Search results

Here is the first flowering from my plant out of the cross (labiata (albo-oculata) x dowiana var. aurea ‘Jerry’s Best’) made by Orchids Limited. The flowering lead had a prominent double sheath, typical of labiata. The inflorescence has three flowers, the largest of which has a natural width...

Thanks, Deborah. Unfortunately, my flowers on this cross have never come close to Firmin Lambeau or Kathleen in size or configuration. It also was not a good grower. I decided that I wanted to limit my very tall Cattleyas as well. So, it is gone. I have only one warscewiczii left (a lavender)...

David, I think you know that this is better than the most recent AOS FCC award for a Fritz Schomburg.

There isn’t certainty about most of this. I decided to give up and use some of each of the major approaches - a complete hedge. This is unlikely to be the best approach, but I don’t have 20 years left to experiment!

I agree, Ray. I think the potting media also matters.

I have successfully used the Spider SF600, the longer version of this light, consuming about 72 watts. My Apogee 500 series PAR filtered light intensity meter measures less than noted above by the company because they are probably measuring a broader spectrum of light. But, my measured 270 PPFD...

That one has hit the mark. It will go over 12 cm, it is round and full, the petals are thick, and you are describing a polyploid plant. You only needed one great one out of the batch and you got it.

I think it approaches the ideal coerulea color more in the early morning, non-direct light. In direct sunlight my eyes start seeing more "purple".

I have two nutrient solutions that must be made in 100% tap water to reach a pH of 6.3. Another solution needs 15-20% tap water to reach 5.8. Two other solutions must be in 100% RO to reach 6.4 and 6.0. You have to test your solutions. Most city tap water will raise the pH and perhaps add some...

Leslie, what are its shortcomings as a flower?

It seems to be measuring the correct thing. It doesn’t have to be perfectly accurate to guide you so it may work for you. I wish you could compare it to the Apogee for 15 minutes and you would know.

If a urea based fertilizer is in solution at a pH 6.5 or below how fast does the urea convert to ammonium?

In the pH battleground, there is the thought that pH at the root zone is best if around 5.8, while some information suggests that a pH of about 6.5 is better for direct foliar absorption of urea. I think to get the foliar absorption, the urea needs to be fresh in solution before it breaks down...

What is your water supply and have you monitored the pH of your solutions(s)?

Assume that I have a standard mericlone seedling from an infected plant. Or, even a seedling made using the pollen of an infected plant. The viral load is too low to be detected with commercial kits I can buy (e.g. Agdia). Can it take several years or more before the infection becomes detectable...

So hard to get the genes to align to get 14 cm, round shape, flat, not reflexing, and redder in color. It might take many flasks to come up with one!

And if the urea wars aren't enough, we have the pH wars concerning both the solutions we use and what prevails at the root zone. That brings in differences in potting media and water sources. This multivariable equation is impossible for me to solve. I decided to hedge on everything and am using...

I agree that #12 has a better shape.

Thank you very much. I have read some of your excellent results before.

Now that I know a little bit more about Cattleya flowers I realize that my Arthos has good color and size, but inferior configuration compared to Dinard. It has much more open shape that wouldn't be close to award quality. If it stays this way this year, you would never choose it over Dinard.