Orchids Anyone?

[The Comedian]

Raising orchids has been a hobby of mine for some time. I don't have a greenhouse (someday!), but in my house have several species of cattleya:

http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/cattleya-orchid-1.jpg

and lady-slipper:

http://crosspollination.files.wordpress.com/2007/08/ladyslipper.jpg

In addition to several other species.

Also, I frequently walk the bogs and woodlands in around my home for wild orchids as well. I photograph and observe, but don't pick or plunder.

Anyway, I'm wondering, does any other Litnetter share this hobby? Or general gardening? Do you have any tips or suggestions for raising orchids indoors?

Or, how about this: Depictions or orchids in literature? I know that Portrait of Dorian Gray has several.

[papayahed]

Doh!! I have never been able to grow an orchid. Every time I'm at the nursery I think about trying again but they're so darn expensive.

I'm in an apartment so my gardening is limited to a few houseplants and a few containers. Currently my favorites are my 3+ foot Madagascar Palm, a small Saguaro cactus that is in need of replanting, and a small mango tree plant that I've grown from seed.

[The Comedian]

Doh!! I have never been able to grow an orchid. Every time I'm at the nursery I think about trying again but they're so darn expensive.

How do you water it? Most orchids die, in my experience, to incorrect watering. Most orchids prefer to be thoroughly drenched -- put under a sink and soaked until the water pours out the bottom of the pot. Once the water pours out (say for a minute), return the orchid to its place. Do this twice a week.


I'm in an apartment so my gardening is limited to a few houseplants and a few containers. Currently my favorites are my 3+ foot Madagascar Palm, a small Saguaro cactus that is in need of replanting, and a small mango tree plant that I've grown from seed.

That is an impressive collection of house plants. Have you ever gotten your Saguaro to bloom?

[soundofmusic]

Raising orchids has been a hobby of mine for some time. I don't have a greenhouse (someday!), but in my house have several species of cattleya

You never cease to amaze me, Comedian. I eventually plan to do my entire front yard into one of those sprawling, looks like it is totally natural; but is trimmed everyday English Gardens. Several years ago, I did very well with a variety of roses. My yard is very acidic because of the malaleuca trees that surround it. The seasons have changed a bit here, and it has been so hot, I haven't felt like tending to it. I still have two night-blooming jasmines that stay bright green all year and several hibiscuses. I have a neighbor who grows a number of orchids outside, he puts them in pots and trains them around other trees.

[Lokasenna]

Ooh, lovely!

I am a keen gardener myself, although I'm somewhat limited by the fact that I require plants that can live with very alkaline, poor quality soil, strong winds, salty air and constant direct sunlight... not much choice for my garden, alas... certainly not orchids either...

[soundofmusic]

Ooh, lovely!

I am a keen gardener myself, although I'm somewhat limited by the fact that I require plants that can live with very alkaline, poor quality soil, strong winds, salty air and constant direct sunlight... not much choice for my garden, alas... certainly not orchids either...

You can change your soil, to some degree, by using certain additives and planting larger sturdier bushes that break the winds and shield the sunlight.

[The Comedian]

I eventually plan to do my entire front yard into one of those sprawling, looks like it is totally natural; but is trimmed everyday English Gardens. Several years ago, I did very well with a variety of roses. My yard is very acidic because of the malaleuca trees that surround it. The seasons have changed a bit here, and it has been so hot, I haven't felt like tending to it. I still have two night-blooming jasmines that stay bright green all year and several hibiscuses. I have a neighbor who grows a number of orchids outside, he puts them in pots and trains them around other trees.

This sounds lovely soundofmusic! I envy that you have a climate where in you could have orchids growing outside. I've never seen night-blooming jasmines before, but I can imagine the fragrance they produce.

I live a much, much, much, much colder climate, so my orchids are essentially house plants. But there are many species that can do will indoors -- those the prefer the constant, indirect light of a southerly window thrive.

[papayahed]

How do you water it? Most orchids die, in my experience, to incorrect watering. Most orchids prefer to be thoroughly drenched -- put under a sink and soaked until the water pours out the bottom of the pot. Once the water pours out (say for a minute), return the orchid to its place. Do this twice a week.



Ok, yeah watering was an issue. I don't think I watered nearly enough. Matbe I will try again.


That is an impressive collection of house plants. Have you ever gotten your Saguaro to bloom?

Nope, not yet. A few years ago I a lot more house plants, I even had a few plants from seeds (seedman.com) but when I moved I gave most of them away except the ones I mentioned above.

[Haunted]

I love orchids but they don't love me. *sigh*. But they do have more longevity than a bouquet of roses....

Ever read the Deadly Slipper?

[soundofmusic]

This sounds lovely soundofmusic! I envy that you have a climate where in you could have orchids growing outside. I've never seen night-blooming jasmines before, but I can imagine the fragrance they produce.

I live a much, much, much, much colder climate, so my orchids are essentially house plants. But there are many species that can do will indoors -- those the prefer the constant, indirect light of a southerly window thrive.

I'll tell you Comedian, I could use alittle of that cool air; we are constantly in the upper 80 and 90s farenheit in south florida. It really was wonderful when I had the jasmines, a gardenia and several roses all blooming at once. The jasmine are have dark green waxy leaves and little white-yellowish flowers that open fully at night. Because of the heat and funguses in the South, we are constantly battleing for the lives of our plants. The gardenia was lush for a year; but got some black fungus on the leaves that I just couldn't clear up. We have the best flowers here when we have a few nights of 40 degrees followed by full sun.


Doh!! I have never been able to grow an orchid. Every time I'm at the nursery I think about trying again but they're so darn expensive.

I'm in an apartment so my gardening is limited to a few houseplants and a few containers. Currently my favorites are my 3+ foot Madagascar Palm, a small Saguaro cactus that is in need of replanting, and a small mango tree plant that I've grown from seed.

How did you grow the mango from seed. I like the Hayden mangos; but they are almost wiped out in this area. I have tried repeatedly to dry out a seed for planting; and once I put the outer husk in water, It just turns black.:smash:

[kasie]

I was given a tip by an old professional gardener, years ago - water three times. Take the pot to a place where it can drain - the draining board, on the slabs in the yard - water it carefully and let it drain; water it again and let it drain; water it again and let it drain; replace it and never let the pot stand in water. I've found it works for most plants, even finicky orchids.

My late husband promised me 'Flowers every day of my life' - now who wouldn't fall for a line like that? :) And he delivered! But what I didn't realise was that the crafty old wotsit had orchids in mind - once they flower, they go on....and on....and on.... He was the grandson of a market gardener, so I think growing things was in the blood and the more challenging the plant, the more he loved it. My most successful Christmas gift to him was a book called The Gardener's Guide to Rare, Exotic and Difficult Plants by Raymond Foster - he worked his way through it with great success, his only failure being strelitzias, despite many attempts. (I shed a little tear when I saw bank upon bank of them in Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden on my trip to Cape Town last year and wished he could have been by my side.) We had a heated conservatory in our last house but only a cold greenhouse here, so the orchid collection gradually dwindled: I have only Cymbidium 'Jade' left now which may or may not flower this year as it was split two years ago and is just getting back into its stride, and a Kingianum (Australian) which is staggering a bit having been drastically split. But I have a phaleonopsis (un-named) and a cymbidium (also anonymous) on my kitchen window-sill - east facing so no direct hot sun but lots of light, over the sink with lots of steam rising, the ideal spot: they love it and reward me with repeat blooming, the cym has two new stems full of bud which I hope will break open in time for my Christmas visitors.

Orchids in UK have gone from being prohibitively expensive to ridiculously cheap, two or three pounds a pot, so more people are growing them but not so many know how to keep them going. I suspect many poor plants are treated as disposable-after-flowering types. I find I'm classed as something of an 'orchid expert' (I wish!) because of inheriting my husband's know-how and am frequently 'consulted' (if only they knew!) but pass on his technique: full light but out of the sun, keep away from radiators, steam or mist spray, water infrequently (try the three waterings trick) and don't touch the flowers (or you pollinate them and they drop off).

[1n50mn14]

I have always wanted to attempt orchids, as I find them absolutely gorgeous and fascinating, but given my gardening skill, it would be a failed mission from the get-go. On the plus side, my spearmint is flourishing in this cold, and my garden is all composted and ready to go for spring :D. One of the many benefits of working at a horse barn is being able to dig up the nice, composted poo- for free! Suckers... ;)

[Helga]

I have an orchid but I didn't grow it myself. but they are my favourite flowers, so many beautiful colours and shapes.... I wish I had green fingers but I don't.... I did manage to grow an Avocado tree, and I love it. I have a November cactus, a lucky bamboo, Yucca, aloe vera plant and some spices if that counts, and I did grow them myself. I had a tomato tree I planted and next spring I'm gonna try a paprika tree, but my main focus is on my yard, I want many blossoming bushes... I hope I can do something about that next summer.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Ah Comedian our friend of nature, very nice photos. Alas, I am not a gardener, little time or skill, though I do like to keep the grass cut and the edges trim - I have a push mower and highly recommend it! However it is something that I feel I would like to get into in the future. I have a particular fancy to growing some fruit and veg, but I would need to move house for that to happen - again maybe later in life.

Other than that, often the thought of retreating to a monastery* hoeing beans and brewing beer appeals to me greatly. Would you not come and break in the day’s beer with me Brother Comedian?

*I am not at all religious but that’s not the point.

[prendrelemick]

our window sill is known as death row in the plant world.

[Niamh]

orchids are beautiful!

[soundofmusic]

My late husband promised me 'Flowers every day of my life' - now who wouldn't fall for a line like that? :) And he delivered! But what I didn't realise was that the crafty old wotsit had orchids in mind - once they flower, they go on....and on....and on.... He was the grandson of a market gardener, so I think growing things was in the blood and the more challenging the plant, the more he loved it. My most successful Christmas gift to him was a book called The Gardener's Guide to Rare, Exotic and Difficult Plants by Raymond Foster - he worked his way through it with great success, his only failure being strelitzias, despite many attempts. (I shed a little tear when I saw bank upon bank of them in Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden on my trip to Cape Town last year and wished he could have been by my side.) We had a heated conservatory in our last house but only a cold greenhouse here, so the orchid collection gradually dwindled: I have only Cymbidium 'Jade' left now which may or may not flower this year as it was split two years ago and is just getting back into its stride, and a Kingianum (Australian) which is staggering a bit having been drastically split. But I have a phaleonopsis (un-named) and a cymbidium (also anonymous) on my kitchen window-sill - east facing so no direct hot sun but lots of light, over the sink with lots of steam rising, the ideal spot: they love it and reward me with repeat blooming, the cym has two new stems full of bud which I hope will break open in time for my Christmas visit.

What a lovely romantic story, Kasie. Your husband certainly knew how to keep his lady happy. My husband only bought me flowers once, one single long-stemmed yellow/apricot rose. I later began growing roses and always had one such plant; I had forgotten why until now. :bawling:

[The Comedian]

though I do like to keep the grass cut and the edges trim - I have a push mower and highly recommend it!

Brother Neely -- its is often said that a man who knows not how to keep the grass cut and edges trim is no man at all. Carry on!


Other than that, often the thought of retreating to a monastery hoeing beans and brewing beer appeals to me greatly. Would you not come and break in the day’s beer with me Brother Comedian?

More noble ideas have seldom been writ here on this sacred forum. Gladly!

Cheers!

http://blog.oregonlive.com/thebeerhere/2007/10/large_orval.jpg

[papayahed]

How did you grow the mango from seed. I like the Hayden mangos; but they are almost wiped out in this area. I have tried repeatedly to dry out a seed for planting; and once I put the outer husk in water, It just turns black.:smash:

I took the seed out of the outer husk and stuck it in some dirt with the "hump" side up and watered every once in a while. Finally last summer I got it to grow. I've been trying for forever, I think this time I got it to take because of the weather. This was the first time I tried to grow a mango in Louisiana (cooler climates the other tries) and I think the summer heat and direct sunlight did the trick.



My Madagascar Palm and Saguaro:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5421/img0376om.jpg



My Jade Plant and Mango:

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9382/img0510f.jpg

[soundofmusic]

I took the seed out of the outer husk and stuck it in some dirt with the "hump" side up and watered every once in a while. Finally last summer I got it to grow. I've been trying for forever, I think this time I got it to take because of the weather. This was the first time I tried to grow a mango in Louisiana (cooler climates the other tries) and I think the summer heat and direct sunlight did the trick.

Thank you, papayahed, I'll try that. I always left the outer husk on. Louisiana is wonderful though, they have lovely azaleas there!

[QUOTE=BeccaT;805387]I have always wanted to attempt orchids, as I find them absolutely gorgeous and fascinating, but given my gardening skill, it would be a failed mission from the get-go. On the plus side, my spearmint is flourishing in this cold, and my garden is all composted and ready to go for spring :D. One of the many benefits of working at a horse barn is being able to dig up the nice, composted poo- for free! Suckers... ;)

I'm confused about the natural manure; I though it had to be processed to avoid contaminating your plants with bacteria


Brother Neely -- its is often said that a man who knows not how to keep the grass cut and edges trim is no man at all. Carry on!

Shame on you, Neely, ;) trying to get Comedian to start with the Belgium brew in the middle of the day; and to a monestary no less. Don't you know celibate men don't grow flowers, man!
No matter, stay with us and we shall discuss the problems with manual mowers. Now, I cannot get the nice even cut in my yard with my manual that a good gas mower gives. Do you? I have had to resort to a rechargable electric mower, though; I can't do the maintenace and can't pull the cord on a gas (though now they have the start button type):)

[Virgil]

Very nice Comedian. I enjoy gardening myself, but I've never tried orchids. How cool. I wanted a greenhouse myself one day, but I can't say i'm that committed. I prefer just growing tomatoes and peppers. I can eat those. ;)

[LitNetIsGreat]

Brother Neely -- its is often said that a man who knows not how to keep the grass cut and edges trim is no man at all. Carry on!

Yes absolutely, a neat lawn is a neat mind.


More noble ideas have seldom been writ here on this sacred forum. Gladly!

Cheers!

Your choice of brew and wisdom is most admirable. Let us break in the bread and beer of the day!


Shame on you, Neely, trying to get Comedian to start with the Belgium brew in the middle of the day; and to a monastery no less. Don't you know celibate men don't grow flowers, man!
No matter, stay with us and we shall discuss the problems with manual mowers. Now, I cannot get the nice even cut in my yard with my manual that a good gas mower gives. Do you? I have had to resort to a rechargable electric mower, though; I can't do the maintenace and can't pull the cord on a gas (though now they have the start button type)

Nonsense! Nothing is more noble than the first beer and bread of the day, it is a highly intellectual pursuit :p...and who said anything about celibacy? I'm going to start my very own order!

On the mower I can honestly say that I have never used a better mower, and as my dad was a gardener, I have used a few different types over the years (he used to throw me a few beers for a bit of help). Honestly, the push mower I have is just so damn good and inexpensive too.

When my horrible old electric plastic thing died at the start of last year I vowed to go back to push power. It gives a far superior natural cut to my small bit of grass as opposed to those horrid buzzing or chugging electric or petrol mowers. It is also much more easy and efficient than all those thrown in and I highly recommend them. Besides it is just so much more satisfying to hear the gentle hum of the blades as they roll along the grass, it is very meditative - maybe you just need to sharpen the blades or you have a dud mower?

Push mowers are available via my website on my home page - (just joking).

[Niamh]

I'm confused about the natural manure; I though it had to be processed to avoid contaminating your plants with bacteria


Natural manure is great for plants. my aunt would use it all the time in her old garden and she had some fantastic plants!

[Virgil]

I'm confused about the natural manure; I though it had to be processed to avoid contaminating your plants with bacteria
What do you mean by natural manure? Horse sh*t? :D No I think as long as it's crap from plant eating animals it's fine to use as is.

[The Comedian]

No I think as long as it's crap from plant eating animals it's fine to use as is.

Virgil is quite right here -- though most "manure" that you can buy at home and gardening stores is "composted" which means that most of the smell has been removed and the crap has started the transition into soil.

Of course, manure is never used for orchids -- some don't even need dirt. I have tied the roots of some orchids to a piece of driftwood (for the aesthetic) with fishing line. In time the roots cling to the wood. More constant watering is needed, but no soil of any kind is required. I'll have to post some pictures sometime. Oh, I also drill a hole in the wood and insert a metal hook so that they can hang. Of course, to have this type of orchid, a green house is idea because you can simply douse the thing with a hose and not worry about spilling on the floor.

[papayahed]

Of course, manure is never used for orchids -- some don't even need dirt. I have tied the roots of some orchids to a piece of driftwood (for the aesthetic) with fishing line. In time the roots cling to the wood. More constant watering is needed, but no soil of any kind is required. I'll have to post some pictures sometime. Oh, I also drill a hole in the wood and insert a metal hook so that they can hang. Of course, to have this type of orchid, a green house is idea because you can simply douse the thing with a hose and not worry about spilling on the floor.


The orchids I've seen in the stores are always rooted in something, is that spansih moss??

[The Comedian]

The orchids I've seen in the stores are always rooted in something, is that spansih moss??

Your eyes don't deceive you. Most of the orchids you see in gardening stores are lady slippers, phalaenopsis, maybe a cattleya or a dendrobium. All of these require some sort of potting material. But, as with nearly all orchids, the potting material is not "dirt." It's mostly chips of bark, charcoal, and spanish moss. Orchid roots generally (as with most things there are many exceptions) prefer exposure to the air. Phalaenopsis, the most common and successful they of household orchid, will often sent out roots that look like they're "crawling out of the pot".

[soundofmusic]

Nonsense! Nothing is more noble than the first beer and bread of the day, it is a highly intellectual pursuit :p...and who said anything about celibacy? I'm going to start my very own order!

On the mower I can honestly say that I have never used a better mower,- maybe you just need to sharpen the blades or you have a dud mower?



Well this new order of monks sounds promising; though with beer, who needs sex? In your culture, what time is it appropriate to start drinking; here, we are not supposed to have our first drink until mid-day meal.

Perhaps my difficulty is that I have grass and ground cover together (not by my own will). My St Augustine grass burns during the summer and we have water restrictions.

How do you sharpen those turning blades on a manual mower?

How long, have you found, your gas or electric mowers last; mine die after 2 years?


Natural manure is great for plants. my aunt would use it all the time in her old garden and she had some fantastic plants!

I had always heard that there was animal bacteria in cow or horse manure; which is why they suggested processing it first. Of course, it is so warm here that bacteria can grow very quickly. Perhaps they were more concerned with plants that were to become food.


What do you mean by natural manure? Horse sh*t? :D No I think as long as it's crap from plant eating animals it's fine to use as is.
;) Exactly, The cats and dogs like to use my plants as a litter box; I don't think it is good for them?


Virgil is quite right here -- though most "manure" that you can buy at home and gardening stores is "composted" which means that most of the smell has been removed and the crap has started the transition into soil. .

Thank you, Comedian, I wasn't quite sure of the process.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well this new order of monks sounds promising; though with beer, who needs sex? In your culture, what time is it appropriate to start drinking; here, we are not supposed to have our first drink until mid-day meal.

Perhaps my difficulty is that I have grass and ground cover together (not by my own will). My St Augustine grass burns during the summer and we have water restrictions.

How do you sharpen those turning blades on a manual mower?

How long, have you found, your gas or electric mowers last; mine die after 2 years?

True beer is one of my greatest loves. I regularly tell my wife how much I love beer. In my culture what time do I drink beer? I have my own culture, which starts beer drinking around 1.00pm, the truly civilized man doesn't drink before 12pm unless it is a one-off session where 11pm is acceptable.

Moving on to lawn mowers: I have not sharpened my blades yet as I have not needed to, but I suspect that every couple of years a good oiling and whetting with a sharpening stone will do the trick. Yes, two years is about the lifespan of most electrical products hence the need to ditch as much as you can get away with and instead use 'good ole' traditional products.

Edit: of course that work thing gets in the way of my beer mission so on most days beer drinking doesn't start while 8/9pm.

[kasie]

[QUOTE=The Comedian;805579]Brother Neely -- its is often said that a man who knows not how to keep the grass cut and edges trim is no man at all. Carry on! .........[QUOTE]

When you think about it, there is something totally illogical about a lawn - what plant other than a limited number of grass species do we encourage to grow, feed, keep weed-free, even water at times - then cut it back the moment it starts to respond to our TLC? :smash: Think of the time, effort, money spent in producing that green sward: how much more rewarding to spend the time in producing something on which to feast the eye (flowers) or fill the plate (vegs).

By which you will gather that I am not a lawn person - green deserts, mono-cultures, imo. I know the arguments in their favour, they set off the rest of the plants, soothe the eye, etc, etc but it seems to me that they are so often an end in themselves and the time/effort/money could be used so much more productively. I see a pristine lawn , the same horrid suspicion creeps into my mind as when I see a perfectly clean and tidy house, 'control freak, nobody lives here'.

Right - that's my stirring done for the day....:D Do I have a lawn? No, I have a field, it's rough-cut with a sit-on mower every few weeks, weather permitting and I don't agonise if the weather doesn't permit, as it frequently doesn't in these parts: I just enjoy the lushness.

[LitNetIsGreat]

Well yes a field is better than a lawn, I would like a few chickens myself, that would be really good. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a control freak, and I never said "lawn" I said "grass" there is a difference, though I can't see your problems with grass - we need something to lay on in summer!

[kasie]

True, Neely, though you wouldn't be wanting to lie on my grass, it's the sharp, stick-in-you kind, it was formerly used to feed cattle, so it's probably nourishing but it has grass snakes and slow worms and moles in it. I have nothing against grass on the whole except it's such a waste of space that could be all sorts of other colours - and round here it is predominantly green - it's the men and their machines I have a problem with. For many years of our visitors it was the men who went misty-eyed over the sit-on mower and industrial strength strimmer which I can hardly lift, let alone wield, and who agitated until they were allowed to 'have a go', the women just looked at it and muttered how nice it was and what was that pink flower, the one next to the bush with sweet smelling white flowers, much more appreciative to my way of thinking.

[LitNetIsGreat]

True, Neely, though you wouldn't be wanting to lie on my grass, it's the sharp, stick-in-you kind, it was formerly used to feed cattle, so it's probably nourishing but it has grass snakes and slow worms and moles in it. I have nothing against grass on the whole except it's such a waste of space that could be all sorts of other colours - and round here it is predominantly green - it's the men and their machines I have a problem with. For many years of our visitors it was the men who went misty-eyed over the sit-on mower and industrial strength strimmer which I can hardly lift, let alone wield, and who agitated until they were allowed to 'have a go', the women just looked at it and muttered how nice it was and what was that pink flower, the one next to the bush with sweet smelling white flowers, much more appreciative to my way of thinking.

Jesus, I'm scared of snakes, no way going near your house. I only like safe places.

[kasie]

They are the harmless kind - never fear! It's the adders you have to look out for, the ones with V for Viper on their heads, they like dry sunny banks on the whole, too wet round here. I didn't know we had grass snakes until I saw my Alsatian shaking this floppy stick.....

[LitNetIsGreat]

They are the harmless kind - never fear! It's the adders you have to look out for, the ones with V for Viper on their heads, they like dry sunny banks on the whole, too wet round here. I didn't know we had grass snakes until I saw my Alsatian shaking this floppy stick.....

Oh my God, don't even talk about the things - horrible! There is a reason that Satan appeared as a snake to poor Eve you know.

[kasie]

Sorry I mentioned it, Neely - didn't want to upset you, so I won't go into it, I feel the same way about rats and mice (shudders).

[soundofmusic]

True beer is one of my greatest loves. I regularly tell my wife how much I love beer. In my culture what time do I drink beer? I have my own culture, which starts beer drinking around 1.00pm, the truly civilized man doesn't drink before 12pm unless it is a one-off session where 11pm is acceptable.

Moving on to lawn mowers: I have not sharpened my blades yet as I have not needed to, but I suspect that every couple of years a good oiling and whetting with a sharpening stone will do the trick. Yes, two years is about the lifespan of most electrical products hence the need to ditch as much as you can get away with and instead use 'good ole' traditional products.

I think I'll take your suggestion about the sharpening stone. It's good to know I am not damaging the electric mower too soon; the fellows in the neighborhood are always "nudging me" about women and mechanical things.

What are your thoughts on drinking in the morning if you are up all night? I used to have a night job and would sometimes have a mimosa or kahlua and coffee before going to bed; but all my gossipy friends said it was still morning and inappropriate drinking!




When you think about it, there is something totally illogical about a lawn - what plant other than a limited number of grass species do we encourage to grow, feed, keep weed-free, even water at times - then cut it back the moment it starts to respond to our TLC? :smash: Think of the time, effort, money spent in producing that green sward: how much more rewarding to spend the time in producing something on which to feast the eye (flowers) or fill the plate (vegs).

By which you will gather that I am not a lawn person - green deserts, mono-cultures, imo. I know the arguments in their favour, they set off the rest of the plants, soothe the eye, etc, etc but it seems to me that they are so often an end in themselves and the time/effort/money could be used so much more productively. I see a pristine lawn , the same horrid suspicion creeps into my mind as when I see a perfectly clean and tidy house, 'control freak, nobody lives here'.


Yes, a bit of green grass next to a rose plant is like getting that really ugly girl to stand next to you when you have acne or bad hair; it's an absolute must:lol:

I think the English lawns are a softer grass; here in Florida the grass will cut you and has all sorts of itch mites in them. Yes, I occasionally run into a few snake holes; but they seem to be more in the shaded areas next to the big trees. ( I don't quite remember the sharp grass and mites bothering me when I was young and picnicing with a young man)

[LitNetIsGreat]

What are your thoughts on drinking in the morning if you are up all night? I used to have a night job and would sometimes have a mimosa or kahlua and coffee before going to bed; but all my gossipy friends said it was still morning and inappropriate drinking!

That sounds like an excellent idea! I'm not sure what a mimosa or a kahlua is exactly, some sort of spirit, but I quite fancy a bit of that myself. Tell your gossipy friends that they are terrible bores...

[papayahed]

What are your thoughts on drinking in the morning if you are up all night? I used to have a night job and would sometimes have a mimosa or kahlua and coffee before going to bed; but all my gossipy friends said it was still morning and inappropriate drinking!


ohhhhh, a Kahlua and coffee in the morning sounds delightful.

At least you didn't buy beer to drink while standing in line to get into the bar at 7:00 am (It was St. Patrick's Day).

As to your friends, what is the appropriate time to drink? Bloody Marys and Mimosas are traditionally breakfast/brunch beverages.

[papayahed]

That sounds like an excellent idea! I'm not sure what a mimosa or a kahlua is exactly, some sort of spirit, but I quite fancy a bit of that myself. Tell your gossipy friends that they are terrible bores...


Mimosa - Orange Juice and Champagne

Kahlua - Coffee Flavored Liqueur

[soundofmusic]

That sounds like an excellent idea! I'm not sure what a mimosa or a kahlua is exactly, some sort of spirit, but I quite fancy a bit of that myself. Tell your gossipy friends that they are terrible bores...
Thank you for the support; I think I'll do some mimosa with moet and chandon (papayahed gives the ingrediants)


ohhhhh, a Kahlua and coffee in the morning sounds delightful.

At least you didn't buy beer to drink while standing in line to get into the bar at 7:00 am (It was St. Patrick's Day).

As to your friends, what is the appropriate time to drink? Bloody Marys and Mimosas are traditionally breakfast/brunch beverages.

That's what I thought! Nothing better than a bit of Kahluan coffee with whipped cream and a little sprinkled cinnamon.
Have you ever had a toasted almond: Kahlua, Amaretto, and cold cream on ice topped with whipped cream and toasted almonds...out of this world.
I'll see you next St Patys:lol:

[Scheherazade]

I just want to thank The Comedian for his tips in this thread; I have been watering my orchids more generously since then and they are looking better and better!

:)

[kasie]

Talk to them too, Scher - I had a quiet word with mine a couple of weeks ago about how nice it would be if it could see its way to opening a bud, just one would do, in time to impress my guests at Christmas and the day before Christmas Eve, one bud shyly unfurled. Which reminds me, I must thank it by giving it a little spoonful of feed.

[The Comedian]

I just want to thank The Comedian for his tips in this thread; I have been watering my orchids more generously since then and they are looking better and better!

:)

Thanks Scher! I'm glad that they're doing better.

I thought I'd add a few pics of mine here.

This one is an oncidium that has recently bloomed. And there is another spike on the way (not pictured).

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k431/ssteter/oncidium.jpg

And here is 1/2 of my orchid shelf, which is located in the south-facing window of my house. (I recently added the shelf myself; before I had the orchids scattered about the house). You can see the base of the tall spike of the oncidium to the far right. The small orchid in bloom to the left is a phalaenopsis.

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k431/ssteter/OrchidShelf.jpg

Happy planting!

[papayahed]

Very Nice, how often do you replant Orchids?

[Zee.]

I want to grow sunflowers

[The Comedian]

Just a quick update:

Sometimes, once an orchid sends up a flower spike, you can get it to produce a second spike after the original had died away by boosting the amount of fertilizer you give it. Such was the case in the oncidium (purple spotted flower) and phalenopsis (orange).

In each case, the second flower spike was not as spectacular nor as tall, but well worth the extra effort. Here they are:

Oncidium:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k431/ssteter/DSC02215.jpg

Phalenopsis:

http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k431/ssteter/DSC02217.jpg

[papayahed]

Very nice!! I would love to try an orchid again.

[applepie]

I love flowers and even gardening. I would like to have very lush gardens around my house, but you know how you've heard of a "green thumb"? I have what I jokingly call a "brown thumb". I can't help but kill everything I try to grow. Some of it is the soil here. It's very heavy on red clay so it isn't the best for gardening. In the house, it always seems there isn't enough son, or there is too much. No happy medium. I'm trying to content myself with painting flowers to hang on my walls:)

[DanielBenoit]

Hey, I'm thinking of starting a garden. . . .and I have no idea what to do lol. Any tips?

[papayahed]

Hey, I'm thinking of starting a garden. . . .and I have no idea what to do lol. Any tips?

hmmmmm..... I was just over in the "would you" thread.....:idea:




Is this going to be a container garden or out in the yard?

[DanielBenoit]

hmmmmm..... I was just over in the "would you" thread.....:idea:


Lol, well growing a garden has been on my mind for some time. . .. .and no I'm not planning on growing any Mary Jane :p



Is this going to be a container garden or out in the yard?

Hmm idk, what would you suggest. Maybe in my room so that when I wake up I can have a plant friend there to wish me good morning :D

[papayahed]

So Houseplant it is! How much sun does your room get?

[DanielBenoit]

Umm, with the curtains open, a reasonable amount.

[Aravona]

I would like to have very lush gardens around my house, but you know how you've heard of a "green thumb"? I have what I jokingly call a "brown thumb". I can't help but kill everything I try to grow.

Same!

I love gardening! However gardening does not love me...

I have tried to keep potted plants at home and it doesnt really work. My cactus died, I didn't over water or underwater it but it just... died! My Venus Fly Trap passed away after flowering even though I did everything I was told to do from reading up on them online. I wish that plants agreed with me more, I've managed to grow and kill several.

The only plants I've never killed before their time are Sun Flowers and runner beans, and they're not exactly difficult. I love orchids bit I dare not touch one with my not-so-green fingers.

I just hope one day I can afford a place with a garden, at least then I can try my hand at gardening again. Perhaps try veg again, runner beans to start with!

[blazeofglory]

Gardening never ceased fascinating me. This is my first passion in life. I had a passion for gardening before I had for women, books, music, and wealth and now I am less hooked to it because of my busy corporate schedules: meetings, conferences, boardroom disputation, heated arguments, customer interactions, meeting deadlines. Life is a little more than all these stuffs and gardening is a great passion. I have a mental garden already, an impulse that has yet to materialize. I am thinking about moving a village and about collecting a variety of plants, shrubs, hybrids and wild. I have a small one already but that does not satisfy my urges. I want to be totally in touch with nature and I love my hands full of or smeared with pollens. I know when I start a garden, the one I always dream of the rest of my life will go spent meaningfully and the part of life I have at disposal will be beautifully utilized and I will die peacefully

[kasie]

Comedian - help, please! My orchids (Phals) are dying! They've flowered their little socks off, I've fed them, cossetted them, told them how wonderful they are but the leaves are tuning a sickly greeny brown and just dropping off and no new leaves are replacing them. I think I have an infestation of scale bug, though where it has come from I have no idea. I keep scraping the little nasties off but the plants are still dying. What can I do?

[papayahed]

Umm, with the curtains open, a reasonable amount.

Do you care about how big it gets? And do you want something you can tell is growing?

One of my first plants was a cactus and they are really slow growers, I got tired of it and gave it back to my mom it was so boring.

[soundofmusic]

I used to love to put "Miracle grow" on my plants every 3 weeks; it was exciting to go out and see the garden a few days after...Blooms everywhere. I'm not quite sure if it was good for the plants themselves; I wonder if it is like giving cows hormones to produce more milk.

Any thoughts?

[Aravona]

Hmm debatable really.

Some plants really could do with the nitrates but over-doing I'm not so sure, I've never heard of it doing any direct harm to a plant. However then theres the effect of the plant onwards, would it effect insects or simply boost their population also? If so perhaps more is needed here were our native honey bee is dying out.

As it goes, I'd love to see more plants under UV light, they look very different to how we see them :)

[The Comedian]

Comedian - help, please! My orchids (Phals) are dying! They've flowered their little socks off, I've fed them, cossetted them, told them how wonderful they are but the leaves are tuning a sickly greeny brown and just dropping off and no new leaves are replacing them. I think I have an infestation of scale bug, though where it has come from I have no idea. I keep scraping the little nasties off but the plants are still dying. What can I do?

kasie -- well if you have scale bugs, then that's your problem. I'd go down to your local florist/home store and get the most powerful insecticide that you can find. (I can be a little hippie-ish about some things, but killin' bugs ain't one of them. There's no substitute for a strong, wicked deadly poison). Then, weather permitting, I'd take out your infected plants/orchids outside and spray the recommended amount on them, plus a little extra for good measure.

Most insecticides suggest you do this once/twice a week for about a month. Do this. Oh and if you have any other houseplants in the general area, I'd spray them once or twice too, even if they are not showing the symptoms of scale bug infestation.

Then I'd clean the area around the plants pretty well with a strong cleaner.

You should be good to go after that, and your little phalenopsis should burst into blossom as it so longs to do. :)

Oh, one more thing: If your weather/climate permits, I'd leave your plants outside for as long as possible. All day and night if your weather is not too hot or cold at this point. The bugs will not like the sudden, unexpected change in venue. (Who does, really?)

Hope that helps!

[Annamariah]

I'm subtitling episode "Orchis Fatalis" from Midsomer Murders at the moment for school, does that count? :lol:

[kasie]

Thanks, Comedian - I do put my orchids outside in the summer, it usually persudes them into flowering.

We've had a very late spring this year and though we have a warmish spell for the past few days, I'm not sure it's warm enough at night just yet - we can get sneaky frosts as late as May in these parts. A re-potting probably would not go amiss as well. But for the moment, insecticide it is: I have no mercy on slugs and snails either - copper wire does the trick on the whole for the slimy whatsits.

[papayahed]

Anbody use those water globes to keep plants watered?

[JuniperWoolf]

Anbody use those water globes to keep plants watered?

Those aren't great. The soil has to dry out every once in a while to kill eggs (you know, those little black flies that come from plants and are so annoying?). It's supposed to cycle between dry and wet, keeping the soil perpetually moist doesn't do the job.

[papayahed]

Those aren't great. The soil has to dry out every once in a while to kill eggs (you know, those little black flies that come from plants and are so annoying?). It's supposed to cycle between dry and wet, keeping the soil perpetually moist doesn't do the job.

Yeah, I despise those little black flys almost as much as mealy bugs. :rage:

I thought those things would help me get my plants through the summers down here. I was envisioning that they'd give me a few days leeway between waterings but since I bought the things I'd fill up the globes one day and the next I'd come home after work and the things would be empty. I'm thinking of taking them back.

[papayahed]

Comedian!!!!!! Help. I just bought a small Orchid. It says Orange and Art shades Cattleya. Now what do I do with it?

[papayahed]

Here's my new little guy:

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/381/orchidpm.jpg (http://img200.imageshack.us/i/orchidpm.jpg/)

[The Comedian]

That looks like a noble little Cattleya -- I'll give you the quick version of how to care for it.

First, you should put him/her in a well-lit location, preferably a window with southern exposure.

Next watering/fertilizing:

Cattleyas are more dry-tolerant than most other orchids. Still, I like to water mine twice a week (for me, it's Wednesdays and Sundays). To water, take the plant over to the sink and drench the heck out of it. Judging from the image, your pot has good drainage -- this is a good thing. Let all the water drain into the sink, then return it to the window. As noted, do this twice a week.

NOTE: Cattleyas like to dry out before being watered, so make sure that the plant is totally dry before you water it again. If it's still damp -- which it might be if you live in a really humid environment, then just wait for it to dry out before you drench it again.

Fertilizing: buy some Miracid at your local Wal-mart or florist. (It's like Miracle Grow, only a bit different). Then clean out an old gallon-sized milk jug. Follow the directions on the Miracid box per one gallon of water, and fill the jug with the Miracid/H20 mix.

Then follow this pattern: (1) One week plain H20, per schedule above. (2) next week regular H20, then splash some of that fertilizer on the plant after the water's gone through. Say about 1/4 gallon.

If you follow this one-week-water/next-week-water-and-fertilizer, you should have a healthy Cattleya that blooms about once/twice a year for you. If you never fertilize it, the plant will live just fine, but might not bloom for you.

Hope that helps!

[JuniperWoolf]

Aww, it's very cute.

[papayahed]

That looks like a noble little Cattleya -- I'll give you the quick version of how to care for it.

First, you should put him/her in a well-lit location, preferably a window with southern exposure.

Next watering/fertilizing:

Cattleyas are more dry-tolerant than most other orchids. Still, I like to water mine twice a week (for me, it's Wednesdays and Sundays). To water, take the plant over to the sink and drench the heck out of it. Judging from the image, your pot has good drainage -- this is a good thing. Let all the water drain into the sink, then return it to the window. As noted, do this twice a week.

NOTE: Cattleyas like to dry out before being watered, so make sure that the plant is totally dry before you water it again. If it's still damp -- which it might be if you live in a really humid environment, then just wait for it to dry out before you drench it again.

Fertilizing: buy some Miracid at your local Wal-mart or florist. (It's like Miracle Grow, only a bit different). Then clean out an old gallon-sized milk jug. Follow the directions on the Miracid box per one gallon of water, and fill the jug with the Miracid/H20 mix.

Then follow this pattern: (1) One week plain H20, per schedule above. (2) next week regular H20, then splash some of that fertilizer on the plant after the water's gone through. Say about 1/4 gallon.

If you follow this one-week-water/next-week-water-and-fertilizer, you should have a healthy Cattleya that blooms about once/twice a year for you. If you never fertilize it, the plant will live just fine, but might not bloom for you.

Hope that helps!

Thanks for the advice, I didn't realize it needed that much watering. I put him on my south facing patio but not in direct sun.


Aww, it's very cute.

Thanks, hopefully I can keep him that cute.

[The Comedian]

Thanks for the advice, I didn't realize it needed that much watering

That potting mix -- bark & charcoal -- doesn't hold much water. And twice a week isn't that much really. And, in all honesty, you probably don't NEED to water it that much or according to the pattern that I suggested. But if you want it to thrive and bloom, then you probably should follow my suggestions, more or less.

[papayahed]

That potting mix -- bark & charcoal -- doesn't hold much water. And twice a week isn't that much really. And, in all honesty, you probably don't NEED to water it that much or according to the pattern that I suggested. But if you want it to thrive and bloom, then you probably should follow my suggestions, more or less.

I'm getting some growth!

[papayahed]

http://img819.imageshack.us/img819/9885/district820120708003413.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/819/district820120708003413.jpg/)

[Gilliatt Gurgle]

Wow, that doesn't look like cotton!
Amazing.
Btw how's that cotton plant doing?

[papayahed]

doh! This years cotton crop went belly up. I split the seeds from last year, half I planted and half went to a friend.

My friend had some growth buy left them out one night and the temps dipped to freezing, do those were lost. The half I planted never sprouted.

There goes my dreams of making my own top.

I'm hoping this is cotton year are the farm across the road that way I can pick up more seeds during harvest time.

[papayahed]

I just bumped into my saguaro cactus. At first it didn't hurt, now, 10 minutes later it kinda does.


My orchid is still alive but hasn't bloomed. Comedian????????