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Post by territalks on Jul 24, 2007 13:19:25 GMT
 Hi Everyone Yet another query!! I have had this lovely plant for about three years now have re-potted it once, I don't know whether to put it in an even bigger pot as it seems to be drooping over the side, I am not sure if it should do this? It flowers in the spring and the flowers grow straight up and they are like tiny stars. Any advice would be greatfully received. Thanks Love TT xxxx
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Post by carlott on Jul 24, 2007 13:28:45 GMT
We have had 3 orchids now for over 4 years and simply mistreat them - they seem to enjoy it. Water when we remember and that is it. They are not I confess the same type as you are asking after but ours have not been re-potted yet.
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Cybertog
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Post by Cybertog on Jul 25, 2007 21:50:16 GMT
Hi TT I have grown lots of orchids over the years and you could say they are a bit of a hobby, shame my little flat can't accommodate more of them!  Without knowing what variety yours is (jewel orchid is a new name to me and there are thousands of varieties), the best advice is to repot when the plant gets really pot-bound, but only go up one size. If you put the plant in too big a pot, it is more likely to get overwatered. If you have only repotted once in 3 years, it's probably time to do it again, and now is perfect as the flowering is over for your plant this year. You say your plant is drooping over the edge, is that any aerial roots or the leaves? If the plant is naturally an epiphyte, its natural habit would be to droop off a tree branch but in the house, they can overbalance in a pot. Whatever you are doing, your orchid obviously likes you as it seems happy, flowering and growing like that! If you do find out the variety, I'll look it up in one of my books when I get back from my few days away. Cyber |
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Post by territalks on Aug 2, 2007 11:24:11 GMT
Hi Cyber Thanks for that advice. Yes it is beginning to creep over the side of the pot! I will try and find out the latin name for you. I hope you enjoy you break. Love TT xxxx
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Post by territalks on Aug 2, 2007 11:27:56 GMT
Hi again Cyber It is called LUDISIA DISCOLOUR 'DAWSONIANA' Love TT xxxx
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Cybertog
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Post by Cybertog on Aug 2, 2007 22:25:59 GMT
Hi TT I've found your orchid in two of my books - it looks a real beauty, and the stripey leaves are a real bonus. I must look out for one for myself  Apparently in the wild, the plants will spread to carpet the forest floor, now that must be a glorious picture! Ludisias are terrestrial plants, and each book gives a different suggestion for the potting medium. One says a free-draining peat based compost, the other chopped bark with sphagnum moss mixed in. As you have been so successful with what one book says is a difficult plant to grow, just stick with what you have done up to now! Neither book suggests the correct time to repot, but as the flowers come in the winter, now is a good time as the plant will get time to recover and build up for the new flowers. Cultivation tips say lots of water (in a well drained pot and compost), dilute feed (even tomato feed will do) and good ventilation. This is an orchid that likes the warmth, 16 -18 degrees Centigrade. Hope that helps! And thank you, I did enjoy my few days away, got to visit the RHS Rosemoor gardens in Devon - glorious place, and the most wonderful sculpture garden. Fabulous art in a beautiful wooded valley garden attached to a hotel, pure heaven Cyber x |
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Post by territalks on Aug 3, 2007 8:09:44 GMT
Hi Cyber Yes my Orchid is beautiful! I have taken a picture. It cost me £5 in a garden centre about three years ago! If I knew how to take a cutting and when, I could send it to you? What do you think? I use diluted tomato feed for all my houseplants. Love TT xxxx
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Cybertog
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Post by Cybertog on Aug 3, 2007 22:56:37 GMT
That's a very kind thought, TT, but don't worry. I'm forever buying new orchids that I don't really have room for - eyes bigger than my windowsills! One of the incumbents is going to have to snuff it before I get any more for the moment.
If you do want to propagate the plant at some point, there may be offshoots that you could pot up. Most terrestrial orchids can be split up when they get too big, providing each bit gets some roots and leaves. I don't think you take cuttings as such. Apologies if you know all this, you seem to be doing just fine with your orchid!
Cyber x
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Post by territalks on Aug 4, 2007 7:57:48 GMT
Hi Cyber You sound like me!! Not enough room for my plants! No I did not know I could split it thanks for telling me! Love TT xxxx
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Apparently in the wild, the plants will spread to carpet the forest floor, now that must be a glorious picture!