Orchid Growing Tips - We All Have Them

[cdayinflorida]

I did a search to see if I could find a thread started on "Growing Tips" from forum members. I looked but, could not come up with one.

I think this would be a great advantage to all of us. I'm always learning something new. I realize what works for one doesn't always work for others, but there is such a wealth of knowledge on the OT. You have growers from all points on the globe.

Just a post of a couple growing tips that work for you would be great

[cdayinflorida]

Dealing with crown rot in vandas:

While I don't have it often, it does happen. I remove the infected parts and spray with a fungicide. I roll the roots up loosely and use a tie to keep them rolled up. I then turn the basket over and use another hanger to hang the plant upside down. Doing this I know there isn't anyway for moisture to seep into the crown. It keeps the crown really dry. It sounds crazy, but it works for me.

[catttan]

Dealing with crown rot in vandas:

While I don't have it often, it does happen. I remove the infected parts and spray with a fungicide. I roll the roots up loosely and use a tie to keep them rolled up. I then turn the basket over and use another hanger to hang the plant upside down. Doing this I know there isn't anyway for moisture to seep into the crown. It keeps the crown really dry. It sounds crazy, but it works for me.

Very sound advice, Cathy!

[angela]

Dealing with crown rot in vandas:

While I don't have it often, it does happen. I remove the infected parts and spray with a fungicide. I roll the roots up loosely and use a tie to keep them rolled up. I then turn the basket over and use another hanger to hang the plant upside down. Doing this I know there isn't anyway for moisture to seep into the crown. It keeps the crown really dry. It sounds crazy, but it works for me.

Thanks Cathy
this is a great tip which I will try especially now that it is the rainy season here in the Caribbean.
How long do you leave them in this position ? Have you been doing this long enough to say what happens when the plant spikes.? I am thinking that if the plant is upside down the spike will try to turn upwards which will be twisted. For competition purposes This will not be acceptable.
Let me have your thoughts.

[Zozzl]

That is a good one Cathy. I am going to pass that along to my vanda growing buddy.

I am hoping to come up with an interesting tip but I need another gallon of caffeine.

[Zozzl]

Tags, I hate losing them. So.... I tie one on (a plant tag that is), and I put another in the bottom of the pot. If you double tag your plants you won't have the dreaded NOIDs. Also, when buying tags always get more than you think you will need. They go fast and this is an addicting hobby so you will always need more.

[Daethen]

I have had rootless catts that have threatened to die on me. The best way for me to get them to grow roots is to put them into a pot with almost not chunks of large bark (maybe 5 or so) and treat it like it is fully planted.

[otis226]

The jury is still out on the viability of this 'tip' but instead of looking high and low for a vitamin supplement/root stimulant here in my neck of the woods, I've started crushing 2-3 human B-12 tablets and mixing the powder in a gallon of clear water. You may then strain the mix if its to be used as a spray, or you can use as is for a drench/dip. Couldn't hurt!
Tony

[cdayinflorida]

Fertilizing with timed release product...
Mine is a little unconventional and I still spray fertilizer...

I don't like pantyhose nor do I like those little spike cups. I take a small pad of damp sphagnum and shape it on a table to maybe a two to three inch square. I add a 1/2 tsp. to a tsp of my time-release fertilizer to the center of the moss pad. I am then able to form it to a small ball adding no more than a drop of elmer's white glue. I really compress it, tightly till it is about the size of a quarter. I can then pop it in a vanda basket. It will hold its shape for a very long time.

[cdayinflorida]

Hi Angela!I have seen people grow Vandas this way. I'm not crazy about it, but they do. I've seen them even mounted to driftwood upside down. It wouldn't fly in competitions.
I do this if I'm worried about the plant. If I notice anything brown near the crown, I treat it immediately. There are several ways to do this both chemically and some just excise the damage. I do both. I then will flip the plant like I described and wait. I'm looking for new green growth. When I see the new leaf emerging and I mean an inch or so long...I then return the plant to the more conventional way of growing them. It really works. No water in the crown.