Phalaenopsis tetraspis

[Manu]

Originally Posted by jkofferdahl

Phal tetraspis (or speciosa) does grow quite well when mounted, but also will excel in a basket; in either case it's essential to water it at LEAST once each day. It's hard to overwater a Phal when mounted or basketed (is that a word?).

Phalaenopsis has a reputation for being an easy Genus to grow, but there are some species which are harder than others to care for. P. appendiculata is very picky, and the miniatures in general require more attention than do the larger species. The real warmth-loving Phals can also be a little trickier than most as well. Tetraspis, bellina, etc., would fit this group. Newer Phal growers find them trickier. I grow these warmth-lovers separately from most Phals so that they have both a bit more warmth and also higher humidity.

My bellina and speciosa still do great in the winter with 22-24C daytime temperatures, which is what I assume most people have as living conditions indoors, even in freezing climates like mine. My bellina stops flowering in end of November beginning of December, at that time leaves start growing again, blooming resumes in the spring time. My speciosa simply never stops, it grows leaves, roots and pushes out spikes, while sending a few flowers on older spikes year round!

I'm thinking when people say they are more challenging due to their warm nature, maybe that's for outdoor growers in climates that are tropical in summer and cooler in the winter?

[estación seca]

A lot of people in the US keep their houses much cooler than 22-24C / 72-75 F in the winter. 20C / 68F and below is very common. Many people in very cold parts of the country let temperatures drop to the 10-15C / 50-60 F range at night.

I might point out these sorts of temperatures are not suitable for Phals, nor many other orchids. But there are other orchids that just love these cool nights!

[Manu]

Originally Posted by estación seca

A lot of people in the US keep their houses much cooler than 22-24C / 72-75 F in the winter. 20C / 68F and below is very common. Many people in very cold parts of the country let temperatures drop to the 10-15C / 50-60 F range at night.

I might point out these sorts of temperatures are not suitable for Phals, nor many other orchids. But there are other orchids that just love these cool nights!

Ok I guess that makes sense, but how can people live in such conditions!!! Is heating that expensive in the states? In my opinion, if a Phal can't strive in my living conditions, then it's not suitable for humans either

[Biscuit&Gravy]

I love all the great advice on this forum. You make a good point that I hadn't thought of Manu; about the glass jar not allowing good air circulation. It also made me think that it could get fried in that glass with the sun on it. Must be beginners luck because it so far seems pretty happy. Two new leaves and a lot of roots. I just saw a pic of one of your mounted plants and it's beautiful. I've never mounted a plant yet but you are my plant goals, lol.
And I know a few people who keep their houses that cold here in the States in winter, but I'm definitely not one of them, lol!

[estación seca]

My impression is heating is more expensive in most parts of the world outside the US. But a lot of people are willing to lower the thermostat, especially at night, to save money.

Our President Carter, in his sweater-wearing speech in 1977, famously asked people to turn down the thermostat. I'm sure you can find that, and his "economic malaise" speech of a few years later, on the Internet.

[Biscuit&Gravy]

I didn't know that about President Carter! I know a lot of people personally who keep their houses very cool because of the expense. I don't have much of a tolerance for being too cold though so I have to save to keep the heat. Thanks for the info.

[Manu]

Originally Posted by Biscuit&Gravy

I didn't know that about President Carter! I know a lot of people personally who keep their houses very cool because of the expense. I don't have much of a tolerance for being too cold though so I have to save to keep the heat. Thanks for the info.

For me cool is 22C during day and 19 at night.. we freeze outside here in the winter, with temperatures going down up to -40C in the winter... I can't stand being cold inside. 10C is what I keep my garage at, I can't imagine having my living area at that temperature. Mind you our electricity here in Quebec is dirt cheap and made from clean and renewable water!

[Manu]

Originally Posted by Biscuit&Gravy

I love all the great advice on this forum. You make a good point that I hadn't thought of Manu; about the glass jar not allowing good air circulation. It also made me think that it could get fried in that glass with the sun on it. Must be beginners luck because it so far seems pretty happy. Two new leaves and a lot of roots. I just saw a pic of one of your mounted plants and it's beautiful. I've never mounted a plant yet but you are my plant goals, lol.
And I know a few people who keep their houses that cold here in the States in winter, but I'm definitely not one of them, lol!

I'm guessing you're referring to my tetraspsis c1 aka speciosa var christiana? It's blooming for the 4th time in 1 year. This plant was out of flask fall of 2015 and blooming for the first time fall of 2016. I got a purple speciosa few weeks ago, was out of flask in August and should be blooming by next summer! They grow quickly in my conditions, from flask to flower in about 8 9 months! I mounted it alongside her cousin!

[Biscuit&Gravy]

Thanks for all the advice...Your orchids are so beautiful!! I hope someday to have some like that! Here's an update on mine. It's making its first flower spike!!

[No-Pro-mwa]

So exiting.