Bllra "Mystery to Me"

[padams2359]

It has been 12 years since I last grew a few Orchids, and things have really changed. I went out and picked up 8 of them as a present for my wife, but the book that I had used previously is sorely lacking in this day and age. I purchased the following:

2 Cattleya - Had These Before
2 Vanda - Had a couple before also
1 Dendrobium - Previously had.
1 Phalaenopsis - This one is new to me.

The following are new, and I think I can get through these with help of my book

1 Paphiopedilum
1 Bllra
These two are the mystery. They are not in my book, and most websites do not have them listed under a Genus.

Any Info would be greatly appreciated as I get back into the swing of things.

[Shaydra]

Welcome!

Beallara care is similar to that of Odontoglossum (I believe this is a multi-intergenetic hybrid of one). I'd be shocked if this were not in your book. Moderate light, keep it damp... can't remember humidity - I keep my grow area at 45-50% avg and it's been doing alright so far.

As for Paphs, I'm really shocked that your book would not have information on these as they are the "old school" "slipper" orchids. Moderate light and keep them moist, but not soaking and don't let them dry out completely. Humidity usually avg of about 50% or better.

Someone else may have better instructions on either of these. Especially the paph instructions -- which can also be found in other informational resources on the boards. (Glossary is a great place to start, but it does not have info on Beallara yet.)

[Elena]

Beallara = Brassia x Cochlioda x Miltonia x Odontoglossum

I only have one - Peggy Ruth Carpenter 'Morning Joy' and treat it like a Cattleya so it gets lots of light and is allowed to dry out between waterings. I got it in march already in bloom, the flowers lasted until May and it's recently re-spiked with two spikes so it seems happy enough.

You should have no problem finding culture info for Paphs, I too am surprised it's not in your book.

[Shaydra]

I haven't had my Beallara long enough to see if I can rebloom - only since 6/24. Mine is Beallara Marfitch.... I think I'll try adjusting my light up a bit, Elena, if yours is ready to go again so soon.


Oh, and for whomever updated the glossary today:

Beallara = Brassia x Cochlioda x Miltonia x Odontoglossum

I only have one - Peggy Ruth Carpenter 'Morning Joy' and treat it like a Cattleya so it gets lots of light and is allowed to dry out between waterings. I got it in march already in bloom, the flowers lasted until May and it's recently re-spiked with two spikes so it seems happy enough.

[Elena]

That's a gorgeous Beallara you have! I know of a nursery in UK that sells them and was very tempted myself but had to be sensible as space is becoming an issue

Mine had very light, almost yellowish leaves and I've read about people having issues re-blooming them due to the lack of light so I just left it in the spare bedroom together with my Catts and hoped for the best

[Brutal_Dreamer]

...Oh, and for whomever updated the glossary today:

I do what I can to help!

Cheers,
BD

[padams2359]

I will look through all of the responses. The book that I have is "Growing Orchids is Fun" Copyright 1988. I guess I better hit a book store.

Two more questions if possible:

Anyone know the footcandles directly below a 100w incandecent bulb? The bulb is in a lamp that is approximately 18 inches tall. I place my Phalaenopsis P. Long Pride Treasure MP-0485 on the table under it. It had 3 blooms on it when i purchased it on Friday, and now they are beginning to wilt. I have moved it away from the lamp. Do you think I have a chance of getting these blooms to come back, or are they going to die? I mist my orchid growing mix every couple of days with a spritz bottle set on mist. I do this when the roots begin to look shriveled, but still still white. I know that if they begin to turn tan or brown, they are getting too much water.

[Shaydra]

I'm not sure on the amount of light, but I know that one problems presented by incandecent bulbs tends to be heat. If your phal is too close to the bulb, it's probably getting dried out by it. ... and now you have me curious on the "well what if you used one of those energy-saver flourescent jobbies? What's that fc light output?"

Also, there is the possibility that your blooms might have just been old enough when you bought it and it's just their time....