My sweethearts... the lepanthes alliance ;)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Note: When I said that, "it looks normal", I meant specifically that the way it's flowering looks normal to me.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by vraev

You think the better-gro orchid fert at a 1/4 package recommended strength is good for these plants? I prefer to fertilze on the weaker side as I have CPs in the tank and I dont' want to use too much fertilizer.

As long as the nitrogen is not urea based, you're good at 1/4 or even 1/8 strength. There's no need to over dilute, it'd not be quite as useful if it was any less.

[vraev]

Great. Thanks for the tips. yes..it is the no-urea version.

[phelsumatic]

Just remember I am forcing them to throw more keiki's atleast that is my theory but it does seem to be working.I love the flowers yes but I have ones for looking at the ones i utilize to get keiki's are basically cloning machines.
the flowers are not really my intention I need more leaves in order to get more keiki's. So I do in fact cut the flowers when they start to form.

I am also doing this with quadricornis,tsubotae,caloura,martineae,terborchii ,caprimulgus and a few others as well.With good results
Goodluck

[Tindomul]

Gorgeous collection!

[vraev]

thanks.

BTw...can anyone give us advice? I was examing the bark today and it looks in terrible shape. I hate the algae slime growth over my plants. But the lepanthes don't seem to mind it.

The question is...do I repot them on a fresh piece of bark or maybe better...epiweb? Is it even possible to repot mounted plants? Or better to ask....is it necessary?

Any help is appreciated. I don't want to loose these plants to rotting material.

Look at the plants below...they have grown new leaves. The moss they have is what they came them...I was worried that they might dry out..so I left the moss on the bark. Looks like a big mistake...it is growing all this slime algae. The plants are doing not bad though..as u can see. should I repot?







I am sorry...I am complete orchid newbie. I am just growing them with my highland nepenthes. I have no idea of how to know if they are happy...maybe until its too late. If I see leaves...and flowers...I am assuming generally that is good. That ophioglossa in the last pic..came with two leaves. Made 2 leaves rapidly and then stopped...now its making a flower stalk. Should I worry about this guy? is it looking ok? what about bark?

Same with teli....u can see how bad the bark looks. The plants are looking fine...but can I, should I and is needed to transplant it onto a fresh piece without soo much dead broken down sphagnum?

thanks,

Varun

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Look at the roots first, that's one sign. Then leaves. Last flowers.

Good strong roots = good strong plant.

Growing new leaves = the ability to generate enough energy to sustain itself and grow flower stalks.

The fact that it can flower doesn't say too much in terms of health, it can be 1 of 2 things:

1. It is in emergency bailout mode and it has enough energy to put out blooms to try and ensure it's survival through sexual reproduction.

2. It has enough energy to sexually reproduce when they are healthy.


I wouldn't worry about that algae.


Imo, growing Lepanthes in a pot is something I generally don't recommend (with a few exceptions, of course).

Generally speaking, the larger Lepanthes can (and probably even should) be grown potted instead of mounted. By large I'm talking about plants that are anywhere from 4" tall on up.

I think that the small ones most likely shouldn't be grown potted (root system too small, you run the risk of rotting the roots out in a pot). By small I'm referring to plants that are 1/2" - 2" tall. Imo, these would fare better mounted in the long run. While some people have been able to grow these smaller species potted, I just don't feel comfortable doing it.

The ones that may or may not be suitable for potted culture are the medium sized Lepanthes. Some will do well potted, some will not take to being potted. These are the plants that are 2" - 4" tall. Again, this is just an opinion of mine, I'm sure some people will disagree.

[vraev]

But the problem is ...I can't see any roots. They are inside the sphagnum that is now covered with black/green algae slime.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Idk, maybe use a jeweler's loupe?

I don't mount my plants with the roots underneath the moss. I mount them with the roots over the moss.

[phelsumatic]

Yeah if you can help it dont mount your lepanthes underneath the moss like phillip said.I have many lepanthes and the only ones I have ever had issues with were in fact ones that had there roots covered and smothered.There are a few exceptions but not many.
Another thing I have found out is that even with what seems to be perfect conditions sometimes they just perish damage from shipping handling etc can be a huge factor in that equation.They look stunning even bloom throw leaves etc but in the end the damage has already been done.
I think your plants are stunning and be careful with that calodictyon given the right conditions they can spread like crazy and overtake your teli.
If you dont like the black/green algae take it of with tweezers.I would only worry about it if it grows over the leaves etc otherwise it usually doesnt cause any real issues other than aesthetic.