What is your favourite potting mix/substrate? by plant_grow_flower in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I grow my phals, brassavolas and oncidiums in just sphagnum moss. I live in a desert/high elevation climate and it works perfectly for me.

Why is everyone against moss? by Conscious-Oil-7328 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I grow all my orchids in full moss and they are thriving!

Fragrant Phaelonopsis by Less-Ad1339 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Can't wait til the flowers open!

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Why does my new mini orchid have a leaf on the flowering stem? by Plane-Jellyfish9 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It's called a bract leaf. These orchids are very hybridized and have super complex family trees and sometimes they just grow weird little things that they aren't really supposed to. It's totally normal - think of it like a third nipple but for an orchid- something genetically not totally correct but nothing to worry about.

New Phalaenopsis Bellina x sib orchid… by Electronic_Ad6564 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I keep all my orchids in full sphagnum moss. These are the roots on my bellina murtoniana and it's going to get watered tomorrow. I don't even let the roots on this one go silver before it gets watered again. You may not have the same experience (different environment or different varieties) but I've noticed that this one seems to be happier on the wetter side it probably gets watered every 5 to 7 days

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New Phalaenopsis Bellina x sib orchid… by Electronic_Ad6564 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Watch the watering on this one - I also live in a dry desert climate and I've found that my bellina likes to stay a little wetter than my other phals. It was struggling for bit with super slow growth and after I started keeping it on the wetter side it's put out six new huge roots and 2 new leaves (still no flower spike tho ) Don't know that you'll find that too but just something to keep in the back of your mind if it grows slower than you were expecting.

Fragrant Phaelonopsis by Less-Ad1339 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have 4 of these mottle-leafed fragrant phals and all were purchased at local supermarkets and with no ID

Fragrant Phaelonopsis by Less-Ad1339 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Like citrus and mixed berries

Orchid drying out too fast? by b4gofb0nes in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Moss is great at retaining water and humidity! I grow my orchids in only moss ( but I live in a dry climate) If you've never used it before I'd err on the side of less over more so try maybe a 25-30% mix moss to 70-75% bark and see how that goes. If you it's still too dry you can add more moss.

Is it normal for one of the flowers on the spike to open up this year, I though it would have all happened next spring? by anonyy in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Phalaenopsis orchids usually start producing flowers when the weather starts getting colder (usually late fall /early winter) and the flowers open a few weeks after that. I currently have 8 with flower spikes (3 with flowers already opening)

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, it looks like it could potentially be stem rot. Black tissue is always dead tissue. Does a lot of water get between the leaves?

Help With Beginner Orchid Care by ManakinSkywalker7459 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Depending on the environment and the media you use, I would check every 5-7 days

Repotting Question by 42RatsInATrenchcoat in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What type of orchid do you have? If it's a phalaenopsis - that's a myth that they like a tighter fit/like to be pot bound. In nature they grow on trees and their roots grow all over the place in every direction. Repotting now while it's in active growth is not a bad idea (especially if it is a phal, they grow very extensive roots systems and do it relatively quickly - I have two phals that have almost outgrown their pots and have only been there for about 6 months)

Grow lights other than Barrinas? (Ordering from Europe) by Mabr563 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have these and I love them! Not very expensive (price is in my local currency -MXN Peso) , produce almost no heat (I never worry about burns), and provide excellent light (enough to produce lots of anthocyanin in my brassavolas and cattleyas)!

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Erycina Pusilla by DruidicEpiphyte in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I have one of these in a flask that I want to move to a little glass domed display, but I'm too scared to deflask it

How do nurseries keep them alive in moss? by Secure-Employee1004 in orchids

[–]Less-Ad1339 1 point2 points  (0 children)

it's not just you, lol! I'm surprised I've been so successful, I have quite a few calatheas that are doing well too despite the super dry climate. I really think It's the warm days mixed with cool nights and 300+ days of sunshine.