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Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 3:53
| I was given 2 orchids for my birthday 2 years ago with beautifful flowers on them, however they haven't re-bloomed since then. I don't know what types they are but have attached photos of both plants. I would appreciate any help anyone can give me. |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by babyshippy12 none (My Page) on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 3:55
| This is the 2nd plant |
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| They are Phalenopsis! Plant 1 has a couple of baby plants on a flowering stem, they are called kekis. Google Phalaenopsis cultivation and see if you can find some complete culture notes that relate to growing conditions in the United Kingdom. Later: Here are some simple notes written for Sydney, Australia where Phalaenopsis are best grown inside all year. Phalaenopsis Culture These notes relate to Phalaenopsis culture in the Sydney area. These orchids cannot be grown outside in the yard or in a shade-house because winter minimum temperatures are too low and some summer maximum temperatures are too high. These temperature problems plus low humidity mean that special housing to meet Phalaenopsis needs is required, or the plants should be grown inside your home. Culture within the home Finding the right place to put the plant. Your plant needs bright light, humidity levels of about 60% and temperatures where both you and the plant will be comfortable. That rules out one place that is often suggested, the bathroom. Another place that is not good is one of those small closed in sunrooms where dry winter air is heated and the humidity levels are too low. My plants are on the windowsill of a large airy kitchen. Winter temperatures range from 12C to 18C each day and a fibreglass blind protects the plants from all but a few hours of gentle sun in winter. Do not expose the plant to harsh direct sunlight because the leaves of the plant will burn. Early morning sun is best, but late afternoon sun is also OK provided it is screened as described above. Humidity Some people recommend spraying the plants with water every day to raise humidity. This is not necessary because the humidity level in most homes is about 60%. You may wish to place the plant on a humidity tray containing pebbles and water. This is not necessary either, but will not cause harm, provided the bottom of the pot is not sitting in water. Watering Frequency depends on the potting material and the atmosphere in the house but as a general guide once a week in winter grading to two or three times a week in summer. Potting material should be kept moist but not sopping wet. Make sure no water is left sitting in the crown of the plant for an extended period, as the plant may rot. Use a tissue to soak up excess water. Fertilizing Use complete liquid fertilizer with every third watering, but only at half the prescribed strength. Wet the foliage as well. Repotting Every two years in late spring. Use specially prepared orchid bark, not Cymbidium mix. Try not to disturb the roots too much and just replace some of the older bark. Do not be in hurry to put the plant in a larger pot, because like most orchids, the plants seem to do better in a slightly pot-bound condition. Do not worry about some roots growing outside the pot. That is a good sign. Treatment of flowering stem When the flowers are nearly finished, you can cut the stem off just below the lowest flower and the plant may produce a new flowering shoot from the node just below the cut. BUT, note that most experienced growers cut the stem off at the base so the plant will put all its energy into growing new leaves, and therefore will produce better flowers next time. Making the plant flower The plant should produce a new flowering stem in late autumn as the temperatures drop. Some growers induce flowering by watering the plant with Epsom salts (Magnesium Sulfate) once a week several times in autumn. The amount of Epsom salts required is one tablespoon full in a bucket of water. Pests and diseases Your plant should remain pest and disease free in the home environment. Fungal disease which shows up as black spots on the leaves is a symptom of over-watering. Cut back on the watering a bit and seek help from a nursery or garden centre if the problem persists. Phalaenopsis are also susceptible to mealy bugs, which are small, white, fluffy looking bugs that live on the undersides of leaves or between the leaf bracts on the central stem. Use either White Oil or Pyrethrum to remove these pests. More than one application may be required, so if you see another bug, spray again. If you use White Oil, make sure to move the plant out of direct sunlight for a few days otherwise the leaves may burn. |
This post was edited by arthurm on Thu, Nov 29, 12 at 13:52
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- Posted by helentremont 6 (My Page) on Fri, Nov 30, 12 at 16:00
| I'm new to orchids too: currently have two rescue phals in bloom. I've read that temperature, light, humidity and food are the big four factors - so evaluate what you're doing in these areas against what is recommended and then make some small changes - that's what I would try. Don't get discouraged...and if you can - join an orchid society near you that's what I did - met great people and got a lot of input and encouragement :) |
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