Vanda Lumpini Red

[Dorsetman]

This plant has been grown in Perlite for the past 7 years, and as might be seen from one of the pics has flowered several times - but not as frequently as those in bark or bark/moss mixes.Maybe its due for a repot anyway - that is the original pot/perlite ! Certainly saves on compost costs too. It was originally an experiment at a time when I was playing with S/H for everything.
A well known hybrid this, and a slightly more subtle and unusual colour. Why is it I wonder that the big pinks and reds and dusky reds , the yellows too, are so easy and flower so often, but the blues less so ? Or is it that the blues are a bit under represented in my collection ?

Flowers btw are about 12-13 cm spread

[catttan]

Beautiful colour and shape, Geoff. It's the other way round here - the blues are easier to flower than the reds. My 'blue' V Robert's Delight bloom more often than the reds like var Garnet Beauty. Yellows are are OK too.

[Halloamey]

That is one healthy plant with gorgeous blooms, it won't surprise me if you have a wonderful vanda flowering, which is growing in rice pudding ! LOL

[Janet]

Lovely flower!!

About 15 years ago I visited an orchid grower outside of Milwaukee WI who grew everything in straight perlite. Have no idea if he's still doing that. Said it was easy to repot, which I can believe. But the stuff just flies all over.

[Dorsetman]

Lovely flower!!

About 15 years ago I visited an orchid grower outside of Milwaukee WI who grew everything in straight perlite. Have no idea if he's still doing that. Said it was easy to repot, which I can believe. But the stuff just flies all over.

The way to handle Perlite is to soak it first - then it doesn't fly at all. Also you get rid of the fine dust like stuff - better aeration. Fill a trash can 1/2 full of water, tip in Perlite, keep pushing it under the water until wetted, stir occasionally. Use what floats . Easy-peasy.

But I have to admit that the first time I used Perlite I found it so easy to pour into the pot - then I watered with a can , and the Perlite just flew away...I gave up - abandoned it - it took me about 10 years before I thought oif the wetting answer !.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Saw this one on the home pages slide show and had to click through!! Stunning orchid bloom. Love the flat round shape and velvet color.

Cheers,
BD

[orchidsal]

Very fine, intense color there Geoff. I also love the velvet look and texture. By the way Amey, thats a good idea, about growing in rice pudding. Do you think the orchids would resent a little Vanilla in the mix?