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For anyone not aware, beans take up to 7 months to ripen.
Processing them takes almost as long and isn't easy to do in a household setting with just a few pods.
https://www.slideshare.net/mobile/krushnayadavdk/yadav-38091475
In case anyone is curious, I got mine from Josh's Frogs on Amazon, very fast shipping (I ordered it two days ago and it arrived this morning). It seems pretty healthy, but the root system isn't super developed, it seems like it was started from a cutting fairly recently. But I'm super enamored with it, and I'm glad I made the purchase.
I made the little moss pole myself with some sphagnum, fishing line, and a skewer.
Here they are. They are very small though, just good for babies. They had a set of 6 for cheaper on amazon but they say unavailable now.
Plawanature Set of 4 Garden Decorative Mini Bamboo Hanging Planter Basket with 4 Free Coconut Fiber Pots Diameter 3 Inch. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M30VG57/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_NV3dFbKG4JRN6
Do you use fertilizer? I've been using this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076HS3SRW/ and seeing a lot of new leaves and roots. (It may be too much for you. I use one teaspoon in water for about 10-15 orchids, 3 weeks out of 4.) I'd try a fertilizer and see. (I'm also not patient enough to wait six months between changes.) Other than that, it sounds like you're doing everything perfectly. Maybe it's just a picky orchid?
I think Andy's sent you the wrong thing by accident then. Ascocentrum+pumilim would look something like this. I think its some type of miniature Epidendrum similar to this.
I'm in Denver, Colorado. Mine is sitting in an East facing window so it gets very bright light up until about 12:00 or 1:00PM. My house thermostat is set to 62-67 in winter and 72-78 in summer.
Mine seems to love wet roots, wants to be moist all the time. If I let it dry out between watering the pseudo-bulbs start to look wrinkled. It's in a self-watering pot so I can forget about it for weeks at a time.
I use some liquid fertilizer I got on Amazon, mixed at 1/2 strength whenever I refill the water reservoir.
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01J1E5LWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Bought it in Feb (used it in a tent style greenhouse at first) is working perfectly.
All my orchids are grown under LEDs and CFLs (2700k + 3500k) for 14 hrs. a day.
I used a fairly inexpensive and common orchid fertilizer. This plant gets watered with plain water (rain or RO) twice a month with nutrients added every other watering. I use the recommended dose when the plant isn't flowering and 1/4-1/2 when it's flowering depending on how much it seems to be growing.
This orchid is grown in sphagnum moss that hasn't been changed out in over 3 years. Once these blossoms drop, I'll repot in fresh moss. In my limited experience (1.5 years) with orchids I've found that they thrive in moss if you're careful about watering and don't overly compact the media.
My grow room is kept around 65-75% humidity, night temps of ~19c and a day time of ~25c. A 10" fan keeps the air moving to prevent any mold/fungus/mildew issues.
I'll spray down the roots of my plants once a day to keep them happy and to make sure the plant has some water if I haven't accurately gauged how dry the media in the pot is or don't have enough time to water it properly.
I use this fertilizer, always 2 or 4x less concentration then it says on package every three or four months - https://www.amazon.com/Premium-fertilizer-microelements-concentrat-Substral/dp/B07C7LSY8T
Second on superthrive. Amazon has good prices on the larger bottles and it goes a long way. I use 1 mL per gallon in all of my watering and feed solutions with good success.
Likesuns LED Plant Grow Light for Indoor Plants.
Likesuns LED Plant Grow Light for Indoor Plants, 150 LED 3-Head... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B089YFWJB9/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_i_hEZLFbSKT5VKZ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I have used the "quantum" LED grow light through one winter. Full spectrum and energy efficient. A 2x2 cost around $80 now. You can put the Onc, and Phal outside the 2x2 footprint. My Cattleya type grows inside the 2x2 and about 24 inches from the light. They all seemed to do fine. A wifi switch controller and a small fan is almost a must. You may run out of space faster than you expected. I upgraded to a 3x3 within 6 weeks, fyi.
That is way cool! Much nicer than the K-style pot I designed for 3D printing when I first got my Neos.
What modeling software did you use to create it? And might I ask why you left the hole at the "bottom" filled in to be cut out instead of just making it a hole in the model itself?
Ok.
Flat roots are dead roots. Feel them with your fingers, and if they're flat and squishy, they're dead. Cut them off with clean sharp scissors.
Fat roots are live roots. It doesn't matter what color they are--tan, white, green, brown, black--if they're fat, they're alive.
Your potting mix looks okay to me.
That is a lot of roots for the tiny plastic disposable florist sleeve. My personal rule of thumb for when to repot is, if you take the orchid out of a pot and roots explode in all directions, and you'd never be able to get them all back into the pot without forcing them and breaking them. When that happens, it's time for a next-size-up container.
You can use a 1 quart plastic container, about 5" across the top. A 32 oz yogurt or cottage cheese container works nicely, with holes cut in the bottom with an exacto knife, or a similar sized flowerpot. I use a lot of these for orchids. They're in the Paint supplies aisle, by the plastic dropcloths and serious painter's masking tape.
That plastic is brittle, so use a fresh blade and take your time.
When you water an orchid in a cachepot, make sure to remove the inner pot, water it, let it drain, and then put it back in the cachepot. Never let it sit in excess water in the cachepot.
Use long curved tweezers. Like the ones for aquariums and feeding reptiles. Worked for me. Here’s the ones I bought: HTS 171C6 6.25" Curved Stainless Steel College Tweezers https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AKLJON2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_P00292JJ6XZ8AGJWXVME?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B01J1E5LWM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This is what I use to control my humidifier. The fan is on the bottom shelf, pointing upwards. It's a PC type USB fan.
I got one of those multi-tiered plant stands from Amazon and love it. A lot more sturdy then I anticipated and it is only about 10" wide. They make ones with more levels and what not. Link for the one I got below.
It’s a single bulb I purchased on Amazon
GE Grow Light Bulb, PAR38 Grow Light Bulb for Indoor Plants, Full Spectrum, 32-Watt, Balanced Lighting for Seeds and Greens https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NNT3G7J/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_PSCJS2RDWQW10J6BEQNF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
And then I just bought a pendant lamp fixture with cord and hung the light on the fixture from a hook. I can raise it or lower it as needed. This is perfect for my dresser top growing in my bedroom but if you have a larger surface area you will need more bulbs.
Have you check the root system recently? That will tell you if your watering is ok. I grow mine under lights that I bought on Amazon, but you may want a different kind depending on where you want to install them.
If you are in the US and looking for even cheaper than repotme, Amazon has a lot of options in the 5-for-$10 range if you search "orchid pots". I've bought these previously & they're fine but can be a little jagged around the edges of the holes. I bought a pack of repotme pots more recently and they're much more cleanly cut.
These ~~two~~ three Phals are way overdue. (I added the third image after I posted, so you may have to click the link to see it).
The first one is a keiki that I separated about 3 years ago. It's in a 4" diameter clear plastic pot in sphagnum (yes, the medium is that old, I know).
The second one was repotted about 4 years ago, and it's in a 6" by 6" square ceramic pot in bark mix. It's this one and it's looking very sad, I know. The lighting situation has hopefully been remedied.
The third one has been in there for about 3 years. I think it's a mini orchid? Not sure how to tell. Also it's a 4" diameter in original sphagnum.
What size pots am I looking at here? Should they both be in bark? I was thinking this mix from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Waldor-Orchids-Phalaenopsis-Cattleya-Dendrobium/dp/B01MY7BYHM/ref=sr_1_2?s=lawn-garden&rps=1&ie=UTF8&qid=1500068321&sr=1-2&keywords=orchid+potting+mix&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011
Are Growth Technology's Orchid Myst/Orchid Focus reliable potting media? I have a lone phal that needs repotting but I don't see the point in buying a 5L bag of media. UK Amazon had this single use repotting kit which is slightly pricier than a big bag but that's okay by me. It has decent reviews but I thought I'd check with the pros.
Orchid Myst Repotting Kit https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CJVVY62/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3TI.zbX5JC9FM
I got everything on Amazon.
hangers were cheap and the pots were off the store Hirts Gardens. Great shop with some really nice ceramic orchid pots in a bunch of designs, shapes sizes and colors.
Actually just ordered a few more to hopefully fill with not phal orchids.
Amazon has clear plastic orchid pots for pretty cheap, like 10 bucks for a handful of them. They also have net pots with solid outer pots, like this one: https://www.amazon.com/Controlling-Technology-Excellent-Drainage-Movement/dp/B018FI9VYY/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=orchid+pot&qid=1555377863&s=gateway&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1
Trust me, when you take that guy outta there, that pot is gonna start collapsing on itself and be all weird to try to get the orchid back into. Do yourself a favor, toss it, ha ha.
Stuff for planting orchids in is usually called medium, or media, because there is never any soil in it. They need an airy, breathable substrate. Most garden centers have Better Gro bark mix and sphagnum moss. Either is fine (or mix them together!), just adjust your watering accordingly (sphagnum moss stays damp longer). Don't get Miracle Gro orchid mix -- lots of people have reported fungal and infestation problems with it.
I saw you asked about pots. I just use the cheap plastic ones from amazon. The clear ones. You can use anything with a few holes in the bottom though. There are some nice ceramic ones with holes all over the sides but those aren’t necessary unless you like them. Something like these although these actually have some side slits too which mine don’t have. Clear is nice cause you can see the roots! 😁
Clear Plastic Pot for Orchids Assortment 3inch, 4inch, 5inch with ID your Orchids booklet https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MNI98DC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_lg23Cb4DFAR17
Go slowly and gently. Some people like to soak the pot before removing the moss, as it can help make the roots more flexible. Trim any dried out or mushy roots.
My favorite orchid potting medium is made by rePotME: click here for the amazon link. However, consider that your orchid is relatively used to the moss it was originally potted in, so may need some time to adapt. For all of my phalaenopsis rescues, I typically make sure to include a little extra new sphagnum moss in each new medium mixture to help with the adjustment.
I have mine on bamboo shelves (from amazon, they are slatted). The shelves are light and easy to move around!
These keep my nice bookshelves from getting ruined and they’re easy to move outside when it’s warm. Plus it’s not terribly expensive!
It honestly may not be enough long term. Depending on your budget, there are affordable LED growlight bulbs that can fit in most desk lamp fixtures like this --- https://www.amazon.com/GE-Lighting-93101230-Balanced-Spectrum/dp/B07NN6SVG6/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=philips+grow+light+bulb&qid=1600626140&sprefix=philips+grow&sr=8-3
It's a fun hobby, he really likes it, and the shadows that the plants cast onto the wall is quite appealing. He also used glue to help affix the wire to keep it steady.
He sprays the air plants with a water/fertilizer mix once a week (he used to dunk them in water, but he lost a lot of them to rot that way, and rot is the number one killer of air plants so be careful). He uses a powdered plant food by Grow More, https://www.amazon.com/Grow-More-5118-Tillandsia-1-25-Pound/dp/B004G1CU3O which he mixes per the instructions with distilled water. The display is in the bathroom, so that helps, with keeping them healthy and humid but not too wet. Have fun! Sometimes they put on blooms!
Edit: FYI my husband chimed in on the air plant display: he drilled holes and inserted the wire, and used gorilla glue to keep them steady, then used a clear wire to hang them (we're in a rental and didn't want to poke holes in the wallpaper, so he used some kind of thick clear plastic string he found at Lowes to hang them from the very top of the wall where the wall meets the ceiling).
I ended up getting something super close to this and I love it.
Stand with adjustable height shelves from Amazon (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09572DCRP?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share), Barrina T5 grow lights (2 per shelf) and a humidifier (https://smile.amazon.co.uk/dp/B095KGXPW5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_40P90RQPDF69MT7BPAK4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1) on a shelf next to it. I can set required humidity levels and it comes on and off as and when.
I use clear plastic trays under all my orchids to prevent tipping and dripping, while allowing light to filter through from above. Measure your shelves to see what will fit, and Look around on Amazon to find good deals. Link below is to some 9x13 clear plastic trays that are inexpensive but deep enough to prevent drips. Not sturdy enough to carry a tray of orchids in clay pots, it fine for what I use them for, I can fit 3 or 4 side by side on most of my shelves. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07L9D9WKW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Powdered concentrations sold on amazon...hate to support that website but it was the cheapest way that I know...apparently has multiple strains of beneficial bacteria too! here's the link; https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HZBGLYF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CVNR34SJEQ906BQFY70C?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You need:
- Orchiata bark chips (medium chips) - 1 bag.
- Sphaghnum moss - 1 block (dried and packaged in a block).
- MSU Orchid feed - 1 bag.
- Clear take-out container. Use pliers to hold a thick nail over a fire. Once the nail glows you can make holes in the container by pushing the nail through. Make series of holes in columns 1.5 inch apart in between columns. Don't forget rings of holes at the bottom of the container.
- Repot the orchid in your new pot.
- Watch MissOrchidGirl Youtube channel.
Supplies for 1 orchid should last you more than 2 years.
Get an orchid bark mix. I use this one: rePotme Phalaenopsis Monterey Dark Imperial Orchid Potting Mix - (Mini Bag) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HSHZGDS/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_33F0XANZCE8WZV56FK5K?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 you’ll probably also want to get a plastic orchid basket to use as the pot. It will dry out quickly and need soaking more often after you repot!
Best approach is making a small, controlled area. The rock trays are good for keeping a lil humidity at the root, which orchids really like. The more humidity, the more they can be air plants. Kinda.
Anyways, I'd recommend something like these metal rack Greenhouse covers.
Maybe get one and customize it to fit your setup. See what it's like for a couple weeks, then get a small humidifier if needed.
Orchid Food by Perfect Plants - Resealable 5oz. Bag - Slow Release Fertilizer Pellets - Suitable for All Orchid Types - Nutrients for a Healthy Phalaenopsis https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CRP4H2W/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_D610W67PP4HYA0T3E78J
Plant Grow Light, Full Spectrum Grow Light for Indoor Plants with LCD Timer, Plant Growing Lamp with Table Clip, 10 Brightness Levels, 4 Switch Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B095S1Z1D5/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_PZJ29KDQP5SHRT6NB83M?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
These are not the best quality, but they get the job done for what I need, especially for the winter months.
in the orchidboard forum that he attached above, one of the contributors recommended biosafe disease control. https://www.amazon.com/BioSafe-Disease-Control-Concentrate-Bactericide/dp/B006XTAFJS/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
tldr: the peroxyacetic acid is a much better stabilizing agent than regular hydrogen peroxide that you get from stores. this is better as it does not damage living cells on orchid roots
Sure, I have these: Kihung LED T5 Integrated Light... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086X1VYJX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
There are 4 of them above this shelf. I also have 4 of them on the shelf below, which are closer to that shelf because those are my succulents and they need more light. I love them, easy to use and setup. They are zip tied to the shelf. This set comes with so many cords and switches you can arrange it many ways. I have each shelf set on its own on/off switch. They do make different sizes if you don't need the 3ft long ones.
I never really got a clear answer when I asked about this bulb. I got told it’s enough and got told it wasn’t enough, so I’m now looking at the bulb this post is mainly about. However, I already ordered the GE grow bulb
Would this bulb work? https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NN6SVG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_5WYT3YXVYSHP0FVXAYTR?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I do have a little temperature gun but I don’t know how accurate it is, lol. I’ll consider getting more sophisticated technology, especially since I keep expanding my orchid collection.
I have my phal orchid in my bathroom counter and it’s about 4ft from a northeast facing window. I’m going to get a table lamp and a timer, but I was debating on what kind of full spectrum bulb to get. What exactly are the light requirements? I’ve read the term lux being thrown around. Would this bulb be okay?
I use the Cal/Mag it works great root diameter doubled...
It grew well, but never flowered until I got a Repti-zoo water misting system. After setting it up so the plants got a solid soaking for 2 minutes a day, it just went gangbusters.
This is some sound advice.
In my opinion, the orchid looks quite dehydrated.
I'd start by getting some orchid pots (Meshpot 4 Inch Clear Plastic Orchid Pots with Holes - 6 Pack https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07CZWFHFR/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_8GD67AX7JTQZR8SQHHYG) with lots of drainage.
The added holes will also give the roots the air they need. These flowers normally grow on trees, not in pots. So good air circulation is required.
When we water our orchids, we submerge the whole pot in water for about 10 mins (depends on season and potting medium), this way all the medium gets saturated with water, and no dry pockets.
Good luck! Happy to help if you need!
Amazon: SupremeTech hanging acrylic shelf the one I have is 28x46 3 shelf. There a few size options .
SupremeTech Hanging Acrylic Shelves for Windows (28" Wide, 3 Shelves - 46" Tall) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08R9HQ33Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_5VMMQXHTBY3JVTKQZ6CD?psc=1
Thank you much. I got one of these cheepo twisty lights. It works perfectly. Cheepo Grow Light
I vote root
In terms of pots, this looks pretty fancy , tho something simple like this would also work
Basically, you want something clear, ideally with lots of holes
I keep mine in a swirly glass cache pot, so the pot is hidden but light still gets through!
Phalaenopsis orchids are epiphytes that like a coarse medium that allows for small air pockets to exist around their roots. Soil has the potential to suffocate the roots which will eventually lead to root rot and dehydration. This Orchid mix is what I’m currently using, but you can use various mediums to suit your environment. I’m not entirely sure what those spots are though, have you tried wiping them off?
Tent I use.
I have a few USB humidifiers made for a desk (though I have no idea how they're supposed to make a difference there) that aren't available on Amazon anymore. I don't have any control system for them, they run constantly. So it's more about increased, rather than controlled humidity, as they're in the tent instead of in a window in my house in Maine, where the humidity is somewhere around 15% until summer.
LEOTER Grow Light for Indoor Plants - Upgraded Version 80 LED Lamps with Full Spectrum & Red Blue Spectrum, 3/9/12H Timer, 10 Dimmable Level, Adjustable Gooseneck,3 Switch Modes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B082YWKWGH/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_2S3NKRQW7ZXDTAGJ9SPH
LED Grow Light Strips, PGYARD Full Spectrum Grow Lights for Indoor Plants with Auto On/Off 3/9/12H Timer, 192 LEDs, 10 Dimmable Levels, Sunlike Grow Lamp for Seedling Hydroponics Succulent, 4 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TRDW88M/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_0TQ6DQ7N8FYGPCPSMZ0E?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I actually bought it in 2017 for a different plant and can’t find the exact one I bought (I tried searching for the receipt in my inbox) but I can tell you it is very similar to this:
Haus Bright LED Grow Light Bulb - for Indoor Plants Full Spectrum Lamp | Seed Starting, House, Garden, Vegetable, Succulent, Hydroponic, Greenhouse Growing | 100W E27 (Original) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H9W1TSZ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_5CJ1E4C6R7HSHSRDX3GJ
These exact ones. Great quality lights and the price is affordable.
good choice... and no reason to doubt your choice...
also like your pot liner choice...
so here is what to expect over the next 1-2 months she will be growing new roots to adapt to the new media... this will force her to find new nutrients to use... most likely she will take the nutrients from her older leaves... you will see them turn yellow ... do not cut them off give her a chance to get all the nutrients the leaf... let it fall off naturally.
it would help to add some Calcium and Magnesium Cal/Mag to your watering....
When they are on the porch I water with a hose with city water. Occasionally the rain water will blow on the orchids. I water with a can every couple of weeks using Sun Bulb fertilizer https://www.amazon.com/Sun-Bulb-8305-Fertilizer-16-Ounce/dp/B004Z8OL12/ref=mp_s_a_1_8?keywords=Sun+Bulb&qid=1643545820&sr=8-8
Do you have any mister or something inside for humidity and watering? I’ve also just discovered these really awesome devices that I think might look GREAT in there. You’d need to use distilled water though.
See here. Device
I got contacted by an Amazon seller a few years ago and they gave me several lights to try. The company was JCBritw. I was happy with all of the lights. The biggest was 45w and puts out a lot of lights. It stopped my plants from etiolating.
I looked for it on Amazon and apparently they don’t carry it anymore. This is the closest one to what I have. Apparently it’s configurable and has multiple modes, which mine does not.
This product allowed me to end a years long war with scale insects in a fairly large collection. It works with mealies too according to the directions.
Mix it with your orchid water for a month or so, wear gloves and dont drink it. 100% elimination.
Thank you! They definitely help, we have sunny dry days here so I usually turn the lights on at night and I swear there is growth every morning! Here's the link, I believe they are on sale right now.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C68N7PC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I just have it under a light like this. It's not even a grow light. It's just a daylight LED.
The orchid is potted in about a 50/50 mix of sphagnum moss and MiracleGro orchid mix. I bottom water it by soaking it in a bowl of filtered water every 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how dry the moss feels.
Thanks again!
I have been pondering that exact issue, looking at some small USB fans, trying to figure out what would be best. I do like the low air circulation plant alternative.
I recently received a Marineland 10 gallon portrait tank. It has all the mechanicals built in, but I'd want to augment its lighting. My other issue with it is that the water intake that fills the pump reservoir is half way up the tank, so I'm pondering making a half aquarium/half terrarium with it. Stacking some rocks and driftwood inside for a waterfall. Maybe having aquatic plants in the bottom under the water, and two or three orchids, if I can find some small species that would thrive in that type of environment.
Anyway, that's just one of the projects that I have in mind. I also have my eye on a cloche that I've seen some have created gorgeous little terrariums in. Another project where low air flow would have to be considered.
if you want to use both definitely mix, setting it on top does nothing. i just use a straight up bark mixed with a couple things that help wick water - no moss or anythign that stores moisture and i generally give them a soak once a week or longer depending on if they're spiking or how dry it is, pot bark and all for an hour or two (or longer if i forget but i'm trying to keep it down to an hour and change) and then let them drain fully and stick them back in their window. i use https://www.amazon.com/Miracle-Gro-Potting-currently-Northeastern-Midwestern/dp/B00GTDI73O/ in ceramic orchid pots with big holes.
the whole goal is to let them suck up the water then need but also to keep water from sitting around for very long to avoid rot. orchids normally live perched in trees kinda clinging to their branches in tropical areas, so they get drenched when it rains and then it's all gone, and they absorb moisture from the air. you want to try and get as close to that as you can with respect to your air where you live and how you work with the plant (some people love them a little too hard and are prone to over watering (this has been me in the past so i corrected with super draining planting situation), some ignore them too much and are prone to way underwatering, etc).
"Indefinite" lifespan seems to be the case with sympodial orchids- cattleyas, for example- and Kew has a few that are over a century old. (I am reminded by a rather vulgar taxonomist that they lost most of their older collection to a bad freeze decades ago, so the truly "ancient" plants in their care is a small subset of what they once had.)
Monopodials are another story. I have seen vandas that were decades old- but then again, vandas need to be quite large just to flower. I've seen them over 9' tall (!), doing just fine- certainly older than 20 years, anyway.
But the ~20 year scuttlebutt was tossed around in discussions, without too many people weighing in. In fact.... one old thread.
>Phalaenopsis are another story. They too can theoretically go on forever, but I have never seen one that looked like it was more than 30-40 years old. They put out fewer aerial roots and seldom get more than 2 feet tall at the base- and even that is very rare, so they are not as easily "topped off" like Vandas. Eventually they seem to just tire out and then you will get a terminal spike- a flower spike that comes out through the center of the plant- that produces bloom and usually some keikeis as well, even if it is not a type that normally produces keikeis. I am not sure when this happens in the wild, but here in very hot Houston, I have been told by long time growers that the stress of heat in unairconditioned greenhouses usually limits their life span to 10-20 years.
Good luck!
Get a 32 oz yogurt or cottage cheese container and slice some holes in the bottom with an exacto knife.
I use a lot of these, holes cut, ditto, because I don't eat cottage cheese or yogurt. They're in the Paint Mixing and Supplies aisle.
Would having its own grow light in my office be overkill? I got these for Christmas to use on shelves… no real sunlight in the room.
I got it on Amazon. I put holes on the top for more air flow. Clear orchid pots
I've started lining my baskets with coco coir on the outside, so I can use whatever size of bark/moss/perlite I want, without the media falling out. And it doesn't get green with algae like moss does. Amazon has grow mats for sprouts pretty cheap. I'd assume local health food stores would as well.
I have several types. Those on the bottom of the shelf are from LED Grow Light for Indoor Plant, Fauna Auto ON/Off Timer Full Spectrum Plant Lights 3/6/12H Timing 5 Dimmable Levels for House Garden Hydroponics Succulent Growing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081F6YSH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y5WAESFKFATA7SQ789Y0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Plant lights. I have several types. Those that are attached at the bottom of the shelf are from LED Grow Light for Indoor Plant, Fauna Auto ON/Off Timer Full Spectrum Plant Lights 3/6/12H Timing 5 Dimmable Levels for House Garden Hydroponics Succulent Growing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081F6YSH4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Y5WAESFKFATA7SQ789Y0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I got mine off amazon. Good selection of sizes and they have the right amount of holes. Lots of options but I might get these: orchid pots - the only thing I’ve found with plastic inserts with lots of drainage holes, roots will eventually grow through the holes, but then I just cut the plastic pots from around the roots.
Hey! I have a fabrikor and I personally think the pegboard is a bad solution for mounting orchids. It’s hard to find a plastic peg board, and without sealing I don’t foresee good longevity.
To build my mounting areas I got the risers they use for glass (example and mounted spray painted egg crate to those. It’s plastic and is easy to swap out if you ever damage it or want to change the colour.
The most cost-effective I’ve found is plant shade mesh or you can use tulle fabric Tulle looks better imo but it isn’t as sturdy
You want to get it into some potting media and into a container that drains well. Many of us on the orchid forum recommend orchid bark. Some people pot orchids in sphagnum moss, but it holds extra moisture and makes over-watering a greater risk. Plant the orchid into a pot with excellent drainage holes, like one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y8KQJJW/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_fabc_B01E7X8WHT8XZS0D2Y3G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1. You can then set the plastic container into a more decorative pot. When you water, take the plastic pot out, let the water run through the plant, and allow it to drip dry before replacing in a decorative container.
I expect that the reporting process may cause the plants flowers to fade and drop faster than they otherwise may have. That’s ok; it won’t hurt the plant. It will just take a few months before it flowers again.
These pink drops I put in a spray bottle and fill with water then give my orchid a good dousing. But I’m no expert. But they seem happy.
Orchid Food. 6 Drops 5-6-7 with Micronutrients Care Plan for 12 Months https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q0LGAM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_B0JHYDKPM4WWVNY4T6C5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You may try getting a growlight to supplement the light it's been getting may not be enough. Gettimg a low growlight was a game changer for me and I now get consistent spikes from my phal even without the temp change.
GE Lighting Grow Light BR30 LED Light Bulb for Indoor Plants, Balanced Spectrum, 9-Watts, 1 Count (Pack of 1) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NN6SVG6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_6ZWFAQ9E2GA2TF9YYE7H
Or if you have shelving these work great as well: LED Grow Light Strips for Plants,Cholas 36W 132 LEDs Auto ON & Off Function,3/6/12H Timer 5 Dimmable Levels and 3 Switch Modes for Indoor Plants Gardening Greenhouse 3 Pack (Full Sepectrum Light) (L) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8H9HJB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_VSZXF1625YP7V2D33ZN0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hey, so I got these from Carmela's Orchids in Hawaii. I got two of their special deal packs where shipping was free then emailed them requesting some additional plugs (paid of course). By emailing them i didn't have to pay for shipping because they just put the two orders together.
Ah, the living wall- The panel is felt so if you put soil directly in it make sure there is an extra plastic liner behind it. See link below. I purchased 3 off Amazon. The hooks came with them. I got the curtain rod for free. I would size how many hooks/diameter of rod/material based on how much weight you are putting in the panel. The orchids are extremely lightweight so I think the curtain rod will be just fine. I put the pots directly in the the panel- every other pocket because of their height. I figured that would make them easy to take out and water/replace. It fits about two 3"-4" pots per pocket.
The 65+ plugs not pictured I plan to mount on some tree branch. I like the look of birch but don't think it would be a good type of tree to mount to because the bark peels off.
I was actually planning to use this in my kitchen for herbs ect. But when I unpacked all the orchids last night my cat decided they would be great to eat. Soooo the living wall middle panel was already up. Then I put up the other two panels last night.
I found some on Amazon that weren't too expensive:
https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0814L4XPL/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o06_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 (they were on sale when I got them but you can find many similar ones for various price points)
https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08M6KYVTD/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_XTDZV4MA64SR8GZP6NYM
Orchids love this shit.
I dilute it in my regular spray fert. My roots go absolutely nutty.
I bought a beautiful orchid that had 2 spikes, both with 3 branches on them, cut them when they finished blooming and it re spiked as soon as I started using kelp.
Always remove them with full strength 91% alcohol. Soak the cotton rounds. Then smash the bugs and throw into a plastic grocery bag. Toss in outside garbage can. Then change the soil!!!!! They lay eggs and the life cycle starts all over again in hiding. I bet if you dump the soil you’ll find tons of these on your roots and within the soil all over. Then inspect closely and remove anything every single day for 5-10 days with a Q-top! Be diligent or they will come back. THEN You need to treat/pretreat for sapsucking pests like these with Bonide systemic granules. It is the ONLY thing that will help prevent them from coming back. You sprinkle it in the new soil, water it and forget it about it. Repeat in a few weeks. After that first treatment you shouldn’t see them again or ever! But you must keep treating systemically every 6 weeks after that. Here is a link to the best deal on Amazon and where I buy mine. If you do what I say I swear they’ll never come back. But change your soil medium where they lay the eggs!!! That’s why they keep coming back! u/PushyTom
Bonide (BND95349) - Insect Control Systemic Granules, 0.22% Imidacloprid Insecticide (4 lb.) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000BWZ9U8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_E5B7KMS8RVA3WV94DPW3
Giixer 600W LED Grow Light, Dual Switch & Dual Chips Full Spectrum Plant Light for Hydroponic Indoor Plants Veg and Flower- (10W LEDs 60Pcs) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07KG2V3V3/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_E8RBERZ6JKDER3QJG00H?psc=1SANSI Grow Light Bulb with COC Technology, PPF 65.6 umol/s LED Full Spectrum, 36W Grow Lamp (400 Watt Equivalent) with Optical Lens for High PPFD, Energy Saving Plant Lights for Seeding and Growing https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07BRKG7X1/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_HJ0FGT6Y557RBZQ2GED1?psc=1
Something like these two would be a lot more bang for your buck and allow you to grow many more orchids under a single light and allow for high light orchids like Catts or Dens.
The above one is unfortunately quite underpowered as are a lot of "entry level" grow lights. You need more power than that.
Both of those lights could easily light a whole table top.
Thanks! I’m pretty methodical with my watering because it keeps me from drowning everything like I used to. This green gal has been getting watered weekly; 3-4oz a week during the summer, now cutting back to 2-3oz for the winter. Once a month she’s watered with orchid fertilizer Better Gro orchid fertilizer and the other waterings i use rain water (when I have it) or filtered tap water.
If you find an "official" timing I'd love to know, but for Dens I've had good luck replating when they're in the hockeystick phase. There's probably a real name, but I've found that by roots they're getting crowded, but the first shoots/leaves come out SO fast (relatively) that when I tried that, it was too much messing with them and they didn't seem to appreciate it. So when they're in that cute/awkward stage of looking like lower-case L's without real roots yet but have two leaves. Something [like in between panel I and H in this figure](https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/In-Vitro-Propagation-of-Dendrobium-chrysotoxum-(-.-Kaur-Bhutani/757f9d936cabec6bf0dc4d348261e7114e626672/figure/2). I have some Dens right now actually that need replating soon so I can take some pictures to show when I'm back at the lab.
I got these lights in white. They do offer smaller bundles if you don’t need 8 of them. And I recommend checking the prices often as I got mine for $50.99 and looks like it’s $64.99 now.
It’s going to be much easier than you think! I have saved several orchids from this condition and have gotten them back to tip top shape and reblooming!
The old media was actually very good. Out in the wild, orchids attach themselves to tree bark. Orchid media is often made with a mix of tree bark, porous rocks, and maybe some moss.
It’s a valiant effort repotting it, but I don’t see your setup working too well… river rocks aren’t that great at allowing the orchids to latch onto as well as retaining moisture. Lava rock, on the other hand, is great. But personally, I believe orchid mixes of bark, rock, and moss is better.
You never want standing water with orchids and ventilation is key. You can pot them in pots like these directly, or in plastic pots like these so you can put them in any decorative pot of your choice. To retain moisture in the media, I keep my sphagnum moss separate from the rest of my mix and place them on top of the media, around the base of the orchid. This also encourages the growth of aerial roots, which, especially at the stage of your orchid, would be the key to guaranteed survival.
I water my orchids by soaking them in a tub of water or in many cases, if I have a slotted plastic pot in a decorative pot, I just fill the decorative pot completely with water. I let it sit for at least 20 mins to let all the media soak in all the water it can. I don’t water until the media looks quite dry.
Good luck! Orchids are so fun to rehab! Please reach out if you have any more questions!
I have Hydrofarm designer light fixture 4 feet-4 tubes with T5 HO fluorescent lights. This one here: https://www.amazon.ca/Hydrofarm-FLP44-4-Feet-4-Tube-Designer/dp/B007FGE6C0/ . I bought it over 9 years ago and it never gave me any problems and still works fine after almost a decade. I can successfully grow and bloom all kinds of orchids and hoyas under this fixture.
I am not sure if it is the most efficient setup, but it works and I decided to use it until it dies. Then I might look into LEDs.
It could. You can put another stake to support where its branching out. These can help as well. HiGift 5 Pack 18 inch Plant Support Stakes, Garden Single Stem Support Stake Amaryllis Plant Cage Support Rings with 10 pcs Plant Clips for Tomatoes Orchid Lily Peony Rose Flower Stem, 45 cm Long https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07X2HVMZR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_WNQ5DYZ3FX99JW0MVHHB
i mainly just want to know if its actually going to do anything if i coat the sides of the mesh cage in tin foil honestly
Thank you for the comment, I didn't know that the lava rock becomes mud. Instead of it would work this https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Expanded-Clay-Pebbles-Media/dp/B00GN9A6LK/ref=sr\_1\_3?crid=1OXIM14MBPSSO&dchild=1&keywords=hydroponic+clay+pebbles+growing+media&qid=1634511381&sr=8-3
I was just watching a video the other day from Miss Orchid Girl where she had reviewed these after a year and was very happy with them. I have them in my cart but haven't ordered yet - waiting to find the right shelf.
I use the jewel orchid/bromeliad mix from rePotme, with a layer of sphagnum and seedling orchid mix from Waldor orchids.
I never used grow lights before because I didnt like how they looked. Now they have the natural looking LEDs that really makes a difference in faster bud and leaf growth. I wish I had started sooner! I got these from Amazon. They have the sticky side you just stick up on the underside of the shelf and have varying light strengths and timer: LED Grow Light Strips for... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8H9HJB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
After getting the eye from my SO after clogging both the kitchen and bathroom sinks, I stared using flour sifters like these this for the orchids I "pour through" water: Stainless Steel Professional Round Flour Sieve Set (3 Pack)
I tried a colander with cheese cloth and a mesh strainer, but the larger sifters are easier and less mess IMO.
Does anyone know if phals can grow adequately under blurple lights? I picked up a beautiful little Sogo x Yenlin "Coffee" variegata about 3 weeks ago and have had to put it under blurple lights since then as I'm waiting for more parts to come back in stock for my new greenhouse.
On Amazon, on the recommendation of MissOrchidGirl from YouTube:
8 Pcs White Self Watering Planter,Plastic Flower Plant Pot with Inner Pot,4 Inch African Violet Pots for Home Decoration,Herbs,All House Plants,Succulents https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08SQF72K4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_9J8680FE7A502APYGJW9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I add wicks made of microfiber cloth since these pots don't come with any.
lets say you have a gallon of water start with 20 pieces of Epsom salt (Magnesium) and 20 pieces of Garden lime (Calcium) if you want to do the liquid then Cal/Mag a quart is a life time supply
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I have 2 sizes and fill them w time release fertilizer I get from or hid greenhouses or shows. Right now I have the formula Plantío la Orquídea in Sarasota FL uses. They are a p.i.a. to set up, 30% won't snap shut, once they are filled they last 6 mo in daily irrigation & FL heat.