Bad Culture

[Leo Schordje]

You know - in the last 2 months I have gone on about the importance of good culture a dozen times or more. I and a couple times I went rattling on about taking your culture up a notch or two. Growing for display, and on and on and on.

Well folks, do as I say, not as I do. I am rather embarrassed.

This is Orchilla 'Chilton' FCC/AOS/RHS a reliable, highly awarded classic. I really screwed this one up. Too dry, then too wet, and not bright enough - it even got stuck under a bench for a couple months. The flower is all wonky and the leaves are pleated. The good news is that if I treat it well, it will straighten out in a couple years. I put myself up as one of the seasoned growers, and yet I let things get away from me. Well, enjoy a little laugh. I do admit to being a mere mortal.

 

[Ross]

Don't feel too bad, Leo. It took me three or four bloomings to get a picture worthy flower from my Tommie Hanes 'Althea'. Even then, it's still not an FCC quality bloom. If your like me, your orchids have become a second job to be tended to after a regular work week. I love taking care of my orchids, but it can get a little overwhelming at times.

 

[Leo Schordje]

Yeah, the orchids are often a second job. I would not feel bad at all except
that yesterday I was making posts talking about kicking your culture skills up a notch. So I just needed to humble myself a bit, and let people know that when I go on about such things, it is as much to encourage myself rather than just pointed toward them.

 

[shakkai]

I really appreciate your ideas about improving presentation and display, improving overall culture, and growing your plants to the best of their potential. I need these kinds of reminders, as I have a relatively 'young' collection and get caught up just in the excitement of seeing a plant bloom for the first time. Your posts remind me that getting a bloom is one thing; but getting a great display is something else entirely.

I posted a little while ago about reducing the number of plants that I grow (yeah, like that's actually going to happen!) or at least reducing the variety of plants that I grow. The main reason for this was so that I could be more specific about providing better culture for the plants that I keep and focus on. I still think that may be the way to go for me, as I think I will end up with a more satisfying result in the end.

Thanks for posting your failures as well as your successes! Both are really helpful to me!

 

[Ray]

Glad to see I'm not alone there!

This "work" crap really interferes with orchids and wine.

 

[NYEric]

Thanx Leo, that's like me posting some ofthe phrags I've overwatered! [Where's the embaressed smiley?]

 

[likespaphs]

...This "work" crap really interferes with orchids and wine.

i couldn't have said it better myself....

 

[goldenrose]

Mere mortal I was expecting A LOT worse as I read your post! I just look at the top 3/4 ths of the pic & it looks mighty fine to me!

..... as I'm waiting for the snow to subside, I'd better go thru the GH with a fine tooth comb!

 

[Corbin]

Gee I kinda glad now that I don't have a greenhouse oke:

 

[Hien]

"BAD CULTURE"
REALLY!
The plant is alive, & it flowers.
I wish my best culture can be as good as your bad one.

 

[Gilda]

"BAD CULTURE"
REALLY!
The plant is alive, & it flowers.
I wish my best culture can be as good as your bad one.

:rollhappy: I love your outlook Hien ! My sentiments exactly !

 

[SlipperFan]

It's always good to acknowledge one's humanity...

 

[paphioboy]

Whoa!! That's some dorsal on a complex... Makes me regret I can't grow complexes here...

 

[Brabantia]

Thanx Leo, that's like me posting some ofthe phrags I've overwatered! [Where's the embaressed smiley?]

Which phrags have you overwatered, we need to know in order to not doing the same mistakes. Many thanks.

 

[goldenrose]

Which phrags have you overwatered, we need to know in order to not doing the same mistakes. Many thanks.

caudatum & lindenii.
If I remember correctly, it's not unusual to find them growing on tree branches, they can take the water but must drain well/quickly.