DirtyCoconuts presents: The flora and fauna of the Coconuts Compound - Page 34 - Orchid Board

Roberta · #**331** 03-12-2021, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

Yeah I am not looking for any kind of freebie. Just confirming the id and then a source for a real japonica lol

I emailed Jim and sent a pic

Ask Andy... the website shows "unavailable" but I'd be really surprised if he didn't have some. Also Diamond Orchids (Peter T. Lin) shows availability. I'd buy from either in a heartbeat.

neophyte · #**332** 03-12-2021, 11:13 PM

Wow, do you just grow the Restrepia outdoors? It can tolerate that sort of heat?

Keysguy · #**333** 03-13-2021, 07:41 AM

DC---- sorry if I ruined your day bud. I didn't realize I was asking a loaded question.

So, now that's it's been established that plant is now technically a Phal, why shouldn't I move all my other Phals into net pots and hang them in the misters under 50% shade cloth right beside Little One?

Roberta · #**334** 03-13-2021, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keysguy

So, now that's it's been established that plant is now technically a Phal, why shouldn't I move all my other Phals into net pots and hang them in the misters under 50% shade cloth right beside Little One?

Well, actually in your climate, "traditional" Phals would actually be very happy that way. That's much closer to the way Phals grow in nature (the ancestors of even the most complex hybrid) We put them in pots to give moisture to the roots in decidedly non-tropical environments, and stake the spikes upright because we like the look. We work so hard to get conditions in the pot that are moist but not too wet, fight various rots of roots and crowns... wouldn't happen if they were growing on a tree in a suitable environment. Of course even within a genus, different species (and their hybrids) have SOME different requirements... So Little One needs quite a bit more light than the "traditional" Phals. That part would still need to be addressed.

Mr.Fakename · #**335** 03-13-2021, 10:57 AM

I strongly agree on the light part.
On Roberta's advice I put my Phal hygrochila in a very bright spot, where most other Phal would be toasted.

Looking at the leaves of your plant Keysguy, I think 50% shade already is the upper limit of a light demanding hybrid. (looking great though, nice root porn

)

Roberta · #**336** 03-13-2021, 11:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr.Fakename

I strongly agree on the light part.
On Roberta's advice I put my Phal hygrochila in a very bright spot, where most other Phal would be toasted.

The name may change due to DNA releationship... but Phal hygrochila is still more of a Vanda than a Phal.

Maybe some day the classification process will actually look at the whole plant. Then we can change tags again...

Mr.Fakename · #**337** 03-13-2021, 11:14 AM

Taxonomists can name it whatever they want, it's still a great species!
Now that you've mentioned it's scented, I'm even more eager for my seedlings to bloom!

Keysguy · #**338** 03-13-2021, 01:02 PM

OK Roberta. Now you've got me thinking here.......
I do struggle with Phals that I have in pots and I suspect it's because they are too wet all summer. I started an experiment last year by mounting a few on cedar shingles. They're doing "OK" and blooming a bit with 2x/week waterings during the drier winter months but now I'm wondering if my next step should be net pots under daily misters.
I'm planning a major overhaul of my shadehouse for the fall including new shadecloth and overhead pipes to add hanging space. Also, I want to shift my vanda area (where Little One lives) and its misting system across to south side for more consistent light getting to every row.

When I do all that, is there any reason I shouldn't try a misting area for hanging net potted Phals under say 60 or 70% shadecloth?

Am I crazy?

I've probably hijacked DC's thread enough with all this....

Roberta · #**339** 03-13-2021, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keysguy

When I do all that, is there any reason I shouldn't try a misting area for hanging net potted Phals under say 60 or 70% shadecloth?

Am I crazy?

Not crazy. I wonder if that misting system is really necessary in your humidity? They don't want to stay constantly wet.

Keysguy · #**340** 03-13-2021, 01:35 PM

We get almost constant trade winds off the ocean down here. My vanda misters run at first light and then 8 hours after (mid to late afternoon depending on when first light happens) and they are typically dry as a bone within an hour because of the wind.