On Tue, 18 Nov 2003 22:31:27 -0500, "Kenni Judd"
wrote:

I can't speak to your Bollea [too coolish for us], but maybe I can help with
the gigantea. This is one of very few vandaceous plants that we grow
potted, with [very coarse lava rock] medium, as opposed to "bare in the
basket." It seems to like the more even moisture, and still tolerates the
daily watering we give our other vandaceous. It also likes more shade than
most of our vandaceous selections. I have not noticed it to be particularly
fussy about fertilizing, but since (at least here) we will soon be coming up
on its blooming season, you might want to skip a few feedings -- too much
nitrogen can interfere with blooming.

Hope this helps,

Having lost my prize R. gigantea - Thanks Kenni. I probably did
not keep it moist enough.

Sue -
I think Kenni is on to something with the fertilizer. I was
going to ask if the unbloomed had ever had a rest from it.
Sometimes, especially when they grow good and look great, they do
not bloom because the plant is too focused on growing the lush
greenery.

As to the Phals - have they been "misted" with the Vanda group?
This is one plant group you want to keep dry leaves on. If you
still have any leaves put them in a warm shady spot and water
with hydrogen peroxide. Gently and keep them a bit on the dry
side. If there is any new growth in the center it will come. If
not you may get a keiki (baby) from the side of the mother plant
or even just the root ball.

SuE
http://orchids.legolas.org/gallery/albums.php