Trying an experiment - Page 4 - Orchid Board

Connie Star · #31 12-06-2009, 05:15 PM

Interestingly, the roots of your phal in the SH look the same as those of the first plant a phal stuartiana I put in SH. It seems to be holding it's own after 5 1/2 months. I don't think I washed the Primeagra well enough initially, so I flushed and flushed using well water and finishing with distilled water and the roots seem to be taking.
I've also started my own experiment - perhaps trial is a more accutate term, with 2 Phal schilleriana purchased at the same time. It's only 2 weeks along so too soon to say if there's any difference.
I agree that it's not a true experiment, but I think it has some utility, at least for seeing what happens in my home, with my well-water, lighting, heat, etc.

Connie Star · #32 05-15-2010, 08:01 PM

Six months ago I bought 2 Phal schilleriana var. purpurea of the same age and put one in a standard orchid mix with fir bark and the other in S/H. What's interesting is that the S/H plant has produced more leaves and looks generally healthier than the bark one but the leaves on the bark one are bigger.
At six months:

Hedge · #33 05-16-2010, 06:19 AM

IMHO, any plant that suddenly starts receiving daily attention usually bucks up, simply because one notices it more, - it's a bit like Schrodingers cat, observation changes the state

johnblagg · #34 05-16-2010, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Connie Star

Six months ago I bought 2 Phal schilleriana var. purpurea of the same age and put one in a standard orchid mix with fir bark and the other in S/H. What's interesting is that the S/H plant has produced more leaves and looks generally healthier than the bark one but the leaves on the bark one are bigger.
At six months:

Hmmm very interesting Connie...I think that the one in bark looks as if it has more new leaf area on that one new leaf than the one in s/h does even with two leaves....

Do you think you might get a general mesurement of leaf size and make a comparison using the leaf area to judge which has made more actual mass.OR perhaps "this is getting a little more ocd lol" could you weight them and keep records of the actual weight gain....That would give you some good info as to which is really in the lead.

and Schrodinger should have had two cats one he fed and watched and one he just watched .....lets see in observation keeps a hungry cat healthy?

Hedge · #35 05-17-2010, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnblagg

and Schrodinger should have had two cats one he fed and watched and one he just watched .....lets see in observation keeps a hungry cat healthy?

He could have been watching it catch mice

- ok it wasn't the best analogy , but I hope you take my point ?

johnblagg · #36 05-17-2010, 09:14 AM

point is I dont dismiss someones effort to make the serious observation and compare the result.AND LOL this person is especially qualified to make such a observation -- I believe she holds a masters degree in botany if I am not mistaken.

Connie Star · #37 05-17-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnblagg

Hmmm very interesting Connie...I think that the one in bark looks as if it has more new leaf area on that one new leaf than the one in s/h does even with two leaves....

Do you think you might get a general mesurement of leaf size and make a comparison using the leaf area to judge which has made more actual mass.OR perhaps "this is getting a little more ocd lol" could you weight them and keep records of the actual weight gain....That would give you some good info as to which is really in the lead.

and Schrodinger should have had two cats one he fed and watched and one he just watched .....lets see in observation keeps a hungry cat healthy?

I'm not sure I could figure out a way to weigh the plants, since the amount of water in each pot would be unpredictable. I'll see if I can figure out how to measure the area of the leaves- shouldn't be that difficult to get an estimate. Thanks for the suggestion.

Connie Star · #38 06-16-2010, 10:14 PM

Another month on with my trial of two Phal schillerianas, one in S/H, one in bark. The bark one has not produced another new leaf since last month, but looks fine; the S/H one has another new leaf, but the leaves are smaller than the bark plant's. I've been using rain water instead of my hard well water for the past 6 weeks. I don't feel that I can draw any conclusions yet as to which is best.

Tropicgirl · #39 06-17-2010, 03:15 PM

That is pretty cool, Connie! I love seeing the progress.

Even though the leaves aren't big yet, the s/h phal sure is happy to keep making them!

Keep us updated!

Lady Tottington · #40 06-19-2010, 12:45 AM

Wow Connie! Those both look happy! Interesting how the one in bark has an areal root saying hello, but the one in S/H has the roots obviously tucked in

They both appear to have new growth, yet there definetly are more leaves on the S/H. Those are going to be stunning plants! How much did you pay for them perchance at the size you got them, just curious. I love the leaves, and am amazed at how round the May 14, 2010 photo is in bark. It will be interesting to see when the S/H catches up. When/if you repot to get a look a the roots, take pictures : )))))

Thanks for posting. I love this side by side comparison. What kind of light/window do you have these in in your house? I'm curious to know your growing conditions too

smiles,
m