I've lurked here for a while (but very spottily lurked), and the group
seems to be quite useful.

That having been said, I do need some help that I haven't been able to
answer by reading books or doing google searches (and all my books are
packed up due to a recent move). I have a series of questions which
I'll try to ask in a logical progression. I know I need to repot
several of my orchids, but I need some help.

1. What's a good source for inexpensive plastic pots of various sizes
for a variety of orchid types (mine are Phal. and two which I really
don't know what they are (I can post pics when I get things sort out))?
Home Depot, Builder's Square, and their ilk haven't had what I've
wanted; those types of stores only have had clay pots or decorative
pots. The key for me currently is price, as I'm unemployed.

2. What's the easiest way to split psuedo-bulb orchids? The two plants
that I haven't ID'd well are psuedo-bulbs and are both WILDLY overgrown
(due to neglect on my part, I'm afraid). Any rule of thumb as to how
many bulbs per pot, how to split, tools to use, steps to take, chemicals
to apply or not apply, when to fertilize after repotting, etc.

3. My phal.'s haven't bloomed in quite some time (several years, in
fact). I repotted two of them , but one is potted in a clay pot (which
I want to change to a plastic pot due to differences in watering
frequency requirements). What are some steps that I can take to aid
flowering? I water and fertilize well (not too much, not too little,
not too frequently, etc), but I have difficulties in controlling
temperatures and lighting.

4. As a part of the last question, I now have had the orchids under
grow lights and the plants themselves appear to be doing better, but
what cycles should I have the timer which controls the on/off light
cylce? That is, when should the grow light turn on and off? How many
hours of light per season, presuming there are differences between
spring, summer, fall, and winter?

5. Suggestions on constructing *CHEAP* humidifying trays? I don't want
to use metal trays, but that's about all I can find which make good
trays. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding inexpensive light
diffuser panels? Home Depot et al. didn't seem to have them when I was
there last. Other stores to consider?

Well, I guess that will have to do for now. I really want to learn more
about proper care for my orchids, but I'm a read-and-then-do type of
person. So any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! And I'll
probably post more questions in time if no one irritated by their
frequency!

Brane,

What city are you in?

Bob

"Brane Dead" wrote in message
...
I've lurked here for a while (but very spottily lurked), and the group
seems to be quite useful.

That having been said, I do need some help that I haven't been able to
answer by reading books or doing google searches (and all my books are
packed up due to a recent move). I have a series of questions which
I'll try to ask in a logical progression. I know I need to repot
several of my orchids, but I need some help.

1. What's a good source for inexpensive plastic pots of various sizes
for a variety of orchid types (mine are Phal. and two which I really
don't know what they are (I can post pics when I get things sort out))?
Home Depot, Builder's Square, and their ilk haven't had what I've
wanted; those types of stores only have had clay pots or decorative
pots. The key for me currently is price, as I'm unemployed.

2. What's the easiest way to split psuedo-bulb orchids? The two plants
that I haven't ID'd well are psuedo-bulbs and are both WILDLY overgrown
(due to neglect on my part, I'm afraid). Any rule of thumb as to how
many bulbs per pot, how to split, tools to use, steps to take, chemicals
to apply or not apply, when to fertilize after repotting, etc.

3. My phal.'s haven't bloomed in quite some time (several years, in
fact). I repotted two of them , but one is potted in a clay pot (which
I want to change to a plastic pot due to differences in watering
frequency requirements). What are some steps that I can take to aid
flowering? I water and fertilize well (not too much, not too little,
not too frequently, etc), but I have difficulties in controlling
temperatures and lighting.

4. As a part of the last question, I now have had the orchids under
grow lights and the plants themselves appear to be doing better, but
what cycles should I have the timer which controls the on/off light
cylce? That is, when should the grow light turn on and off? How many
hours of light per season, presuming there are differences between
spring, summer, fall, and winter?

5. Suggestions on constructing *CHEAP* humidifying trays? I don't want
to use metal trays, but that's about all I can find which make good
trays. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding inexpensive light
diffuser panels? Home Depot et al. didn't seem to have them when I was
there last. Other stores to consider?

Well, I guess that will have to do for now. I really want to learn more
about proper care for my orchids, but I'm a read-and-then-do type of
person. So any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated! And I'll
probably post more questions in time if no one irritated by their
frequency!

In article ,
"Bob Walsh" wrote:
Bob:

Saint Louis MO


Brane,

What city are you in?

Bob

Brane Dead wrote:

1. What's a good source for inexpensive plastic pots of various sizes
for a variety of orchid types (mine are Phal. and two which I really
don't know what they are (I can post pics when I get things sort out))?
Home Depot, Builder's Square, and their ilk haven't had what I've
wanted; those types of stores only have had clay pots or decorative
pots. The key for me currently is price, as I'm unemployed.

Go to your local nursery selling annuals and perennials. They usually
have old pots that they are throwing away. Free for the asking. Or, if
you don't mind washing them, contact me. I'll send you as many old pots
as you want for the cost of shipping. I have zillions.

2. What's the easiest way to split psuedo-bulb orchids? The two plants
that I haven't ID'd well are psuedo-bulbs and are both WILDLY overgrown
(due to neglect on my part, I'm afraid). Any rule of thumb as to how
many bulbs per pot, how to split, tools to use, steps to take, chemicals
to apply or not apply, when to fertilize after repotting, etc.

Divisions of at least three pseudobulbs are probably the minimum for
most plants. I'd go ahead and make the divisions as big as you have
pots for. Bigger divisions do better than smaller ones. I usually
break up plants with my bare hands. Dust any open wounds (yours too!)
with cinnamon. Withhold water for a few days to a week, but I don't
really change my fertilizing habits (I fertilize pretty constantly).

4. As a part of the last question, I now have had the orchids under
grow lights and the plants themselves appear to be doing better, but
what cycles should I have the timer which controls the on/off light
cylce? That is, when should the grow light turn on and off? How many
hours of light per season, presuming there are differences between
spring, summer, fall, and winter?
Depends on how much you want to spend on electricity. 13-15 hours in
the summer, going down to 12-14 hours in the winter. That is what I
used. Also depends on how bright your lights are.


5. Suggestions on constructing *CHEAP* humidifying trays? I don't want
to use metal trays, but that's about all I can find which make good
trays. Does anyone have any suggestions for finding inexpensive light
diffuser panels? Home Depot et al. didn't seem to have them when I was
there last. Other stores to consider?
2x4s... Nail them together in the size you wish. Add a plywood bottom
if you need to (use 3/4" ply for strength). Line with heavy plastic.
Add an inch or so of fine gravel or pea stone if you wish. Instant
humidity tray... You should be able to find the light diffuser panels
in 2x4' rectangles in the ceiling tile part of Home Despot.


--
Rob's Rules: http://littlefrogfarm.com
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 obtain more
orchids, obtain more credit

Brane Dead wrote in news:doomed-
:

psuedo-bulbs

Fellow st. louisan email me at
I don't use plastic so have a few plastic pots you can have.
I have a light set up for phals also you may want to take a look.
the psuedo-bulb orchid I would have to see what it is to help you there.

Grow well and bloom magnificently
dusty

dusty wrote in
:


ARRRGGGHHHH! or is that DOH! bad fingers or bad typing? An R jumped in
where a T should be.