I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


In the past you would see some sphagnum moss in cymbidium compost

On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


I don't know if you know about "Back bulbs" with Cymbidiums Spider?
http://people.aapt.net.au/aussieorch...backbulbs.html
I first came across them many years ago at Wild Court Orchids where they
had them in a plastic bag mixed in with orchid compost.
David

On 16/02/2014 18:56, David Hill wrote:
On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


In the past you would see some sphagnum moss in cymbidium compost



Yes, I think I've read that somewhere, now that you come to mention it.
There was none in the pot with my Cym., just a tiny bit of raggedy
sponge, which I threw away because I wanted all fresh medium. I'll see
how my new mix performs. If it's a bit dry, I'll have to use some
sphagnum or a bit of natural sponge.

Thank you for the reminder.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

On 16/02/2014 20:29, David Hill wrote:
On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


I don't know if you know about "Back bulbs" with Cymbidiums Spider?
http://people.aapt.net.au/aussieorch...backbulbs.html
I first came across them many years ago at Wild Court Orchids where they
had them in a plastic bag mixed in with orchid compost.
David



Well, I'm aware of back bulbs where they occur and recognise them on my
Cyms, Cambrias and Phals. I even knew they could be used as propagation
material, but the last time I tried it I failed. Oddly enough, I almost
tore a back bulb off one half of my resulting two cyms, but decided to
leave it on the plant. I wish I'd separated it now! That link is
really interesting, so I'm going to print it off and store it in one of
my orchid guides for future use. I have another couple of Cyms waiting
to be potted on, so I'll have a go with one or two of the back bulbs on
those.

Thank you so much for passing that on.
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

"David Hill" wrote

Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


I don't know if you know about "Back bulbs" with Cymbidiums Spider?
http://people.aapt.net.au/aussieorch...backbulbs.html
I first came across them many years ago at Wild Court Orchids where they
had them in a plastic bag mixed in with orchid compost.

Wyld Court Orchids, there's a name from the past, I seem to remember the
growers name was Eddy (?) and he had a stunning Birman cat which prompted us
to go and get two from the same breeder. Next you will tell me you remember
Thatched Lodge Orchids out at Aldermaston (Having to drive past those scary
women camping by the wire was fun, not) and Stonehurst Nursery at Ardingly
near Wakehurst which also did camellias. I still have a Zygopetalum orchid
given to me by the lads at Thatched Lodge.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

"Spider" wrote

I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my fingers
crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm not
expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and other
woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb compost. Not
too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose compost as there's
usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that bulb compost was
generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus some charcoal to keep
it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the well-drained chunky stuff
in the base for drainage, then mixed both composts to suit each orchid. I
shall keep a close eye on them in case it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Depends on the orchid and the way you intend to grow them, mine are all
based on bark chips both large and small and I add other things depending on
the species of orchid.
Phals like a very open compost so straight bark chips is OK although I tend
to add a little live moss which then sometimes grows inside the clear pot
coating the sides, the roots seem to thrive in it.

Bulb fibre with a handful of smaller bark chips seems to be similar to what
McBeans uses for it's Cymbidiums. Do remember they are heavy feeders when in
growth, the best one I ever saw grown (by a non orchid expert) was fed on
the liquid from his worm composter and left on a S. facing patio all summer
until just before the first frost, he always got a stunning display of
flowers.

--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

On 16/02/2014 22:56, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote

I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away.
I'm not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in
case it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Depends on the orchid and the way you intend to grow them, mine are all
It coating the sides, the roots seem to thrive in it.




Thanks, Bob. I like the idea of the moss! Thriving roots mean thriving
orchids:~). I'll have to get some moss and try that with the remainder
of my phals. I don't suppose I can use moss from the garden, can I? If
not, I'll look for sphagnum at the gc.


Bulb fibre with a handful of smaller bark chips seems to be similar to
what McBeans uses for it's Cymbidiums. Do remember they are heavy
feeders when in growth, the best one I ever saw grown (by a non orchid
expert) was fed on the liquid from his worm composter and left on a S.
facing patio all summer until just before the first frost, he always got
a stunning display of flowers.




Yes, I know they're heavy feeders, but my memory lets me down
sometimes:~(. Because I gave my Cyms a good long holiday outside last
year *and* remembered to feed them (dilute tomato food), I had flowers
on mine for the first time since I bought them. I will do that again
this year.
The worm compost liquid sounds like a good (and inexpensive) idea. I
don't suppose you know what dilution was used?


--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

"Spider" wrote ...

Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote

I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away.
I'm not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in
case it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Depends on the orchid and the way you intend to grow them, mine are all
It coating the sides, the roots seem to thrive in it.




Thanks, Bob. I like the idea of the moss! Thriving roots mean thriving
orchids:~). I'll have to get some moss and try that with the remainder of
my phals. I don't suppose I can use moss from the garden, can I? If not,
I'll look for sphagnum at the gc.


Bulb fibre with a handful of smaller bark chips seems to be similar to
what McBeans uses for it's Cymbidiums. Do remember they are heavy
feeders when in growth, the best one I ever saw grown (by a non orchid
expert) was fed on the liquid from his worm composter and left on a S.
facing patio all summer until just before the first frost, he always got
a stunning display of flowers.




Yes, I know they're heavy feeders, but my memory lets me down sometimes:~(.
Because I gave my Cyms a good long holiday outside last year *and*
remembered to feed them (dilute tomato food), I had flowers on mine for the
first time since I bought them. I will do that again this year.
The worm compost liquid sounds like a good (and inexpensive) idea. I don't
suppose you know what dilution was used?


Yes, use live sphagnum moss as sold for hanging baskets, be careful it's not
dead but coloured as I've seen some about. Don't use much just a few bits
mixed in. No I don't remember what dilution he used if I ever knew.
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

"Bob Hobden" wrote

"David Hill" wrote

Spider wrote:
I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?


I don't know if you know about "Back bulbs" with Cymbidiums Spider?
http://people.aapt.net.au/aussieorch...backbulbs.html
I first came across them many years ago at Wild Court Orchids where they
had them in a plastic bag mixed in with orchid compost.

Wyld Court Orchids, there's a name from the past, I seem to remember the
growers name was Eddy (?) and he had a stunning Birman cat which prompted
us to go and get two from the same breeder. Next you will tell me you
remember Thatched Lodge Orchids out at Aldermaston (Having to drive past
those scary women camping by the wire was fun, not) and Stonehurst Nursery
at Ardingly near Wakehurst which also did camellias. I still have a
Zygopetalum orchid given to me by the lads at Thatched Lodge.

Corrections...Thatched Lodge was at Greenham Common in Berkshire and the
grower at Wyld Court was Eddy Young.
Should have asked Sue before I typed!
--
Regards. Bob Hobden.
Posted to this Newsgroup from the W of London, UK

On 17/02/2014 13:19, Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote ...

Bob Hobden wrote:
"Spider" wrote

I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away.
I'm not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in
case it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Depends on the orchid and the way you intend to grow them, mine are all
It coating the sides, the roots seem to thrive in it.




Thanks, Bob. I like the idea of the moss! Thriving roots mean thriving
orchids:~). I'll have to get some moss and try that with the remainder
of my phals. I don't suppose I can use moss from the garden, can I?
If not, I'll look for sphagnum at the gc.


Bulb fibre with a handful of smaller bark chips seems to be similar to
what McBeans uses for it's Cymbidiums. Do remember they are heavy
feeders when in growth, the best one I ever saw grown (by a non orchid
expert) was fed on the liquid from his worm composter and left on a S.
facing patio all summer until just before the first frost, he always got
a stunning display of flowers.




Yes, I know they're heavy feeders, but my memory lets me down
sometimes:~(. Because I gave my Cyms a good long holiday outside last
year *and* remembered to feed them (dilute tomato food), I had flowers
on mine for the first time since I bought them. I will do that again
this year.
The worm compost liquid sounds like a good (and inexpensive) idea. I
don't suppose you know what dilution was used?


Yes, use live sphagnum moss as sold for hanging baskets, be careful it's
not dead but coloured as I've seen some about. Don't use much just a few
bits mixed in. No I don't remember what dilution he used if I ever knew.



Thanks for that, Bob. I'll try live sphagnum then.
--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

On Sun, 16 Feb 2014 18:24:36 +0000, Spider wrote:

I've spent a large part of the day splitting and repotting a huge
Cymbidium, then repotting a number of phaelenopsis. I'm keeping my
fingers crossed that the Cymbidium with settle down and grow away. I'm
not expecting flowers this year, but would like them to survive.

Because the compost I had was rather too chunky with mostly bark and
other woody chippings, I decided to improve it by adding some bulb
compost. Not too much, of course! I didn't want to use multipurpose
compost as there's usually too much feed in it. It seemed to me that
bulb compost was generally well-drained, little or no nutrient, plus
some charcoal to keep it 'sweet'. So, for better or worse, I put the
well-drained chunky stuff in the base for drainage, then mixed both
composts to suit each orchid. I shall keep a close eye on them in case
it is too moist, but I am hopeful.

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

I have mentioned this here before.
I had a huge cymbidium which was bursting its pot and decided to
divide and repot, though it had not flowered for over 15 years.
I eventually divided (cut) it into 5, one bigger than the other 4.
I repotted the big piece for myself and crammed the other 4 into
smaller pots and gave to 4 different friends. All of the 4 are now in
their second flowering, wheeas mine has not flowered at all since. I
can only think that mine I potted into the original pot, with plenty
of room for growth and the others have much less root space.
My daughter leads a busy life and I thought it might die. No, it has a
lovely spike of flowers, and the others I gave away are flowering well
too.
I keep hoping mine will flower. It's very healthy, only gets orchid
food or tomato feed when I think of it, an goes out in the shade in
summer as my friends have done with theirs. I had advice from Simon
Pugh-Jones who runs the highly successful Writhlington School Orchid
Project so I must be doing something right!!!
Oh well, there's always next year!!!

Pam in Bristol

On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Hi Spider
Not experienced enough to comment on the mix - but I do have a question.

Mention was made some time back about phaelenopsis having 'babies' on
old flower spikes. Can't remember the technical term. I think you
advised on what to do to keep them healthy and get new plants from them
- but I can't remember what that was.

I've got two on one plant (different spikes which flowered last year)
and I'm wondering what the best thing to do is maximise their chances at
separation. And how you separate and deal with them then.

There are some photos, taken on my phone back in September, at:
http://1drv.ms/1clRBOq - (which is my skydrive site and safe enough)
-
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=FCE5D041C7145E1E!1468&authkey=!AKKmFRA 3jPURBvM&ithint=folder%2c
if you want the full url

Could you advise please?

--
regards
andy

On 18/02/2014 15:43, News wrote:
On 16/02/2014 18:24, Spider wrote:

What do others use when tinkering with orchid mixes?

Hi Spider
Not experienced enough to comment on the mix - but I do have a question.

Mention was made some time back about phaelenopsis having 'babies' on
old flower spikes. Can't remember the technical term. I think you
advised on what to do to keep them healthy and get new plants from them
- but I can't remember what that was.

I've got two on one plant (different spikes which flowered last year)
and I'm wondering what the best thing to do is maximise their chances at
separation. And how you separate and deal with them then.

There are some photos, taken on my phone back in September, at:
http://1drv.ms/1clRBOq - (which is my skydrive site and safe enough)
-
https://skydrive.live.com/redir?resid=FCE5D041C7145E1E!1468&authkey=!AKKmFRA 3jPURBvM&ithint=folder%2c
if you want the full url

Could you advise please?




Hi Andy,

Before I touch on orchids, may I say that I've just fallen in love with
your cat! Couldn't resist a peek.

Right, orchids:
First of all, that reddish tinge you see in the aerial roots is a sign
of stress, probably drought stress, so it would help to mist them with
tepid water, or you could sit their pots on a tray of moist pebbles. It
is important that the parent orchids aren't sitting in water, so you'll
have to be careful that the pot bases aren't wet.

Wait until the 'Keikis' (keiki, singular) have slightly longer roots,
and perhaps more roots in the smaller one. It would be wise, anyway, to
wait until Spring before potting them up. I found with mine, that I had
to bury all the roots because they were growing close together and would
have snapped if I'd tried to leave an aerial root out of the compost.
If you can plant with an aerial root showing, so much the better,
although my keiki grew away very happily without and subsequently put
out aerial roots. When potting up, make sure you don't plant too
deeply, otherwise the crown of the plant may rot. If the roots are
still fairly short, you may wish to put a ring of canes to support it if
it shows signs of keeling over.

When mine was potted up, I only give it tepid water for the first couple
of months. That's not necessarily the text book approach, but I wanted
to avoid a build of salts with such a tiny plant. Thereafter, use a very
weak feed solution 3 out of 4 waterings, as usual. If you are using a
flower-promoting feed on your parent orchids, it may be a good idea to
switch to a growth-promoting feed for the keikis. After all, you're
building up leaf, stem and root growth for now.

Oh yes, if you can, try and use a clear pot for them. It helps with
root growth *and* allows you to see if the bark mix needs watering, as
well as telling you when you need to pot on.

--
Spider.
On high ground in SE London
gardening on heavy clay

On 18/02/2014 17:53, Spider wrote:


Before I touch on orchids, may I say that I've just fallen in love with
your cat! Couldn't resist a peek.


Whoops. How did he get there? PICNIC error. More carelessness with
the selection process. That said, he does have a habit of getting in
places he shouldn't be.

snip


Oh yes, if you can, try and use a clear pot for them. It helps with
root growth *and* allows you to see if the bark mix needs watering, as
well as telling you when you need to pot on.


That was all fantastic Spider. Very much appreciated. If I manage not
to kill them, I'll keep you updated.

--
regards
andy