014, 10:34 AM

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s/twocents.gif Thanks Matt, I haven't had much luck getting my orchids like Sharry's Baby to rebloom, but now that I have a green house, I am hoping that I will see more growth. Linda