OrchidSafari ARCHIVES*

Present were:

Fleur
Gail
Earl
Susan (Prankster)
PeterLin
Ward 300 (Ruth)
Marilyn
Lois
Kathy
Barbara
Ed
Sparky-Steve
John

marylois
Tonight we are to talk about the orchids we have growing and blooming in our areas -- how we care for them - I know Kathy and Sparky have pictures to show you. Anyone else prepared?

Fleur
Lois, sorry no pictures today, and I only have about 8 minutes chat time left. Work again.

marylois
Okay, also next week we want to concentrate on growing areas and greenhouses -- so dig out pix of your pride and joy and share next Wed.

marylois
Kathy, do go ahead.

Sparky
Gail---you can't leave!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Help me!!!!!

marylois
Kathy: picture [showing my indoor light set up...KB]

Sparky
Is that inside?

KB_Barrett
It's a picture of my growing set up in a back bedroom of my house...I have a 270W Super Agro bulb on the top and 4' fluorescents elsewhere...I can bloom Acsda. Princess Mikasa and some (but not all) Catts...

Sparky
Kathy tell us the size and how many plants.

KB_Barrett
The 2 stands are 2x6, 2 levels About 150 plants, the Vandas are outside right now, as are the equitants.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Does it raise your electric bill significantly?

KB_Barrett
The PGE is about $20 more a month, but I couldn't get anything to bloom with out the SuperAgro light. The prospective GH site is the next pic.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Vandas in full sun or just for the morning?

Kathy
[Vandas are getting full sun from about 6PM to sunset, hanging under the eaves of my house, on the north-ish side of the house...KB]

MLight
At this time of year when it hits 90F outdoors, it is actually cooler under lights, at least I find it so. Any comments?

marylois
Yes, Marilyn - in fact, Charles Marden Fitch in this "Orchids" says growing indoors under lights is the BEST way to grow. You have much more control.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
That could be IF your house isn't air conditioned.

MLight
No, it is not air conditioned. The Disas are now in bloom and so far so good despite the heat. The Masdevallias are the ones I am most concerned about. I find an indoor controlled setup ideal when travelling. Automated watering, misting and light periods make it that much easier.

Barbara
Don't they get too dry?

KB_Barrett
Marilyn, It gets BLAZING hot under the lights!!! Easily 95-98 in the summertime. I keep 3 fans going all the time. Barbara, Yes it does dry out. I have a 'sick room' humidifier and a swamp cooler going to some efffect, but damping down the trays seems to work too.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
It would seem that you have a lot of work to do during the summer in particular. Can your plants go all day without someone to look at them while you are at work?

KB_Barrett
John, luckily I'm probably the only Californian that works only 3 miles from her house, so I come home at lunch and water them if they need it.

Kathy
picture [Picture is of my backyard, where I plan to put a greenhouse...KB]

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Is that iceplant in front?

KB_Barrett
Yes! It's, dried out iceplant. It's a shed I built 3 yrs ago that I was considering taking off the siding and replacing with lexan. 8x8. Was going to expand it to 8x15. You can see the hillside I'll have to dig out to place it....The orientation of this pic is basically west.. the sun sets in the right hand corner of the pic, and rises at your back on the left hand side.

Barbara
Kathy, so you'll only get the morning sun, winter time you might still need the (augmented) light.

KB_Barrett
Barbara, you're right, you can just see a corner of the addtiton we just finished, which will shade the site till noon in winter, after that'll be OK

John_in_Arcadia_CA
That's a lot of work!!

KB_Barrett
It's a pain in the *SS!!

Sparky
I hate to say this, but here I'm totally spoiled! I don't have to go through all that!

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Yes, in Florida you do not have the dryness that we have to put up with nor the extreme cold then heat. You "only" have the heat and humidity (something I wish we had more of at times). By the way - only a Californian would recognize dried out iceplant!! hehehe

Ed_in_SAT
That slope is great! Put a fiberglass house over it and you already have stepped benches and great drainage.

UncleEarl
Richella in Hawaii has a setup like that. Real steep, but neat.

KB_Barrett
Ed!! I had thought exactly the same thing! The shed's angled Southern face cuts down considerably on the # of plants ou can put inside, so now I'm considering scrapping the shell and starting fresh.

Prankster__Susan
KB, Your shed is the spitting image of the 8' x 8' chicken coop I'm currently building. Once I break my teeth on this project, I'm hoping to try a small greenhouse!

marylois
What kind of soil is the bank????

KB_Barrett
Lois, it's sandstone.

Ed_in_SAT
If you berm a house into that hillside, you better know what you're going to do about the heat sink factor.

KB_Barrett
Ed, I was more concerned about pests, I have ants galore all over my property, this is the only corner with out them. But the iceplants are SNAIL HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!
I had read in the OLD that leaving 1-2' of bare ground around the GH discourages them from crossing, and since my bare ground is dry hot sand maybe they'll leave me alone once I pull out the plants.

Prankster__Susan
Ever consider raising bantams?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Kathy - get some decollate snails to help control the snails. I do not think that you get too cold for them. I did and rarely have snails now in the back yard - maybe you could put down a barrier of copper - such as copper foil from a craft store . I understand that snails won't cross it because of the electrical current they cause.

Sparky
John--what was that "colette" snails?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Sparky - they are called Decollate snails or killer snails. Your state may not allow them but CA does.

MLight
What do these Decollate snails look like?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
They have a tightly curled shell that goes to a point but the point is then blunt (does that make any sense?) The shell is like a cone but with the point cut off.

UncleEarl
They used these in Hawaii to control the African snail, which gets so big it can eat a whole head of lettuce at one sitting!

John_in_Arcadia_CA
These "killer" snails have worked here. It takes a while and you have to put them out more than once but they do work!

New_User
Ward300 - so these killer snails are illegal in some states? That may be why I never heard of them.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
I don't know if they really are illegal but in colder winter climates I assume they may die out and not come back the next year.

MLight
I tried placing bands of Tree Tanglefoot around my shadehouse supports. This stopped all sorts of trouble (earwigs, sowbugs, slugs, etc) from climbing up to the plants.

marylois
What is Tree Tanglefoot, Marilyn?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Where would I look for this Tanglefoot?

Ed_in_SAT
I'd stay away from Tanglefoot. If it is within reach, everything you have will get some on it.

MLight
Tree Tanglefoot is a very sticky product designed to stop caterpillars from ascending tree trunks. It comes in tins and in plastic squeeze tubes. A little goes a long way.

marylois
Does it stop slugs, Marilyn? Roaches? Doubt any snail of any size would take on a Louisiana slug.

MLight
Tanglefoot will only work if the creature you wish to stop crawls or walks. It will not stop winged adult roaches (but would stop nymphs).

kawacym
Just remembered how a friend took care of his snail problem. He bought a (I believe) Box turtle and let it loose in his yard. The little guy had a big banquet. Almost never saw another snail or slug again at his place.

marylois
Had two turtles - didn't like slugs - loved phal leaves and would go on hunger strikes til you gave in and gave lettuce and hamburger balls. When I refused to give more hamburger, they broke out. *grin*

KB_Barrett
I still like the box turtle solution!! When I get one I'll name mine ED!!

kawacym
Kathy, please show some respect, call it Mr. Ed.

Barbara
When we first got out potbelly pig, she loved the snail, now her taste buds are refined, she just walk right by with her nose in the air.

marylois
Kathy - you had one more pic of a plant - tell me the name so I can find it.

KB_Barrett
Lois, it was Max. tenufolia. picture. There had been some discussion on the OLD about what it takes to get one to bloom, and I think it just takes a year to acclimatize. I have it under the big light, and keep it relatively dry. This is a picture I sent to Lois to try to see if I could figure out how to make my darn computer work!!! Actually, it's the first time it's flowered for me, so I was happy!

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Lovely maxillaria - Mine is still in bloom after many weeks but only a few flowers at a time

Sparky
But did you smell the flowers?????????

KB_Barrett
COCONUT!

Ed_in_SAT
Re decollate snails. You can find them at ARBICO, phone 1-800-827-BUGS; Item # 1050, about $15 - 20. per hundred, as I recall.

UncleEarl
A trick they use in Hawaii is to put the legs of the benches in cans filled with oil or some similar repulsive (to snails, slugs, ant, etc.) medium.

Sparky
Anyone else hear of diatomaceous earth as a snail/slug killer?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Isn't that fairly expensive?

UncleEarl
Yeah. Works, too. Get it from a swimming pool supply house. Cheaper

. John_in_Arcadia_CA
I got mine at the local Garden Supply Nursery

Ed_in_SAT
The organic gardening people say it will cure everything. We've tried it for some time and, frankly, haven't had much luck. Not sure we've been comprehensive or even consistent in our tests, but it hasn't done much for us.

marylois
Recent OLD postings say the d. earth is ineffective.

UncleEarl
From what I've seen of that discussion, I don't think they are using it right.

marylois
Uncle Earl, what is the right way?

kawacym
Major problem with diatomaceous earth is it needs to remain dry to be effective on snail/slugs. Once wet, it needs to be replaced by more DRY d.e.

UncleEarl
Has to be where the pest has no choice but to get in it. It was effective for me (you should see some of the slugs in Hawaii, but had to stop using it 'cause the rain (100+ inches per year) kept washing it away.

marylois
Wouldn't work here either - I have 4 inches of water in the greenhouse each time I water.

Sparky - do the plants and cartoon - leave the pool growing area for next week - or even Saturday. Sparky, gonna load your own, or do you want me to???

Sparky
Well, with a new scanner and the lacking of pictures---this is a little of what Gail has grown. Like I said we have it easy---I grow my plants by total neglect! (picture)

UncleEarl
That's the way I grew mine in Hawaii. Did better than when I took care of them. But what is it?

KB_Barrett
One of Gail's famous Bulbos!

Sparky
It's a Bulbophyllum cumingii---I haven't even seen it! One of her new ones and another spike starting. The guy who handles plants and orchids at "The Boca Raton Hotel and Club" swears by DE! But says it washes away in the rain.

(picture) This is supposedly a Malaxis latifolia---it's my plant but I never got it back from Gail---she flowered it for me!

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Lets say that it WAS your plant. If she bloomed it, she has "priority" lights! Interesting - hardly looks like an orchid but orchids look like every other plant family I think.

Sparky
Next is a cute little Epidendrum polybulbon and I never got them to survive!!!!!!!!! I believe it's native to Florida! (picture)

Prankster__Susan
I killed a Epi.polybulbon once myself. But mine looked different! Was it mislabled?

KB_Barrett
That's great! Gail flowered this one too, or ?

John_in_Arcadia_CA
That is great!! What a lovely little plant and flower. You say native to FL?

UncleEarl
..................... Love these things. Grow into really nice specimens.

marylois
It IS cute! Is the color true?

Sparky
Next picture will speak for itself!!!!!!!!!!!!!(picture-a cartoon of a computer "couple")

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Sparky - I would have recognized you anywhere!!!!!!

Prankster__Susan
HarHAHarrr!!! I am lying on the floor , DROOLING! (I am laughing alot!)

UncleEarl
rotfl!!! Thanks for the break!

KB_Barrett
Great specimens! Denisens cybersexius, right?

Sparky
Ha Ha!!!!! I think they both are var. fullabul!

UncleEarl
Would you guys (and gals - hate the sexism of the English language somtimes.) be interested in slides of some naturalized orchids in HI? Someone has to teach me how to do it this way, though!

marylois
Sure, Uncle Earl - slides or photos? If photos I can scan and load for you. [Earl is making arrangements to get slides digitalized...he will be giving an OS program soon -- watch the topic announcements.

John_in_Arcadia_CA
Sounds very interesting. These are the introduced "native" orchids?

UncleEarl
A Blc., a Pleurothallis sp., Soph. coccinea, Paph maudiae, Eria convallarioides, some others. Definitely *not* native!

marylois
Peter Lin is the only one of us I know about. But I could get Craig Reavis to take them with his VCR camera...BTW, anyone thinking about a digital camera, think first of a VCR with a "Snappy" program...also shoots slides...great outcome!

UncleEarl
Can you put me in touch w/him, please? Would he be willing to do it?

marylois
Think VCR! Check out the award pix on the Dallas Jdg Newsltr taken with Craig's VCR then converted to digital files. He also can lay a slide on a white surface, photograph with the VCR, and digitalize it - gorgeous results! Sorry I rushed into my Kodak digital!

UncleEarl
Have a few pics (4x5's) , but they're of other orchids, not related to the possible talk (maybe another one, tho). Should I send them? [Yes, send photographs to me, Earl...I can scan...mlg]

marylois
Earl, I'll email him and ask him to write to you if you like...he's on the list. Do you have a list of all member's yet?

Had note from Marilyn, she lost the net - will be back next week.

Sparky, do look at the work on Craig's Dallas pages -- I'll send the URL and his email address so you can talk to him about it. I think it's the way to go. If I already had a VCR camera I would be VERY unhappy with buying the DC-40. Don't get me wrong - I love it - but there's always something better! *grin* It's a program named "Snappy" - Limbaugh advertises it, but it's good anyway. *LOL* Check it out and make sure what cameras it works with. Do a web search on "Snappy" - they may be on line. [Craig has agreed to come and do a program on digital work using a VCR camera and "Snappy". He'll let us know when he's prepared.]

KB_Barrett
Isn't that 'Snapple'?

marylois
hehehe - he has the "Snappy" as well.

marylois
Found a Chinese Cym on the internet (picture)
From the color, I believe it is Cym. sinense.

John_in_Arcadia_CA UncleEarl
Gotta go. Haven't had dinner yet and I'm starving. Been nice. When I get the transcripts I'll get in touch w/ those I said I would . Marylois, I'll write you tomorrow re: the presentation (how, when, etc.). 'Nite, all.

Sparky
They just talked about "Snappy" for videocam usage. Guy I know said he returned his---he didnt like it. Maybe he didnt know how to use it? Oh Ed---I checked Northen's miniatures--and pix is right!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ed_in_SAT
Coulda fooled me - and did! LOL. I think PCWorld just did a comparison article on Snappy and GrabIT. Try hitting them on a .com or do a search.

Prankster__Susan
Great plant! INTERESTING pot!

Barbara
What is the topic for next Wed. night?

marylois
Barb - continuing with one another's growing spaces...we'll let you do yours another time.*grin* I'll be late in from Dallas Sat nite - 8:30 or 9:00.

Jim - is that pot narrower than your Chinese friend suggested? Look at that! TWO spikes!

kawacym
Lois, it looks like it is one of the lighter colored ones, not the darker colored from India. Hey guys, gotta go myself, the wife's moping around, gotta go make her happy - if that's possible. Heh, Heh. *poof*

marylois
Something bit off my first of the season spike midway on Cym. Golden Elf *sob* Well, at least it had fully opened.

Ed_in_SAT
Early for Golden Elf. Maybe if you cut off the rest of the spike it will bloom again in Aug.

marylois
Chat is dying out -- guess I'll call it a night too. Sure enjoyed this evening. Really find it nice to SEE where others of OS are growing their orchids.

Oh, it will! The dear thing [Cym. Golden Elf] blooms three-four times a year...love it.

Prankster__Susan
I'm trying with a E. porpax. So far so good!

Barbara
I have a porpax it got sick, was down to about 10 leaves, I nursed it all back, now is growing a lots of new leaves, and about a 2" x 3" piece now, I'm so very happy.

marylois
Can't seem to give my conopseum enough water -- losing leaves. It's on a slab of cypress.

Prankster__Susan
What made it sick? What made it happy again?

marylois
Tell me your nursing regime!

Sparky
My Golden Elf rotted the spike! Ha ha --warm tolerant my a**! porpax seems to prefer intermediate to cool! [Cym. Golden Elf IS warmth tolerant...doesn't ever want to get under 60F; does seem to like some shade and lots of air movement though -- anything will wilt over 95F (me included).]

Ed_in_SAT
porpax is any agreement you make with IRS.

Prankster__Susan
HeeHee!

Barbara
I think it just got too wet and got fungi on it, slowly dieing out, by the time I realized it was almost all gone. I spray the what the name about 3 or 4 times at about month a part, and slowly it's coming back.

Ed_in_SAT
Looks like we're swinging the handle and no water is coming. See all of you soon, I hope. Thanx, everyone for a very pleasant evening. Steve- sorry I had to miss part of your talk; the system done me wrong! Nite and poof.

Sparky
guess I'll see you all Wed!!

Prankster__Susan
Goodnight Sparky , The night is still young here!

Barbara
I have it on a coconut bark(?) it retains water, now I just spray what's the name about every couple of months.

Prankster__Susan
The mystery substance is????

marylois
Hi, Susan - just came back to explain my quick departure. Posted and froze.

Prankster__Susan
I think Sparky has left!

marylois
I'll turn out the lights...good night, room...

Prankster__Susan
ICS sometimes rids itself of me . But I'm learning to recognize the impending boot. If I leave then, I can quickly come back. If I try to stay when the difficulty begins, Then it siezes up my whole computer!

"Night Lois!"

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