I figured it out!

[trixylarue]

I have a lot of Phals and have not had any issues growing them or getting them to rebloom. They stay on the window sill behind my screen porch in the winter, go out on the screen porch in the summer until the temp goes below 50, then they come in and spike in a few weeks/months. But then there are the others that I have never had any luck with growing or getting to rebloom I had given up on them years ago.

Last fall I bought a few to give it another shot. They stayed on an East facing window sill in the winter and faired well. I did not know where to stick them this summer - I knew they needed good light but in the past I never could figure out where they like to be outside - I usually burn them to a crisp with too much sun.

This year I stuck them under a weeping Japanese Maple tree. But in front of the tree had planted two Spider Lilys that became gigantic this summer - the Orchids ended up getting tucked behind them getting very filtered sun light - it was quite shaded. Honestly, I forgot about them all summer. I had set up a mister attached to my drip irrigation system when I placed them there so they got mist every morning with the standard fertilizer I use in the irrigation system.

Yesterday I decided to repot my Phals and remembered those outside probably needed a little attention since they were neglected all summer - whoopsie. I crawled back there and grabbed them and to my surprise they thrived - quite well actually.

My Den Salaya Blue has 8 spikes on it and tripled in size over the summer. My Onc Sharry Baby doubled in size and it has 4 spikes on it and lastly, my Cat. Oconee Menden Hall X Plum Pretty Black Magic has a flower that is just opening!

I never would have thought they got enough light to bloom where they were but apparently it was perfect for them. Now I know the secret and I'm thrilled. Off to buy more...

[bellini girl]

congrats. Love it when things work out. Now all you need to do is show us of your blooms. Way to grow

[RosieC]

Congratulations. Finding the "Happy Spot" for each plant can be difficult, but once you do you are rewarded.

I know my Oncs do best in the greenhouse for the summer where they are kept moister than they would be in the house. My problem is that while I've found their summer "Happy Spot" I've not found their winter one and they generally spend most of the summer recovering from the previous winter .

[trixylarue]

Last winter they were on an East/Southest facing window sill in my bird room (I have two parrots). I also keep a humidifier in there in the winter so I am sure that contributed a little to keeping them a little more content.

[trixylarue]

Well apparently things have not gone quite as smoothly as I had thought. Many leave on Sharry Baby have turned yellow since I brought them onto my screen porch. Even worse I saw a few slugs crawling on my Cat and realized my orchid pots have become a nice hiding place for them while they were outside.

I found a recommendation on here to soak the whole pot in water for 30 minutes so that is what I did yesterday. Within 10 minutes of submerging the pot of my Cat, at least 30 slugs came crawling out. Yuck! I picked them all off. I will do it again in another week.

Any suggestions for #1 dealing with this in the future when I move them outside and #2 ensure I have rid these things of all slugs before I bring them back inside for the winter. I plan on repotting.

[RosieC]

For removing them before they come inside, I use coffee. Half strength and soak for about half an hour. Like with the plain water it makes them come crawling out, not sure if it also kills any eggs, all I remember is someone advised coffee and the best soak.

When they are outside I just try and keep them off the floor and spread commercial slug pellets arround. I found if I put them on the floor I had the worst infestation, but I still get some even off the floor, just a lot lot less.

[plumania]

trixy..., I was also tempted to put my Cattleyas on ground for warmth but then I saw couple of snails on my plants and I took them off ground. I think it is better to keep them elevated.
You did well with your plants.
I had similar but much less snail damage to one on ground . I repotted mine 2 days ago baskets because it is easier to hang them outside for some fresh air and sunshine.
I am also a newbie and learning from others and my errors .

RosieC , how do you use coffee? Just boil a certain amount in water ,cool it off and soak the plants in it ?

[cbuchman]

After summering outside, slugs are a problem for me too. Careful as I am in the fall, I find they they "hatch" as my indoor space gets a little warmer in the Spring. So, I too am interested in the coffee solution.

In the past, I've gone on slug patrol after dark and picked them by hand (I stick them in a small bowl of salt to kill them). I have also been known to put out bowls of beer to attract them (even inside). Use the cheap stuff (why waste the good stuff ) and don't let it sit too long or you get a bowl of yucky.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by plumania

RosieC , how do you use coffee? Just boil a certain amount in water ,cool it off and soak the plants in it ?

I mix the granules (should have stated instant coffee) in a tiny bit of hot water, just enough dissolve it. Then make up the volume with cold water. You could make it as normal then cool, I know some people have talked about using coffee dregs as well.

[Paul Mc]

Is it the acid that does the trick you think? I'm going to have to remember this trick!!!!