GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?

John

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?

John

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

I don't grow L pumila, so i didn't offer any advice.

K Barrett

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact
I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

I don't grow L pumila, so i didn't offer any advice.

K Barrett

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact
I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Thanks for the tips. I am in the process of trying to determine when to
bring orchids inside - I put my L. pumila outside this year in hopes that
more light would help - I will leave it out longer than normal in hopes that
the chill works. Although I'm always nervous about leaving orchids out too
long...

John


"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact
I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Thanks for the tips. I am in the process of trying to determine when to
bring orchids inside - I put my L. pumila outside this year in hopes that
more light would help - I will leave it out longer than normal in hopes that
the chill works. Although I'm always nervous about leaving orchids out too
long...

John


"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact
I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Thanks for the tips. I am in the process of trying to determine when to
bring orchids inside - I put my L. pumila outside this year in hopes that
more light would help - I will leave it out longer than normal in hopes that
the chill works. Although I'm always nervous about leaving orchids out too
long...

John


"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
John Mallery wrote:

Yes, I offered my experience on growing L. pumila as a starting point for
discussion - the plant has thrived for two years - new growth and nice
healthy roots, but there is more than one way to grow any orchid. In fact
I
was hoping to hear how others grow the plant - just to learn some other
perspectives. Any other thoughts on how to grow and "bloom" L. pumila?



I have grown it mounted, and also in clay pots in a relatively open
mix. Either way, in my hands it drys out pretty hard between watering.
Seem to bloom best if left outside until it gets quite cold. That may
or may not be the best way to grow it. They bloomed for me when I lived
in Chicago and put my plants outside, stopped when I moved to Michigan
and grew solely under lights, and seem to be blooming again now that I
have some outside again. Don't know if that is predictive or not. They
grew well enough under lights.

http://www.orchidculture.com/COD/FREE/FS176.html Baker and Baker
suggest that low temperatures during the rest period may be around
51-53F. Mine get much colder than that...

You may wish to get hold of some Lc. Mini Purple (L. pumila x C.
walkeriana). That has much of the charm of L. pumila, and less of the
problems of blooming. Still likes to get a bit of a chill, I think. I
think pumila is kind of interesting, but way too floppy for my tastes.
Personally I prefer some of the second and third generation hybrids, but
nobody seems too interested in what I like, for some reason...

Hope that helps.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Well actually there's a world of difference between growing orchids in
Kansas, Florida or Italy. As well as growing orchids on a windowsill, under
lights, in a greenhouse or on your patio.

Water quality springs to mind. Ambient humidity, amount of available light
at that latitude, daylength, day/night temperatures. A hobbyist can
influence some of these physical factors but can't control all of them
without additional expense, sometimes considerable additional expense. Also
on a mundane level there is a difference between trade names and product
availability to a consumer in the USA vs the EU for example.

That there are certain areas of the world that some orchids do better than
others is no shocking news. Some Cattleyas grow better in California and
Hawaii than they do in Florida. Most cymbidiums and certain oncidiums don't
grow well in Florida. Even a cursory reading of any orchid related
magazine/journal will have articles by credible authors (Rebecca Northen
comes too mind) on exactly this point. What works in one environment
doesn't necessarily work in another.

As a matter of courtesy people giving adivce should mention where/how they
grow so that the person receiving advice will know how far they have to
change that advice to fit their own growing conditions. Assuming they even
realize that. Which is why I brought it up. Reka (and rgo lurkers) should
remember that she isn't living anywhere near Kansas, or growing in whatever
John Mallery considers to be a 'controlled environment'.

K Barrett

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

Well actually there's a world of difference between growing orchids in
Kansas, Florida or Italy. As well as growing orchids on a windowsill, under
lights, in a greenhouse or on your patio.

Water quality springs to mind. Ambient humidity, amount of available light
at that latitude, daylength, day/night temperatures. A hobbyist can
influence some of these physical factors but can't control all of them
without additional expense, sometimes considerable additional expense. Also
on a mundane level there is a difference between trade names and product
availability to a consumer in the USA vs the EU for example.

That there are certain areas of the world that some orchids do better than
others is no shocking news. Some Cattleyas grow better in California and
Hawaii than they do in Florida. Most cymbidiums and certain oncidiums don't
grow well in Florida. Even a cursory reading of any orchid related
magazine/journal will have articles by credible authors (Rebecca Northen
comes too mind) on exactly this point. What works in one environment
doesn't necessarily work in another.

As a matter of courtesy people giving adivce should mention where/how they
grow so that the person receiving advice will know how far they have to
change that advice to fit their own growing conditions. Assuming they even
realize that. Which is why I brought it up. Reka (and rgo lurkers) should
remember that she isn't living anywhere near Kansas, or growing in whatever
John Mallery considers to be a 'controlled environment'.

K Barrett

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )

That is very true - while visiting Florida I was reminded that it is
extremely difficult (nearly impossible) to grow Vanda's in Kansas -
Ascocenda's we can grow and bloom, but Vanda's prove much more difficult.
Vandas bloom extremely well in Florida - There is a reason the Conservatory
of Flowers in San Francisco specializes in Masdevallias and related genera -
they grow well in that area. When I said controlled environment - I am able
to control temperature to some degree and humidity. I grow in what I call
"extended" windowsill growing as I modified an office into an "internal"
greenhouse - added an 8' tall x 6' wide sliding glass door and a 5' tall x
4' wide window on the west side of the room. I water my plants with rain
water most of the year. Plants get bright often direct light for some part
of the day. I would even go farther to say that people in the same relative
geographic locationoften have different growing conditions. I am able to
grow and bloom some plants that other people in my area have difficulty
with. As far as Laelia pumila is concerned, when I purchased the plant I
read somewhere that it likes to be in a medium that drains well - which is
why I put it in a basket with course bark. I find that I often learn from
threads on this newsgroup even if I don't know peoples growing conditions -
but knowing them certainly helps.

John

"K Barrett" wrote in message
news:O0l4d.4706$He1.390@attbi_s01...
Well actually there's a world of difference between growing orchids in
Kansas, Florida or Italy. As well as growing orchids on a windowsill,
under
lights, in a greenhouse or on your patio.

Water quality springs to mind. Ambient humidity, amount of available
light
at that latitude, daylength, day/night temperatures. A hobbyist can
influence some of these physical factors but can't control all of them
without additional expense, sometimes considerable additional expense.
Also
on a mundane level there is a difference between trade names and product
availability to a consumer in the USA vs the EU for example.

That there are certain areas of the world that some orchids do better than
others is no shocking news. Some Cattleyas grow better in California and
Hawaii than they do in Florida. Most cymbidiums and certain oncidiums
don't
grow well in Florida. Even a cursory reading of any orchid related
magazine/journal will have articles by credible authors (Rebecca Northen
comes too mind) on exactly this point. What works in one environment
doesn't necessarily work in another.

As a matter of courtesy people giving adivce should mention where/how they
grow so that the person receiving advice will know how far they have to
change that advice to fit their own growing conditions. Assuming they
even
realize that. Which is why I brought it up. Reka (and rgo lurkers)
should
remember that she isn't living anywhere near Kansas, or growing in
whatever
John Mallery considers to be a 'controlled environment'.

K Barrett

"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
GARLAND HANSON wrote:

What's the difference in growing orchids indoors in Florida or Italy OR
Kansas?



Completely under lights, or in a windowsill? In the window, there
will be differences. Even under lights there will be a fair amount of
difference. Humidity, ambient temperature, water quality, fertilizer
brands, etc. Across the street in the botany building they have very
expensive growth chambers that regulate all aspects of culture, just to
get some measure of reproducibility for their experiments. I doubt most
home orchid growers have absolute control over all of the factors
involved in plant growth.

All that said, I'd certainly accept advice from somebody growing in
a completely different part of the world from me, and try to integrate
it into my personal experiences. Most things translate, some things
don't. The more you know, the better, but there isn't a book in the
world that substitutes for hands on experience. That is what makes
orchid growing fun.

Orchid growing is more than a little art, and a bit of science. My
grandmother could grow and bloom phalaenopsis in dark corners of north
facing rooms, sitting in saucers of water with never a drop of
fertilizer. Green thumb. I have no other explanation than art -
science says that won't work. My thumb is several shades lighter green
than that, unfortunately.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit
LittlefrogFarm is open - e-mail me for a list )