[OGD] Re: P. lueddemanniana
In a message dated 1/14/05 6:05:14 AM, Charles writes: If it is that luedd. var. 'Dark Tiger' I'd be happy to have it ; ) It is. What's so special about 'Dark Tiger?' (I've never seen it in bloom.) I thought I bought mine from you. Did you lose yours? I will save the keiki for you when it is big enough to divide. <> I thought of that. I'm sure I should be able to get it to bloom. <> That's where I have it now, but as someone suggested, the timing was off for this season. Iris Busta the black Lab, CGC, & Kasi, the split-brained odd-eyed white cat; best of adoring friends. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: What's in a Name
In a message dated 1/13/05 11:49:39 AM, Peter writes: I still do think it is time everyone started using names properly, and started checking names before they use them. It is easy to do. Easy for you & me, apparently insurmountable for the average grower. I have much sympathy for your described ordeal. I do the show table list for two orchid clubs every month, and the labels for two annual bonsai shows. You should see the chopped liver I have to decipher. It took me two years of boldface type to teach a very intelligent lady the correct abbreviation for Rodriguezia. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Phalaenopsis lueddemanniana
In a message dated 1/13/05 9:16:15 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Like you, I also grow under lights. When in '94 I changed from fluorescent to HID lights, they all started to bloom. It would seem that insufficient light intensity was my problem. I am not installing HID lights for one lousy Phalaenopsis! ;-( However, I can give it more sun on the sunporch during the summer & keep it there later in the fall. I don't put Phals outside because there is too much danger of rot from the rain. If that doesn't work, I will give it to someone with a greenhouse. I have plenty of orchids that bloom for me. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Phal. leuddemanniana complex
In a message dated 1/13/05 7:49:43 AM, David Janvrin writes: Phal. lueddemanniana and closely-related members of the complex such as pulchra and hieroglyphica require far more light than standard hybrids to bloom well. Rifat Tarik Yararbas writes: <> I was aware of this, but I didn't have exactly the right conditions last year. During the summer, I put my Phals on the unheated sunporch, where normally the hybrids are in danger of getting sunburned, but it sets them up for blooming. I leave them there during September to get their chilling period, then they go back under the lights for the winter (and bloom if all goes well). Last summer was unusually rainy in the Northeast, and September was rather warm, so apparently the P. lueddemanniana did not get exactly the right conditions for blooming. <> It is in my highest light shelf for short plants, right under a two-tube fixture of wide-spectrum lamps. I don't know when the keiki was actually initiated. I will let it alone for now, but try to give it more sun next summer. << Leaves should be a light lime green - nearly chartreuse.>> They are. Thanks for the suggestions. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Phal. lueddemanniana
I have a keiki of P. lueddemanniana. Leaf spread is about 6." It was repotted in November in a 4" pot. Very healthy; it was virus tested last summer. I thought it was going to bloom, but it turns out it is making a keiki. What would cause such despicable behavior? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Mind Boggling Name
In a message dated 1/11/05 6:03:47 AM, Colin Hamilton writes: The mind boggles as to what you suggested that made Julian reject it. The dog's registered name was Cia's Fat Bits (of Aspenwood). Cia was the birth kennel name. Nickname was Bitsy. Without knowing that Fat Bits was the name of a dog, Julian was afraid someone might be offended. Actually, Fat Bits was an old Macintosh name for a program to zoom in on a small section of the screen (in MacPaint). When I registered Bitsy, I got Apple's pemission to use the name. Now that I've explained all this to Julian, one of these days I may register an orchid as Memoria Cia's Fat Bits. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Dendrobium
In case anybody has one (including Australia), that little Home Depot Dendrobium Ted Davis x Snowfire has been registered as Memoria Mister Terrific (a lovely brown tabby). I wanted to name it after our Boston terrier, but Julian misunderstood the name. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Tsunami
In a message dated 1/7/05 4:50:40 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What are the effects of this tsunami on orchids? Has any information been gathered on the ecological effects? I am sure there must be many endangered species that are probably now on the extinction list with this massive habitat loss and the pollution of fresh water by salt water. Well, in the scheme of things, I imagine the fate of our pretty orchids is low on the priority list. As Peter (I think) pointed out, this is a one time occurrence, and will probably have a limited long range effect. Apparently the main devastation was right along the coast. Any orchids or other plants growing inland will probably recolonize. The salt water flooded everything & then receded. The only places it would have a lasting effect would be ponds or other low areas where it was trapped. Since this is a pretty rainy part of the world, I would doubt if there will be much long term effect. I'm sure it will be studied for years, like Krakatoa. The main long term effect for orchid people is the devastation of tourist attractions, hotels, and transportation facilities, which will take years to rebuild. Now Peter will tell me if I'm all wet, as usual. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Macroclinium bicolor
From the Internet Orchid Species Encyclopedia. Macroclinium bicolor (Lindl.) Dodson 1984 Photo courtesy of Noble Bashor. Common Name or Meaning The Two-Colored Macroclinium Flower Size 3/4" [2.5 cm] Chiapas Mx., 2012m elev., Near Las Marvillas, cool to hot growing epiphyte. Found in Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica and El Salvador as well as Colombia as a fan shaped, miniature epiphyte with no or minute ovoid, compressed pseudobulbs that are subtended by 4 to 6, equitant imbricate, oblique, lanceolate to ovate-lanceolate, acute, ancipitous, fleshy, foliaceous bracts, each carrying a single, reddish to green leaf which blooms in the summer on a pendulous, 4" [10 cm] long, many flowered inflorescence. Synonyms *Notylia bicolor Lindl. 1842 You can see Jay Pfahl's picture of it. My plant is much more compact, possibly due to bright light and moderate humidity. Apparently it is a species that tolerates a wide range of conditions. I guess my plant room & back yard remind this particular specimen of Chiapas. Blooms in the summer? One of the interesting things about my growing conditions (indoors winter, outdoors summer) is that many orchids (and some other plants) have no idea when they are supposed to bloom. Some bloom fairly regularly; others bloom a different time every year. Last November I took some plants for the show table when I went to the Rochester meeting. The speaker was indignant because my Den. unicum was in full bloom. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Hey, It Works!
I have been trying to grow Macroclinium bicolor since 1981, up to now without much success. I need to have one, because the flowers, which look like a swarm of purple mosquitos, are a very soothing remedy for the cold & bronchitis season. (For those who are not familiar, it is a mini twig epiphyte in the Oncidium department.) According to my notes, this species likes it cool, but I couldn't grow it at all in my last plant room, which was cooler than the one I have now. Poor water quality may have been a problem. The one I have now was purchased from J & L a little over 3 years ago, collected in Mexico. It is on tree fern. It has been growing well, but I have waited seven lengths and seven breadths, and it still wouldn't bloom. This winter, as it looked healthy & turgid, I banished it to the cool guest room & hung it in the south window. I watered it about twice a week. After about 4 weeks, I put it back under lights, & no sooner did I do that, than it is sporting a couple of inflorescences. Nice to have all this success after 30 years! Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Crosses
In a message dated 1/5/05 6:05:04 AM, Sharon Williams writes: 1.Cymbidium 'lemon ice' x 'gracious' 2.Zygopetalum Titanic 'Grande Parade' X Z. Quorn "Black Sabbath' 3. Phalenopsis Hakalau Queen 'Hawaii' x P. Snow Champion Cym. Lemon Ice (no quotes) = Sweetheart x Enid Haupt. Cym. Gracious = Walu x Lunagrad. The above cross has not been registered. Z. Titanic = John Banks x B.G. White. Z. Quorn = Helen-Ku x Warringal Wonder. Z. Quorn x Titanic = Port Vincent, registered by Adelaide Orchids in 2002. Phal. Hakalau Queen = Hakalau Wonder x Danny Lee. Phal. Snow Champion = Snow Mountain x Hime Shirayuki. The above cross has not been registered. Next? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Jason Fischer, PS
I also use Superthrive. Dunno if it helps, but I don't have any cockroaches. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Phrag. Jason Fischer
In a message dated 1/4/05 6:04:52 AM, Peter and Marie write: Iris, we bought ours in a 2 1/2 inch pot from Orchids Limited a year ago August. No flowers yet, so we're envious, but it's a chunky little plant with three fans, the last of which is an offset. We grow it in about 3000 fc, with constantly wet feet in RO water, Cal-Mag fertilizer and semiannual blood meal and bone meal. Roots look great. We have maybe 40 Phrag plants, in a greenhouse in Tucson (which means that our conditions are distinctly different from yours.) Mine had one fan when I bought it. The new lead only started to develop after it set buds. It is from Eric Young Foundation breeding, for whatever that is worth. I also have an Olaf Gruss which bloomed very nicely in October-December. I don't know from footcandles. During the winter, I grow under Philips high quality full spectrum fluorescent tubes. I feed weekly, summer and winter, rotating among various different fertilizers. During the summer, the Phrags were put out gradually until they were in full sun until first frost warning in October. I do not keep them in standing water, but I water them every day. They are in bark mix (bark, perlite, charcoal, & tree fern, with Soil Moist). When I make up my potting mix, I wash the ingredients thoroughly in a colander to remove the dust. I think the other key to my success is the use of dehumidifier water, which is essentially distilled water. When it isn't frozen, I also get water from a rainbarrel. This past summer, we had a lot of rain, which made most of my plants happy. When it doesn't rain, I schlep the watering can outside with the dehumidifier water for the Masdevallias & Phrags. Everybody else gets tap water from the hose. As you know, my plant room is on the warm side, day 74 to 80, nights 59 to 64. According to the climate records, Central NY has an average of 4 days a year over 90. Yeah, right. 2003 we had 8 days over 90; 2004 we had none. I try to keep the humidity in the plant room around 70%. This seems to be satisfactory. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Lashon Hara
There is a rabbinic tradition that the Temple in Jerusalem was detroyed due to Lashon Hara. Translated means Evil Tongue. It refers mainly to vain arguments, backbiting, gossip, & other verbal nastiness. This group has produced enough Lashon Hara to detroy half the world's temples, churches, synagogues, & mosques. Let's knock it off and talk about orchids. Anyone grow Phrag. Jason Fischer? I bought mine as a baby in a 2 1/2" pot a year ago November. It is in bloom with a flower & a couple of buds. 3.5" of solid arterial dragon's blood. My only complaint is that the stem is over 18" tall. It doesn't fit under lights right now. I put it on a windowsill in the guest room. I'm tickled schlimii pink. I never used to be able to grow Phrags at all. Happy New Year Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Happy New Year
In a message dated 12/29/04 12:41:51 PM, Andy writes: Happy New Year to all who don't take themselves too seriously! Why thank you. Same to you. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Horticultural Therapy
In a message dated 12/28/04 6:04:09 AM, someone famous for stupid remarks writes: Like, if you need it, you find it useless!! Obviously, the spouting of the ignorant. Horticultural therapy is a respected profession, like occupational therapy or physical therapy. In the hands of a trained therapist, it is a useful tool to improve physical, social, or occupational skills. For us hobbyists, of course orchid growing is relaxing & therapeutic, but that is not the same thing as a horticultural therapy program. It is like the difference between exercise and physical therapy. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Horticultural Therapy
In a message dated 12/27/04 6:03:55 AM, Kelvin - Sebastian Chuay Siew Yong writes: Anyone out there can tell me a bit more about Horticulture therapy? I find it kinda intriguing. Horticultural therapy is the use of plants & flowers to improve a person's mental or physical health, social functioning, or employability. It is a branch of occupational therapy, although often more of a type of recreational therapy. Examples: Community gardens in a slum area. A project for the disabled to teach them a marketable skill. Part of a day program for the elderly. A project in a prison to improve the inmates' social functioning and prepare them for employment. Part of a physical therapy program for orthopedic or other rehab patients. For further information go to the American Horticultural Therapy Association. http://www.ahta.org/ I'm sure there are equivalent organizations in Europe. I believe the concept originated in Holland. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Early Hybrids
In a message dated 12/25/04 6:04:07 AM, icones writes: As to the first AOS award to a Cattleya, it was to C. schroederae 'Hercules' AM/AOS on April 29, 1932. This is the first recorded Judging by the AOS and was also the first award. BC Springtide 'Stonehurst Var' AM/AOS was also awarded the same day but listed after the C schroederae. Please note that I am using the old spelling of what is now C schroderae. Thanks to all of you. Happy New Year P. Jason Fischer is about to bloom (pant, drool!) Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Early Hybrids
My cousin asked me to help her with some research (she is a non-computer person). This is probably for Jose. I can't figure out if you can do it with Wildcatt. What was the earliest cross with L. tenebrosa 'Walton Grange?' What was the first AOS award to a Cattleya hybrid? If the answer is in that recent issue of Orchid Digest, shoot both of us. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) orchids@orchidguide.com http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Phal vs Doritis
In a message dated 12/20/04 6:04:07 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Can anyone confirm whether or not Doritis pulcherima has been reclassified as Phalaenopsis pulcherima? There are two Rs. In his recent monograph, Eric Christenson reclassified it as Phal. pulcherrima, & var. buyssoniana as Phal. buyssoniana. A few other species were thrown in, like Phal. decumbens. This is generally accepted as far as I know. The RHS registrar hasn't tackled it yet, because it will cause another huge disruption. My Tolumnia labels aren't all squared away yet. ;-) Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Copepods
In a message dated 12/13/04 6:23:17 PM, Clyde McAllister writes: I thought a copepod was at about the level of a high-end rotifer, several phyla away from the guys whose tails we dip into the cocktail sauce. Copepods are crustaceans. If you look at pictures, you can see the family resemblance to shrimp. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Conco-bellatulum
In a message dated 12/11/04 6:03:52 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: By the way, does anyone have any pictures of the hybrid paph between concolor and bellatulum? I know that there are pictures on the internet, but I want a picture from someone who has made the hybrid from two known clean species of bellatulum and concolor, so that I can compare them with my plant. One of our orchid club members bought a plant that the nursery owner firmly believes to be (and sold as) the hybrid, but the new owner thinks that it is straight bellatulum and doesn't at all look like a hybrid. I have a plant that was tagged and imported very long ago as bellatulum species, but after inspection by Iris and others the conclusion reached was that it was most likely a natural hybrid. There was also a concolor on the show table, and my plant looked very much like a mix of the possible straight species bellatulum and the concolor. First of all, Paph. Conco-bellatulum was registered in 1891 as an artificial hybrid. I don't believe it was ever accused of being anything else. As you said, there are several pictures of various clones on the Web. Recently, a new species from China was published, Paph. wenshanense. So far it has not been officially indicted for being a natural hybrid. However, you can see pictures of it on the Web and draw your own conclusions. Since Charles' plant came from the well-known importer, Jim Rice, I would call it P. wenshanense. Judging from some of the variations you see in Conco-bellatulum, thoretically Jeff's plant could be one, but I doubt it. What sometimes happens with orchids, and also other plants, is that somebody makes a cross of two species and in good faith sells the offspring as a hybrid before they bloom. But actually what could have happened is that the little ovules only got stimulated by the pollen hormones, but not actually pollinated. That is called apomixis. (I'm oversimplifying here for brevity.) The talk going around nowdays is that P. wenshanense is actually the natural hybrid equivalent of Conco-bellatulum, but I don't believe it has been published yet. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Copepods
In a message dated 12/13/04 3:11:14 PM, Julie writes: Why would copepods drive ultras nuts? <(and those copepods that have the ultra-Orthodox in NYC in a tizzy). (Iris) I don't think this will cause any flames. For the curious: As most of you probably know already, shellfish are not kosher. Copepods are very tiny shellfish, some barely visible to the naked eye, some microscopic. I think they are related to those brine shrimp you feed your tropical fish. Copepods were recently discovered in the New York City water supply. They are perfectly harmless, and it would be impractical for the city to try to eliminate them. For mainline Orthodox Jews, they are not an issue, since they represent such a minuscule percentage of the food or water people are likely to ingest. However, for the Chassidim, or ultra-Orthodox Jews, it was quite a shock, since they interpret the copepods as making the water unkosher, or not fit to drink. The problem has been solved by installing water filters. In the Orthodox neighborhoods, the apartment houses have filters; elsewhere, people put filters on their water mains. The kosher restaurants & catering parlors advertise filtered water. The Culligan Man (well-known water treatment company) makes a lot of money. End of crisis. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Sophronitis
In a message dated 12/17/04 12:28:23 PM, Daniel Green writes: What do you all think about the genus Sophronitis now including all the Brazilian Laelias? They ran it up the flagpole, but I haven't seen the other botanists salute it yet. They stuck the Brazilian Laelias in Sophronitis only because they aren't Laelias any more and they had to stick them someplace. They may wind up in their own genus before we're through. Just watch out for Hoffmannseggella. That may be serious. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Daylength
In a message dated 12/13/04 12:21:10 PM, Juli writes: Since I live here (Caracas, Venezuela, Latitude 10º N) I see the days lengthen from January on to June when they start getting shorter come December when it is dark still at more or less 6:00 am and the sun sets around 6:00 pm, twelve hours daylight being the shortest days. Which planet is Venezuela on, or do I have it all wrong? I was under the impression that 12 hour days occur twice a year pretty much all over the globe, at least between the Arctic & Antarctic Circles, at the spring & fall equinoxes. How can a twelve hour day be the shortest? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Den. cruentum
In a message dated 12/15/04 4:56:25 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It has multiple red lobes and a red throat with a heavily-textured center crest having intensely red-colored ridges. The lip looks like it has been carefully decorated using red lipstick. The hinged lip is also of very heavy substance, having a stiff, plastic-like quality. What you have described is very typical of orchids which are bird pollinated. Red color attracts birds, such as hummingbirds. The lips and centers of these orchids have to be very sturdy to withstand being probed by the bird's beak. As far as I know, the cruentum group are cool growing (I can't grow most of them in my warm conditions). Many orchids in cool locations where there is not an abundance of insects have evolved bird pollination. Now the experts will tell me if I am all wet about D. cruentum. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Water Quality
In a message dated 12/13/04 12:18:18 AM, Sharon Williams writes: Would putting the water through a Brita type filter remove enough of the acid? Short of melting snow or buying water (would much rather put the $ into plants!), this is my best source for 'pure' water. Perhaps my tap water left to sit would be the best alternative, even though it is very hard and the ph needs to be lowered. The household water filters like Brita remove particles, such as dust, pollen, and bacteria (and those copepods that have the ultra-Orthodox in NYC in a tizzy). As far as I know, they do not remove dissolved salts or chemicals. Letting your tapwater sit might improve the pH, due to dissolved air, but it will not remove any dissolved salts. Do you or any of your friends have a dehumidifier in the basement? That is the cheapest & easiest source of essentially distilled water. If you live in a private house, install a rainbarrel and store the water during the warmer months. When you absolutely have to use tap water, run it as hot as possible & fill up a bucket with hot water, then let it cool. Calcium dissolves better in cold water, so hot water will have less of it. That's why you get boiler scale in your teakettle. Iris I am not fat. I need repotting. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Topics
Actually, I found the quotations from Kant, Freud, and Proust very entertaining. Lighten up. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Gods & Goddesses
In a message dated 12/15/04 11:36:25 AM, Marianne writes: Ok... lets have it once and for all: what about Goddess? According to the great Medieval philosopher Maimonides, G-d is neither male nor female, since He has no corporeal form. We use the masculine gender simply as a grammatical convenience. End of problem. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Salep
In a message dated 12/15/04 6:04:29 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: .I am sure that Saul had some salep on his way to that road in Damascus Is that what did it - a food reaction? ;-) Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Biblical Interpretation
In a message dated 12/13/04 3:11:14 PM, Marianne writes: The Old Testament was never meant to be taken literally. I wouldn't say that. Parts of it were, at least at the time it was written. Jumping to conclusions either way can lead to gross misinterpretation. Back to orchids, please. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: White vs. White
I don't see why there is so much confusion over the term alba. Right now we are talking about cultivated orchids being registered for shows or entered for judging, or just being properly labeled in your collection. An "alba" orchid is a usually pink or purple one in which the anthocyanin pigment is entirely lacking. There is a defective gene somewhere along the pathway from sugar to pigment, so one of the necessary enzymes is missing. In Cattleyas, the result is a pure white flower. It may have some green in the petals if it is descended from C. bicolor or C. tigrina (leopoldii). It may have some yellow in the lip, but if there is no pink, purple, or red it is called alba. In the case of Paphs., like the popular Maudiae type, there may be quite a bit of green patterning in the flower, but it is otherwise colorless. In other orchid groups, if the flower lacks anthocyanin but has a lot of yellow or brown, it usually gets a different name. I could be mistaken, but my understanding of the term albescens is a white which is not pure, but tinged with a tiny bit of pink or lavender. As a rule, you can't get a pure white by breeding two albescens, although some breeders try to sell the offspring as alba. The genetics are different. As far as I know, the term semi-alba is purely a horticultural term. I have never seen it in relation to botanical descriptions. In orchids, usually Cattleyas, it refers to a flower which is pure white except for the lip, which may be all purple or just have a spot of purple. The genetics are more complicated. Originally it was the result of breeding C. dowiana to a purple (I think warscewiczii), although I have seen it as a result of crossing a yellow with a purple Laelia. Breeders have been trying to produce a semi-alba minicatt. Pot. Heavenly Jewel didn't quite make it. My Sc. Mini Collins is lovely, but the petals are brushed pink, with chips from C. Kittiwake. In many plant groups, a true two-tone flower has dotted or striped foliage. I have seen this on some Cattleyas. There again, you see a lot of tinged "semi-albas" and I'm pretty sure breeding them will give you more of the same. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: More Alba
In a message dated 12/6/04 3:21:34 PM, Andy writes: For example, crossing the alba Brassavola digbyana 'Mrs. Chase' with either C labiata var. alba or C leopoldii var alba gives a pale pink offspring in both lots of seedlings. The same thing happened when they tried to make alba Lc. Mini Purple. They came out pink. Blue works fine. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Alba
In a message dated 12/6/04 3:21:34 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: For example, would the AOS classify a plant as an albus if the flower is entirely white and the leaves have red in them? Yes. But is it an albus? No, it is likely just a washed out flower with inferior coloring. Any orchid judge worth his salt would be able to tell the difference. One of our club members yesterday brought in something that was sold as Phal. violacea alba. I took one look at the faint lavender tinge on the petals & said, "Sorry, this is not an alba. It is what they call albescens." There are some C. walkeriana seedlings which are being sold as semi-alba. Mine hasn't bloomed yet, but judging from pictures I've seen, I will not be surprised if they are tinged. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Cyrtochilum meirax
Mr. & Mrs. Betancourt & the rest of you nice folks must have provided my plant with some cyber-inspiration. It suddenly started growing. And I didn't even use a chain-link fence. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Inheritance
I noticed something curious about the influence of C. bicolor. In Pot. Memoria Shirley Moore (Blc. Crowfield x Sc. Beaufort), the fact that C. bicolor is one grandparent jumps out & screams at you, although so far the growth is unifoliate. On the other hand, in Hawkinsara Koolau Sunset (Slc. Mae Hawkins x Ctna. Keith Roth), again with C. bicolor as one grandparent, its influence is far more subtle, although plant habit is bifoliate. I don't know if any of the above progenitors are 4n. Anyone care to comment? This is a good example of why Ben Berliner (z"l) always cautioned against using percentages. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Phrag Articles
In a message dated 11/29/04 7:27:03 AM, David writes: Some readers may be interested to know that the previous (Oct-Nov 2004) and next (Dec '04 - Jan '05) editions of the "Australian Orchid Review" feature English versions of Guido's Phragmipedium articles, with photographs. This includes all the taxonomy. How do I get hold of them? Thanks, Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Stanhopea x Coryanthes
In a message dated 11/28/04 9:19:01 PM, Julie writes: Stanhopea x Coryanthes What is the genus for this plant? Has someone grown this cross? It's called Coryhopea. Several have been registered. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Brassavola & C. walkeriana
In a message dated 11/28/04 7:28:01 AM, Charles writes: I don't think you have an irrigation system in your basement or a cool draft at night. Actually, i do have a draft at night. We open a window in a nearby room & blow air toward the plant room with a fan. However, it does not lower the temperature very much. But from your description, a little more chilling might help. When I tried giving Brassavola a long cool rest in the guest room, it almost died. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Kulchur Kweschuns
In a message dated 11/28/04 7:28:01 AM, Mr. & Mrs. Betancourt write: For the Cyrtochilum meirax I think you can try to use some complex B Vitamins diluted in water and put once a week, and search under the moss to see what happens with the roots. I use Superthrive every week, which contains B vitamins. I will try using a stronger concentration for now. So far nothing is happening with the roots. <> Well, here in Central New York we have rocks at near sea level. ;-) I had it in the sun last summer, but next year I will look for a sunnier spot. <> My lights are on 18 hours. I can't do more because it causes problems with cattleyas. Thanks, Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Re: Brassavola
In a message dated 11/28/04 7:28:01 AM, Cody writes: 3 weeks isn't enough time. I've given mine about 1.5 - 2 months and is JUST starting to show the spikes. Thanks. I'll try that next growing cycle. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Kulchur Kweschuns
As previously mentioned, I was given a small piece of Cyrtochilum meirax about six weeks ago. Not having a California chain-link fence or a Peruvian tree handy, I mounted it on a piece of tree fern with some sphagnum moss & hung it under the lights. It gets dunked every day and fed once a week. It lost one leaf. Since then it sits there & nothing has happened. It is not dying and not growing. What can I do to jump-start it? I have a seedling of two awarded B. nodosa which I bought 2 1/2 years ago. It is mounted on tree fern, spends summers outdoors in the sun, winters under the lights. Watering & feeding as above. It is absolutely healthy but hasn't bloomed. I tried a dry rest for three weeks but nothing is happening. How do I get it to bloom? A jungle-collected dog used to bloom for me. I have a C. walkeriana which is OK but not very happy. Should I mount it on cork? I have an Slc. Mile High Magic (Pink Doll x Bright Angel) which is definitely unhappy. I assume my plant room is too warm. I could put it in the unheated guest room (south window), where I keep Neof. falcata for the winter, but right now it will only get 8 hours of daylight. How do I get Pths. wagneri and Macroclinium bicolor to bloom? My Sigmatostalix guatemalensis blooms regularly. Right now it is putting out three new inflorescences. I recently noticed it is putting out another stem from the same pseudobulb, but this one apparently has a keiki on the end. Is this allowed? An observation: Onc. Twinkle (cheirophorum x ornithorhynchum) was registered in 1958, but took 40 years before it became popular & got awarded. That has happened to other orchids, like C. percivaliana 'Summit.' In this case it may be one of those which is better suited to windowsills & under lights than a greenhouse. My 'Red Fantasy' is a weed and produced 288 flowers last May. I'd like to see it crossed with something that has large flowers, but apparently it only breeds with its own section. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Carter & Holmes Orchids
My Final Touch 'Mendenhall' does not look exactly like the picture in their online catalogue. On mine, the color is less red, and the petals are shaped more like Hazel Boyd.. The lip is different. On mine it is closed over the column. Variations like this are to be expected when you produce thousands of mericlones, and when you compare plants grown under lights with plants grown in a greenhouse. Memoria Shirley Moore is a little different also. Their photo shows more of an isthmus lip. Mine has a definite spade lip, with the front lobe completely separate from the sides. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Another Interesting Cattleya
I am also enjoying Pot. Memoria Shirley Moore 'Newberry' (Blc. Crowfield x Sc. Beaufort). This is a Christmas colored orchid, green as a Granny Smith apple with a dark red spade lip (it's 1/4 C. bicolor). It is essentially a dwarf Crowfield for growing under lights. Does anyone know why this cross has never been awarded? What's not to like (unless it outgrows my light setup)? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Art Shades
I think this may have gotten lost in the recent hiccup. Forgive me if it appears twice. If anyone is gaga over art shade cattleyas, check out Slc. Final Touch 'Mendenhall', AM/AOS (California Apricot x Lc. Drumbeat). Carter & Holmes may still have it for sale. When you cross a yellow cattleya with a lavender one, you usually get yellow or a reddish purple. Starting with C. Barbara Kirch (Gur. aurantiaca x bowringiana), sometimes you get lucky and the colors combine the way you want. Sometimes it takes two generations. I believe you only get a few art shade plants in a litter. There are some yellow Final Touch clones in the trade. My 'Lemon Chiffon hasn't bloomed yet. 'Mendenhall' is not a mini-catt. It is what they call compact. Plant habit and flower size & form are very much like its half-sibling Hazel Boyd. The three awarded Final Touch are all what the judges called peach. I suspect color varies with light, temperature, and the age of the flower. Mine is a tawny apricot-peach, with some other fruits thrown in. Basically, the sepals & petals are solid yellow, completely overlaid with solid light lavender. The lip is orange-yellow and ruffled. The bottom half is very dark red. Deep in the throat are the red lines which tell you there is C. dowiana in the background. I'm really enjoying it. Iris A tree never hits an automobile except in self defense. - Woody Allen ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
[OGD] Hawkinsara
I am enjoying my Hksa. Koolau Sunset 'Hawaii', AM/AOS. This morning I noticed that the peduncle has two nodes with little bracts, similar to a Phalaenopsis. I didn't peek under the bracts. I was wondering: when the flowers are finished, what will happen if I cut the stem above the nodes? Will I get more flowers? If I apply keiki paste to a node, will I get a keiki? The plant is healthy and will be growing under 18 hours of fluorescent light from now to May. Would it be better for the health of the plant to cut off the whole inflorescence and let it make a new lead? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Mass Produced Paphs
It is being done, presumably with seedlings. I was in Target, & along with other orchids, & the doomed junipers with glued-on rocks (we call them mallsai), there were some Paph. sukhakulii hybrids for sale (I think they were $20 or $30). The plants were from Nurserymen's Exchange. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Silica
Somebody resurrected this: In a message dated Sun, 17 Nov 2002, Stephen Kemp wrote: > Does anyone know of the possible benefits of silica in plant nutrition? Its > benefits are that they strengthen cell walls thus providing better stem > strength and leaf texture, additional protection > > from insects (because of the stronger cell walls?), resistance to > > fungus. > However it is a common nutrient in hydroponics (Superthrive?) > Superthrive does not contain silica. It contains Vitamin B1 and various plant hormones. The most common commercially available source of silica is Dynagro Pro-TeKt, which is potassium silicate. The bottle advocates using it at every watering, but I use it about once a month. Shake the bottle before pouring. The most notable results I've seen are that orchid flowers last longer, and my bonsai maples do not get leaf scorch during the summer. I do not have a lot of trouble with insects or fungus, but that could be due to other practices. I think it helps Cattleyas with weak pedicels. There are a few plants which definitely do not like it, but I have not noticed any sensitivity in mature orchids. One grower told me it burns orchid flowers if you spray it. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Spica et al
> On the other side, you have Bamboo Baby, which has leuddemanniana through > Phal. Spica, again I don't think that was a pulchra used to make Spica, but > that was a bit before my time. > The yellow Phals which are listed as offspring of Phal. Spica were actually bred from Phal. Yardstick, which is fasciata x hieroglyphica. Julian Shaw is trying to correct the old Phalaenopsis names, & he promised me that he would resurrect Phal. Yardstick. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Wildcatt
I finally got it all straightened out. I was told to quit and reopen Windows, but I accidentally uninstalled it & had to reinstall it. Then we reinstalled Wildcatt. Then I found out the AQ part of Wildcatt is case sensitive, & you have to capitalize the names. But it is now (as of today at least) up and running, and it really works on my iMac. When you first install Windows and Wildcatt, they are terribly slow to get going, but after that, if you close them properly and save correctly, they start up fine and Wildcatt runs at a decent speed. As I may have mentioned, you can have Wildcatt running on part of the screen, and switch back and forth to your Mac programs without any trouble. If you're careful, you can even be online at the same time. We are running under Panther and Virtual PC 6. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Bush Snails
In a message dated 11/9/04 9:43:35 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Can anyone advise if there's a product available in liquid form to combat > Snails they are small snails in potting mix i suspect they are the one's > eating some of my flowers and Roots as i have been spraying for everything else > but don't seem to get rid of these little things. > I live in Sydney Australia > You have bush snails. They will eat the roots but that is probably not what is eating your flowers. Look for thrips or slugs. The only thing that will reliably kill bush snails is Mesurol. I don't know if it is sold in Australia. Ask in your nearest garden center or get hold of a certified pesticide applicator. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Phickle Phrags
The problem of P. ecuadorense seems to have been compounded. Unsuspectingly, I bought a Phrag labeled Olaf Gruss. It is very nice, now in bloom, & seems very suited to my present conditions (I use dehumidifier or rain water all winter). However, in the meantime the taxonomists decided that ecuadorense is only a variety of P. pearcei & not a separate species. Therefore, due to the rule of priority, Julian Shaw informed me that P. pearcei x besseae = Ecua-Bess, and P. Olaf Gruss is a synonym. However, I recently noticed that on the RHS Web site, Ecua-Bess is still listed as pearcei x ecuadorense. I asked Julian why he didn't change it. He just told me that they now think ecuadorense and/or pearcei are actually natural hybrids, so the whole thing is up in the air. Anybody know any more about this? To make matters worse, someone recently gave me a "true" Ecua-Bess. I'm waiting for it to bloom, but I've been told there is no significant difference between them. Lindley had it all wrong. The taxonomists drive the orchid growers crazy. (I know they don't mean to; it's the fallout.) Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Cyrtochilum meirax
Thank you to all who responded. I gather the best way to grow this species is on a chain link fence in Santa Barbara, or climbing on a tree in Peru. Failing these, I mounted it on a piece of tree fern with a bit of sphagnum moss. I hope my plant room is not too warm. I investigated putting in a ventilator on a thermostat, but I have to invest in a new sliding glass door instead. Apparently it would have liked our last summer, but the one before that might have killed it. If we have a hot dry summer, I will keep it indoors with my Onc. crista-galli. Iris I am not fat. I need repotting. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Cyrtochilum meirax
I asked about culture of Cyr. (nee Onc.) meirax, & drew a blank. There is practically nothing on the Web. Can somebody point me to where I could find some information, especially about mounting? It looks as though it should be mounted. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Security
In a message dated 10/22/04 7:53:57 AM, Chris Brevoort writes: > What the hell are they doing in this case that could possibly be stretched > into a threat to US national security??? > Didn't you know? George Norris is Osama Bin Laden in disguise, and Manuel Arrias is an alias for Mullah Omar. We could get four more years of this. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: George Norris
Regardless of how you feel about Fish & Wildlife's use of the taxpayer's money and the questionable benefits of CITES, I must agree with Andy about the possible fallout. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Cyrtochilum meirax
I innocently accepted the gift of a tiny Onc. meirax, only to find it is now a Cyrtochilum. Should I mount it, and on what? The Web said to grow it like a Brassia, whatever that means. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: The Accountants
In a message dated 10/17/04 2:18:10 AM, Shirlee McDaniels writes: > WHO is the accountant that was fired??? > I don't know their name. What is more correct, apparently, the firm resigned from working for AOS because they said they want to concentrate on large commercial accounts, and another firm was hired. However, when an organization is being mismanaged, it is very convenient to blame the accountants. And when certain readers of this list have nothing substantive to contribute, it is very convenient to attack others. ;-) Iris I am not fat. I need repotting. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Threatened Eruption
In a message dated 10/15/04 8:31:44 AM, Marianne writes: > Where? What was this? > Sorry I left out the antecedents. I thought everyone was following the mess at AOS, especially the futile attempt to submit an alternate slate for the members to vote on. The big complaints essentially are financial mismanagement, inappropriate use of members' funds to support an elaborate headquarters which most of them will never see, AOS support of large commercial nursery interests rather than the average member, lack of democratic processes, "dumbing down" the magazine to appeal to beginners and ignoring sophisticated growers, excessive advertising and commercialization, and giving low priorities to education and conservation (the culture sheets are a disgrace). According to my cousin, who is on one of the committees, nothing really dramatic happened at the Trustees' Meeting, except that they fired the accounting firm. However, the rumblings were loud enough to be heard by the administration, and some changes may occur. Iris "When you come to a fork in the road, take it." Yogi Berra ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Report From Denver
According to my cousin, who was there, nothing really dramatic happened. However, so many members are threatening to resign, and so many people refused to vote, that the administration at least sat up and read the writing on the wall. The main thing they did was fire the accountant. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: New Genus
In a message dated 10/14/04 7:50:47 AM, Margaret writes: > Could anyone tell me if the union of Angraecum and Jumellea has been named? > Apparently not, but if you have such a plant, even if it hasn't been registered, Julian Shaw will come up with a name if you ask him. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Pollination of Entomophobia
In a message dated 10/9/04 6:46:19 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I have now seen a considerable number of these plants in Central Sulawesi, > where it is fairly common and quite widespread. I have never seen capsules on > the inflorescences. > My hypothesis is: E. kinabaluensis is a Sulawesi species, and that a > pollinator exists for this species in Sulawesi. An outrider population consisting of > an autogamous form of the species has established itself on Mount Kinabalu. > <> How utterly fascinating! Ask a simple question & you get more than you bargained for. Is this the explanation for the cleistogamous forms of C. aurantiaca? And how do you explain the very annoying behavior of the genus Viola, which produces pretty flowers when it is too cold to enjoy them, & silly green balls all summer? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Aa Choo
In a message dated 10/8/04 7:50:48 PM, Viateur writes: > Iris, you wrote : "the (obsolete) genus Aa" ? Could you explain? > You have renamed the genus? > Moi? I am not a taxonomist. Somebody once accused me of being a botanist, but they couldn't make it stick. At the time I read about Aa, maybe 20 years ago, it had been folded back into Altensteinia. However, according to Wesley Higgins, it is presently a live separate genus. So you can always find it where it was intended to be, first in every list of orchid genera. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Entomophobia
In a message dated 10/8/04 9:49:10 AM, Peter O'Byrne writes: > The pollinator is unknown. > Who said it has one? I gather from the original description that it is self-pollinating. <> Should I have asked? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Color Question
Is C. walkeriana alba a cc white or an rr white? Thanks, Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Entomophobia
In a message dated 10/7/04 10:43:32 PM, Bert van Zuylen writes: > could you please tell where you find information about such a genus. I've > never heard about it. Entomophobia is the fear of insects. > I noticed it in the RHS list of Orchid genera & their abbreviations. It is found in a number of sources on the Web. A member of the botany newsgroup told me it got the name because the flowers have several insect barriers & are self pollinated. Taxonomists enjoy a good joke like everyone else, & there are a number of orchids with funny names, starting with the (obsolete) genus Aa. Iris "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Cattleya
I know there are thousands of white Cattleyas. I have a nice compact Cattleya in bloom, not spectacular but looks like an improvement over both parents. It is on the market. C. Angelwalker x Hawaiian Wedding Song. It was registered two months ago with the unpronounceable name Natsukoyuki. Fragrant of course. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] There Must Be A Story
Does anyone know why there is an orchid genus named Entomophobia? ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Natural Habitat
In a message dated 10/6/04 2:24:04 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Humans are special in that we constantly try to change our habitat. > Not a unique human trait. Ask any dog who rolls up the nearest rug to make a pillow, since there is not a pile of leaves in the house. Even plants work on changing their habitat. Look at the rushes & black walnut with their allelopathy. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Definition of a Species
In a message dated 10/5/04 4:22:37 AM, Greig Russell writes: > My major problem arises because I cannot see that many of the plants that > we grow and call "species" could be placed back into their "natural habitat" > and still function; and if they cannot do that, then they are not part of a > species. > And if you couldn't put a purebred Pekingese back into the wild and have it function, does that make it not a member of Canis familiaris? The whole point of reality TV, like "Survival," is that most of us effetely line-bred humans could not function very well in the wild. I don't know about you, but last time I looked, I was still a card-carrying member of Homo sapiens sapiens, regardless of my "natural habitat" survival skills. The same is true of plants. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Hallucinogenic Orchids
In a message dated 10/4/04 6:47:48 AM, Viateur writes: > You wrote : "I thought that orchids had disappointingly limited general > medicinal properties." > There are quite a few studies on the presumed or real medicinal properties > of orchids. > Many orchids are hallucinogenic. The larger the flowers, the stronger the drug. They all can produce the delusion that you have a large amount of money and an enormous greenhouse. ;-) Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Species vs Hybrids
In a message dated 10/3/04 6:15:17 AM, Roy writes: > The genuine plant from the wild is one of the worst flowers you could see > for an Odont whereas the clones of today have the equal or better shape than > some of the best hybrids. > This of course is done by selective breeding over a long period of time. > As suggested by many, ' we are improving on nature rather than wait for > nature to do it.' I always ask how far we can go before we have actually created > a hybrid? > I don't know why this question comes up periodically. The answer is obvious. People have been breeding dogs for 10,000 years. A Boston terrier does not look much like a Saint Bernard or a borzoi, but they are still the same pure species. The catch with orchids is that there are ostensibly pure line-bred Odm. crispums or V. coeruleas which actually contain some genetic material from other species. They are introgressed, if not actually hybrids. The only way to be absolutely sure is through DNA analysis. But once & for all, if you line-breed a pure species for a thousand years, you still have a species, not a hybrid, no matter what it looks like. Iris Gardening Rule: When weeding, the best way to make sure you are removing a weed and not a valuable plant is to pull on it. If it comes out of the ground easily, it is a valuable plant. ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Phalaenopsis Red Deligh
Sorry, our iMac is a he orchid show, and on our old lapop, one of he keys is broken. Somebody ried o ener a beauiful dk pink Phal labeled Red Deligh, which is apparenly one of hose mericlones being sold under a specious name. Didn' ge an answer from erry Glancy. Anybody know he correc name? hanks, Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Foggy Windows
You can't say this is really off-topic, because it's to help me with Wildcatt. When I first got Wildcatt and Windows, it took up about a quarter of the 17-inch screen. Then I did something that made it bigger. It takes up almost the whole screen. I would like to make it smaller for working side-by-side, but I can't figure out how. Can somebody help? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Wildcatt
In a message dated 9/26/04 7:57:54 AM, Dr. Neptune writes: > I don't think you are doing anything wrong. > I got an e-mail from Helga Gray explaining what to put in the Genus field. <> We were going to get Wildcatt and Panther anyway (Mac OS X version 10.3), so the cost of Virtual PC 6 and Windows XP was much less than a cheap laptop. Besides, all my orchid records and the club's show software are in FileMaker Pro on the iMac, not to mention AOL, which gets me to the RHS site, MBG: W3Tropicos and IPNI. What we call a real mechayah (transl. an enlivening experience). Apparently, the speed of Windows in Panther is far superior to earlier Mac OS versions. It's still a little slow, and you don't always see the little hourglass, so you don't know what is going on. Sometimes you see a note on the bottom, "Please be patient; your computer is thinking." Being familiar with the paper versions of Sanders and AQ, I am well aware that Wildcatt is wading through an enormous amount of data. I still wish Wildcatt were available in a Mac version, but this works for me. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Wildcatt Question
As I wrote previously, I am very happy with Wildcatt & the way it multitasks with Mac programs, even while I am on line. (I did get a low memory message once & had to log off.) However, I have one problem I can't figure out. Frequently, when I query the AQ department, I get a blank response -- no awards. If I am pretty sure the plant has been awarded, I have to go to the genealogy department. There, if the cross has ever been awarded (by AOS), you get an announcement: Awarded Plant, click here for details. Then I can access the award record. Can anyone tell me what I am doing wrong? Do I have to spell out the genus in the genus field? I thought Wildcatt uses abbreviations. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] ID Crisis
I wasn't there, but I assume it's a phalaenopsis type: somebody put a Dendrobium on the show table labeled BF 727. Anybody know the correct name? Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Report on Wildcatt
Well, my husband moaned & groaned with severe labor pains, but he managed to install System 10.3, Virtual PC with Windows XP, and Wildcatt in about two days. Windows in kinda slow, especially getting started, but not that bad. It doesn't have regular product registration; you have to "activate" it. I couldn't activate it on the Internet because my AOL goes through the Mac, so I had to do it by phone. They give you this very advanced digit span test. You have to read off 45 numbers to a female computer. Then she dictates 45 more numbers and you have to write them down as fast as you can She will repeat them for you, but jeez Louise. I guess if you have a learning disability, you can't own Windows. Wildcatt took a little getting used to. The manual doesn't say much. If you get an error message for not typing in the right field or something, it is in an exotic foreign language other than plain English. I still prefer the RHS for plain registration & parent searches, but Wildcatt does a lot of other fancy things I haven't mastered yet. That person who was looking for Indian names could search for all the hybrids registered by WW Wilson, no sweat. If I have a phone line, I can have AOL, Wildcatt, and a FileMaker Pro for the Mac database all open at the same time, and multitask happily between them. Iris "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Typos and Other Errors
In a message dated 9/20/04 6:19:15 AM, Michael writes: > Furthermore, for this to work there can be no surprises, if a > word is unexpected it will be alomost (was that a typo or on purpose?) > indecipherable. > Who would of thought my area of study would be relevant here. > True. Your last sentence is perfectly understandable, since the error of substituting "would of" for the correct "would have" is quite common, hence not surprising. I won't get into the issue of run-on sentences, because I don't know where you live. Back to ochrids. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Mesurol for Bush Snails
In a message dated 9/18/04 10:08:01 PM, Marianne writes: > I found this in a German shop, and the instruction manual is in German ... > and I understand extremely little of what is written there. So: can anyone > provide me with dosing info and what precautions I > should take? Are they suitable for use indoors? > The Mesurol I have is a white powder. I trust yours is the same. I received a small amount of it third hand with the instructions hand written on the top of the container. It says 2 tablespoons per gallon (of water). If you are of the metric persuasion, there is a Web site for translating that into furlongs per fortnight. As far as I know, that concentration works without hurting the plants. Since there are no volatile carriers involved and you are drenching the soil, not spraying, there are no extraordinary precautions involved. Just don't stick your nose too near the powder, & don't mix it in a food container. Since I usually notice the little monsters in the winter under lights, I use it indoors with no problems. I would keep a treated plant away from pets & small children. The usual. For further information, I would go to the Mesurol Web site (which I gave you or do a search on the name). Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Sight Reading vs Phonics
In a message dated 9/18/04 7:33:34 AM, Charlie writes: > Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but > the wrod as a wlohe. Amzanig huh?? > Depends on the language. Does not work in Hebrew, as far as I know. I have great difficulty reading Hebrew because I am a sight-reader. Then there's that famous poem, which I don't remember the rest of: I halve a little spell check, it came with my pea see. Oh, the glories of the English language! Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: The Typographic Error
In a message dated 9/16/04 7:59:43 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Iris: > You wrote "WW Wilson named dozens of Paphs after Indian nations or clans. > If you go to the IRS site and look for Paphs, you can find them" > The Typographic Error Anonymous The typographic error is a slippery thing and sly. You can hunt till you are dizzy, But it somehow will get by. Till the forms are off the presses, It is strange how still it keeps; It shrinks down in a corner And it never stirs or peeps. The typographic error, Too small for human eyes, Till the ink is on the paper, When it grows to mountain size. The boss, he stares with horror, Then he grabs his hair and groans; The copy reader drops his head Upon his hands and moans. The remainder of the issue May be clean as clean can be, But that typographic error Is the olny thing you see. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Bush Snails
In a message dated 9/16/04 7:59:43 AM, Julie writes: > what are bush snails? I have no time to look at 78,100 entries (besides I > am > too lazy) > if you give the Latin cognomen I will look it up. > Zonitoides arboreus It also has names in various languages which cannot be posted in a family newsgroup. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Mesurol
In a message dated 9/16/04 7:59:43 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Someone just told me that it should still be available through > horticultural/agricultural outlets, and that the powder form works best - > Go here for info about Mesurol in the US. http://www.gowanco.com/products/Mesurol75w.htm Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Bush Snails
In a message dated 9/15/04 8:01:36 AM, Marianne writes: > I will repot all the suspected plants in new media, and soak my plants bare > root in insecticide > I don't know of any insecticide that kills snails. You need a molluscicide. Also, you need to make sure that the potting medium you are using is not the source of the infestation. Try the diet soda, like Jolt, on a couple of plants first, to see if it works. <> Is there any evidence that Escar-Go or any other bait pellets beside Mesurol work on bush snails? <> Careful. Some orchids resent frequent repotting. Sorry to discourage you. I have been fighting bush snails for years. I think they occur outdoors here. (Lately I only find them in group bonsai plantings, rarely in orchids, thanks to Mesurol.) Iris "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Native American Names
In a message dated 9/14/04 8:05:39 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Chadwick & Son Orchids Inc. in Powhatan County, has named orchids after > Indian tribes. Could you provide the names? > I don't know about them, but WW Wilson named dozens of Paphs after Indian nations or clans. If you go to the IRS site and look for Paphs, you can find them all. They don't have a way of doing a search on the registrant's name. Maybe Julian can help you. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Bush Snails
In a message dated 9/14/04 2:09:19 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I just found colonies of bush snails in my new plants. > <> In a word, no. You need a molluscicide, not an insecticide. The only thing I have ever found effective for bush snails is Mesurol, which I believe is off the market, at least in New York State. You will have to get it from a certified pesticide applicator. Metaldehyde is sold to the public for slugs and snails, but I have never found it effective for bush snails. Others may disagree. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Fungus Gnats
In a message dated 9/13/04 6:19:29 AM, Tony Watkinson writes: > Why don't you just hang up a few sticky fly papers? Works great for me. > That does not address the cause, which could eventually result in root rot. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Fungus Gnats
In a message dated 9/12/04 7:18:56 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > We will be more than happy to put a short guide together (in .pdf format) > and send it to the > mailing list (if the moderator agrees) or to the persons interested. > The information is already there. A click on Google will get you everything. Fungus gnats belong to several species of genera Sciara and Ofelia. The scientific name of the biological control Is Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis. Iris "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Fancy Leaves
In a message dated 9/11/04 7:05:54 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > I am really fascinated by the crystalline appearance of Macodes petola > leaves. > Probably the same epoxy enamel they use on Nashia inaguensis. Nobody could tell me what caused that either. I don't have a good magnifying glass, but I suspect it is a layer of clear cells, similar to the snakeskin effect on some of the Brachypetalums. They put that on as a protection against the sun or fluctuations in temperature, I imagine. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Fungus Gnats
In a message dated 9/8/04 7:22:35 AM, corradoerina in UK writes: > I have recently noticed in and around the pot of a jewel orchid small dark > flies around 3 mm long, which apparently live in the compost. The compost is > 50% clean fine bark and 50% organic peat free garden compost (humus). Inside > the compost there are some small larvae, translucent white, some 3 to 4 mm > long, which seem to be related to the flies. What are this animals? Can they > affect the plants? Are they pests or just unwelcome guests, which do not affect > the plants? Do they spread? > You have what we call fungus gnats. I believe they are called blackflies in UK. Correctly, you noticed that the little creatures in the compost are their larvae. They are usually harmless, since they feed mainly on dead organic matter. However, they occasionally nibble on live roots. Yes, they will spread if you don't take corrective action. What is more important than the fungus gnats themselves, is that they are an indicator of soggy, poorly drained compost, which may harbor other soil insects or pathogens, such as root rot fungus. You asked for an organic solution to the problem, without chemical intervention. 1. Pasteurize your humus component. Dampen it, put it in a heatproof container (oven cooking bags are ideal), and heat to about 250 F, 121 C, for half an hour (total time will be about an hour). 2. Reduce the amount of organic matter in your mix or add drainage material. 3. Increase light and air movement. 4. Water less often. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Sterilizing
In a message dated 9/7/04 6:23:55 AM, Bob Scully writes: > I respectfully take exception to the apparently dominant opinion on the > efficacy of bleach as a reliable virus sterilant for orchid pots and cutting > instruments. > Thanks. Let's hear it for the self-cleaning oven, periodic sample testing, disposable blades, and bleach for non-suspect plastic pots & labels. (If a plant in a plastic pot tests positive, I throw the whole thing away, pot & all.) Iris "If we see light at the end of the tunnel, It's the light of the oncoming train." Robert Lowell (1917-1977) ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] WildCatt
We just bit the bullet & ordered Panther (updated OS X), Virtual PC, and WildCatt. I would appreciate advice on using them. Thanks, Iris Happy New Year ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] AOS Election
For AOS members, if you look at your proxy card, of course there is only one slate. However, there is a little box to check that says, "Withhold authorization to vote for the slate..." It may not do much good, but if enough of us check the box, it may send a stronger message than just tearing up the card. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Orchids Digest, Vol 6, Issue 366
In a message dated 8/31/04 6:38:55 PM, Andy Easton writes: > Stainless steel rust resistance indeed! > What do you mean? If you put stainless steel in the self-cleaning oven, the stainless factor is destroyed. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Sterilizing Pots
In a message dated 8/31/04 4:05:46 AM, Roberts Flower Supply writes: > I would suggest rather than firing your pot over again at 900 F that a soak > in 20% hydrochloric acid (muriatic acid) will kill all your bugs but also > remove all the salt out of your clay pot. > Sorry to differ with you, and here I think I am on firmer ground than with 8 foot tubes. I used to sterilize all my pots with bleach solution. The past ten years or so I have been sterilizing the clay pots and metal stakes in the self cleaning oven, which I believe gets to 700 deg. F. Sterilizing metal in bleach solution was too corrosive. Unfortunately, high heat destroys galvanizing and stainless steel rust resistance, but the alternative is worse. I found that in a hard water area, the sodium hypochlorite in bleach combined with calcium in the water to saturate the pot with calcium chloride or something similar, which is poisonous to plants. It killed the roots wherever they touched the pot. I may not be exactly right about the chemistry, but I could see the results. Cleaning the pots in the self cleaning oven is harmless and efficient. The oven doesn't care in the least. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Daylength
In a message dated 8/28/04 9:15:58 PM, mickinmontana writes: > Do you vary daylength with the seasons > As far as the lights go, no. When the lights are on. October to early May, they are always set for 18 hours. When I tried to give a week or two of short days in midwinter, I had all kinds of complaints from both orchids & bonsai. One time I tried increasing the daylength to 19 hours, but I got black shoots on Cattleyas (their symptom of sleep deprivation). So it's been 18 hours ever since. From May to the end of September or early October, they get the natural daylength. Seems to work fine. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Mealy Bugs
In a message dated 8/27/04 11:41:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Would someone please recommend an efficient way to rid Paphs of mealybugs. > I still believe the only sure method for the hobbyist is a systemic insecticide. I have found Orthenex safe and effective (3 times a week apart), with a couple of warnings: 1. It is harmless to orchid plants, but a few sensitive species may turn up crippled flowers on the next blooming. 2. It is listed for outdoor use only. If at all possible, spray when the weather is above freezing. If you are stuck with mealy bugs in the middle of the winter, spray in an unused room or porch, or the garage, and leave the plants there a few hours. Our family is full of allergic people and two pets, and we have never had any trouble. I use the same procedure with scale. Other notes on mealy bugs. They are hardy outdoors from Philadelphia south, I was told. If you put your orchids outdoors in the summer, you probably should check them very carefully or give a preventive spray when you bring them in. (One advantage to living this far north.) Also, if you have any untreated wood in your growing area, it can harbor mealy bugs. All wood stands should be varnished or painted. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Iguanas
In a message dated 8/27/04 11:41:37 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > Anybody have iguanas eating their orchids or other plants? > Paige Fox? Iris "It's not the years, honey. It's the mileage." b Indiana Jones ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
[OGD] Re: Iris and her inaccuracies
In a message dated 8/27/04 7:32:10 AM, Peter writes: > Last year's FTA doesn't mean that we're politically joined (mercifully > !!!). > What is that supposed to mean? I didn't include Singapore in the places members of this group grow orchids? Horrors! The point was that most of them do not grow orchids in a cold temperate area. Let's leave politics out of it. Iris ___ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://lists.orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids
