Black Orchid: Fdk After Dark Trade Project

[sandra]

I posted the following in the thread I began, "Catasetum" which is linked in this thread, somewhere. Thought I'd post it here as well...hopefully, more info. regarding these can be kept all together, to memorialize and refer back to.

Can anybody answer this?

Originally Posted by sandra

Maybe someone here can tell me if I'm killing another orchid....or not.

One of my Catesetums is losing it's leaves, turning yellow and dropping one leaf at a time. I know that's what to expect with them but I thought that's not supposed to happen until beginning in late Autumn when it's need to remain dormant, begins NO? YES?

Isn't now supposed to be the time when it's growing and producing leaves on the new growths and remaining until Autumn?

[jay]

Update - I have been so busy with finals for my Masters program, and trying to finish the end of year things for my students, I have had no time to post. So, I have a few minutes today and wanted to share.

Here is the seedlings from the Fredclarkeara After Dark flask. The first photo is to show how much they have grown since being de-flasked on 4/28/08, about one month ago.

Picture 1 - Whole tray (60+ plants) 4/28/08
Picture 2 - Whole tray (60+ plants) 6/7/08 - only lost 2 little plants. Not too bad for my first de-flasking, or at least I think so.

Picture 3 and 4 - The roots are going crazy growing from everywhere. Not sure how there will be enough room for all the roots in those little cells.

Picture 5 - Bug control for little ones. It's a Pinguicula (Butterwort) carnivorous plant. I have seen a few fungus/sphagnum gnats. I don't want to use anything on the seedlings so I will try this for now. It is in the humidity dome with the seedlings.



Clara - How are your little ones doing?

[jay]

Here is an update on the now large "Little Freddie". It continues to grow like mad. I actually had to repot it into a larger S/H container because it ran out of room for the new roots and expanding of the bulb. I should have placed it better when I first potted it up.

Here is a close up and a whole plant shot.

How is everyone else's doing? Been a while since we have updated.

[arleneg]

Here's my update. Pic was taken a week ago. I haven't had time to resize until now. "Little Fergie" is just over 12 inches tall (at the time of pic).



jay -- How is the Pinguicula carnivorous? Does it really work??

[jay]

The Ping draws insects to the leaves with a sweet scent. Then it pools this liquid on the leaves to digest the bug. There are a couple of leaves with dead bugs already on them. They are supposed to flower as well.


Fergie is looking great! They are all still growing so fast.

[butt0n]

Great job on the project all! I'm sure we all look forward to the results...enjoy

[sandra]

Arlene, Jay, these are looking fantastic. And those seedlings! Jay, put me on the list of buyers...if you decide to ever part with any!

I'm not sure how mine are doing. One plant has lost all it's leaves and haven't seen that much root growth on that one. All the bulbs are still firm and I'm holding off on the watering 'till I see some growth.

My other 2 seem to be ok but I'm not sure what to expect. Roots aren't growing like crazy so I'm not sure if this is a bad sign? I'm watering about every 2-3 days. All are in Hydroton with some coir and charcoal.

[tom499]

Very nice plants guys.

And Jay I like your Pinguicula I grow quite a few and they give nice flowers

[FLaCo]

Jay, you're doing a great job with those seedling. They look very healthy...keep it up!

[jay]

Sandra - If the Catasetum has lost all of it's leaves, I would let it go dormant and not water. If the bulb is still firm then it should have enough food and water stored to be ok.

Tom - This is my first Ping. I tried venus fly traps when I was younger, but threw them away when they went dormant because I though they were dead. I didn't know better. Do you know what type of Ping this is? Are they like orchids and it is probably a hybrid that I will never know?

Thanks to everyone for the nice comments. I am still nervous with the little ones. This is my first flask, I jumped right in with a big one. I didn't realize how much some of them had grown until I compared the two photos. It almost seems as though half of the seedlings are nearly twice as big now. I think I will better when I see them coming out of dormancy next spring. If I can get them through this winter I will feel better about them.

[Brooke]

Jay will these flasklings have a pseudobulb by the time the adult plants are ready to go dormant or do you continue to grow these until there is a pbulb?

Brooke

[clarita]

Jay your seedlings are looking fantastic! Bravo!

They already have bulbs. They won't go "dormant" until they are more mature.

My compots have grown to more than double the size of the cells. I am thinking of gently lifting the cells and compoting....

If I could find my measuring tape I would report in numbers.I lost 1 seedling during the move . Tiny bit of sun hit the edge of the cell pack.

I'll get back to this thread with pics and measurements when I am more settle in

[jay]

Brooke - most of the little seedlings already have pseudobulbs. They are just very tiny. They are also growing additional growths, so I think some will have 2 or 3 pseudobulbs when they go into dormancy. I know that won't happen until fall, but I almost a little anxious for them to go into dormancy. I feel as if I can get to that point then it will be easier than freshly de-flasked seedlings.

Clara - can't wait to see your seedlings. Are you glad you went over the deep end with this one?

One thing is for sure, I am learning how to use sphagnum moss. I stay clear of the stuff until now. This really has been a great learning experience for me. Thanks to all the trade project members and other Geeks that have been watching. I can't wait until fall to see our large ones bloom.

[clarita]

8 1/2" for both of mature ones. I will try to get a pic of the seedlings.

Jay, I am so glad I gave myself over to the dark side

Any thoughts about compotting up? The compots are doing better by leaps and bounds, s/h not too bad. I did some proto's in there and they actually don't look too bad!

My thanks also to all the other Geeks...

[solay]

If anyone is interested, there is a Catasetum Fdk After Dark on e-bay starting bid is $50. I would bid but I'm being watched like a hawk. No purchases allowed. Drats!!!!

[clarita]

Thought I'd "report in" on the progress of my beautiful little Black Babies while I was on the board.

They made it through the move! ("Adults" and seedlings) I have the adults in lower light. ~ 2000FC's The seem to like it as they are in a good growth spurt

FDK #1- 10 3/4"

FDK #2 - just a wee bit shy of 10"

I moved FDK #2 to lower light later than FDK 1

Seedlings-
I decided to make the risky move and transplant the seedlings that were in cells into compots. The compots had grown to about 3x the size of the individual cells.



The compot on the left was done at de-flasking. The one at right is the transplant. I took the spag from the cell and popped them in. They didn't mind the careful move and have begun to take off. I left some underdeveloped sedlings in the cells about 6. They were too delicate to move.

I also have some seedlings in s/h. (forgot to take a pic, next time). Their growth is between the cells and the compot. The s/h requires more effort on my part

At this point I have 3 compots of s/h and 4 spag compots

Jay - have you noticed if they lose their leaf that they begin a new growth and treat the original bulb as a BB? It's the most adorable thing I have ever seen! I have been trying to get a pic but the new grow is itsy bitsy! I can see the yellow leaf (left compot, left side) and just the tip of the new growth. That was a very cool discovery. How amazing!


How are the rest of the Black Beauties doing?

Clara

[jay]

Clara - I still have all of mine in cells. About 2/3 of them are like the large ones, and the other 1/3 are small. Most of the larger ones have a second growth developing. You got yours just little after mine, so you will probably see more with second growths.

I am eager to see the seedlings in S/H.

I will try to post pictures of all of them tomorrow.

[jay]

Ok, so here is the updates with photos.

Pictures 1-3 show Fredclarkeara After Dark. You can see that the new bulb is swelling to be very large. It continues to grow new leaves, however, I do believe the leaf growing now will be the last since I can not see another one developing like before.

Pictures 4 and 5 - These show the whole tray of After Dark seedlings. They were deflasked on 4/28/08 and continue to develop nicely. I think it is going to grow up and eat me.

Pictures 6-8 show individual seedlings that have developed new growths.

Picture 9 - This little guy doesn't want to give up. I was about to pull the plug and discard the excess sphagnum moss when I notice a little green sticking out. I think I will give it a chance to see what it does.


I am still amazed at how fast these all grow. I am glad that we all ventured down this dark and mysterious path.

[clarita]

Spectacular Job Jay ! They look quite vigorous!

I have some catching up to do. Yes I am about a month behind you
I didn't toss anything green out either. I had a few that were just bulbs without leaves. Popped them in spag. They have "tangoed on" and started a new microscopic set of leaves and a bulb. They are amazing.
Have a few protos that also are moving forward. Are yours too?

How big are your adults now?
How big is everyone else's?

Question for all that have given themselves over to the "Dark Side":

What temp range are you giving them?

[jay]

Well I found my ruler so here are some more pictures.

The first picture shows "Little Freddie" when I first got it.

As you can see from picture 2, it has outgrown the ruler.

Picture 3 is to show the swelling of the new bulb.

My seedlings are kept at about 80F and 80-85% humidity all the time. All of my large orchids are kept around 85-90F during the summer. I just can't get them any cooler, which is why I can't have Masdevilla's. The humidity for the large ones is around 50%. It is hard to maintain that as well.

Thanks for looking everyone. I can't wait until this thing actually blooms.

[arleneg]

Jay,

Wow! Those seedlings are growing like crazy. In 18 months, I wouldn't be surprised if a few of them bloom.

"Freddie" has outgrown your ruler and getting fat. "Fergie" has also outgrown my ruler and getting fat. When I have a chance, I'll take a pic and post my update

[arleneg]

Well, Fergie took another dive. Fortunately, she's fine. Most of the potting media are still in the pot, but pebbles in saucer are scattered. I'll gather and clean up the pebbles tomorrow. I'm too lazy right now.

I told her to sit still and don't move. Hope she listened. LOL

[solay]

Wow, that one did really grow. How log before blooms? Does it need to develop a bulb before blooming? The two I have seemed to have stopped growing leaves but hasn't developed a bulb yet.

Your seedlings look really healthy too. Wants to make me go and buy a flask of something.

The new surprise growth is so tiny and cute. I don't toss any green bulbs on my Cyms. either just for that exact reason. They will sprout something when you last expect it.

[jay]

Arlene - I think "Fergie" needs to get a parachute. If she keeps jumping off of things she should be prepared for softer landings.

Solay - The larger bulb should flower this fall as it continues to swell and develop. Your growths with the leaves will swell to be the bulbs. Some are tall and thinner, some shorter and stockier. It depends on the parents.

[solay]

Maybe that's it. I noticed my bulbs are skinnier and tall. I can't wait to the blooms!!!

Arlene, I'm constantly picking up bark off the floor too. I keep knocking the poor Paphs. over. The problem is they are top heavy. Hee! Hee! Hee!

[clarita]

Solay
How are you growing yours? You may need a culture adjustment if they are getting leggy


Clara

[arleneg]

Jay -- My husband found Fergie lying on the side of the bathtub. We have no idea how she'd fallen. Again, I'm glad she didn't break.

Cindy -- Maybe your Cyc has fully grown and is developing its bulb. When it gets to that point, it seems to slow down. For the next few weeks, pay attention to the bulb area.

[jay]

It has been a while since we have updated. So here is mine.

Little Freddie is not so little anymore. It has stopped growing up and is growing out now. The new growth has swelled considerably and is getting quite heavy. The LECA is not has heavy as some materials so I have to help support the bulb because it is starting to lean over.

There are 3 photos here from different angles so you can see how big it has gotten. No I believe I am in the waiting game until fall when it begins to bloom. I can't wait to see what color the flowers will be.

[kid a]

Whoah! That is awesome Jay! Good Job!!!!

[arleneg]

Wow, Jay! Yours look much better than mine. I didn't post about it, but Fergie fell over for the third time the other week. My husband opened the window a bit too wide when we were having a rather windy day. Well, I had to replenish the pot with coconut husk chips.

I wouldn't be surprised if yours starts spiking within the next few weeks. It looks mature enough.

My Cyc. barthiorum has been in bloom for the last week or so. I hope the blooms are still there when I return home (in Reno 'til tomorrow...taking a break from the casinos).

[patticake]

JAY! OMG!!! Your plant is HUGE! Look at it compared to the original bulb.... Wow!

Arlene- If you put your pot inside a heavy ceramic pot for stability, would that help?

[jay]

I think it is really benefiting from the unlimited water and fertilizer using the S/H method.

Oh Arlene, I am getting really anxious to see what the blooms will bring. I am keeping my fingers crossed for the all black flower.

[PhalPal]

Freddie looks great Jay! I'm trying not to think about spikes because a watched pot never boils.

I am very concerned about mine, really worried. Today I brought Frankie downstairs to take a picture for an update and found this clear, sticky stuff on the undersides of all the leaves, small little droplets. It seems to have started from the lower leaves (pseudobulb??) and has worked it's way up to the top, bigger leaves. It was not there the day before yesterday. (Tuesday) I tried to photograph the stuff but it doesn't show on the pic, its that clear. It washed off very easily and it left no marks on the leaves. It's not mites. The pbulb is also a tiny bit shriveled, also new. The roots are still amazing; in fact I gave some thought to upsizing it to a six inch pot! I water it everyday and the roots are VERY healthy so it can't be dehydration. I sprayed it with Pharm Solutions cinnamon concoction that addresses just about everything, but I am stumped.

Any ideas??? Since the leaves and roots appear to be so healthy, could this possibly be a normal occurrence??? I will be so upset if I lose this orchid!!! Help!!!

[jay]

Connie - don't get too worried yet. All of my Catasetinae orchids have the clear dew drops on the underside of the leaves. I have checked for mites as well, but can't find a thing. I am getting a hand held microscope tomorrow to make sure, but I don't think it is mites. I will keep checking.

My old bulb wrinkled a little as well. I think that the new bulb was growing faster than the roots (which are very healthy) could drink so the old bulb gave some extra energy. This happened when I did move up a pot when it outgrew the last one. It was set back for a few days then picked back up. My bulb got very wrinkled and scared me to death, but now it is firm. Not as much as it was originally, but enough that I am not worried anymore.

I would love to see pictures of everyones Fdk. After Dark's. I think we are all getting very close.

[arleneg]

Patti -- I thought of doing that. Since I grow it on a windowsill, I'm afraid the plant will be blown down again by strong breezes and will have to deal with broken pieces of the clay pot.

Jay & Connie -- Fergie also has those clear droplets under the leaves. On the upperside, I can see small yellow dots where the droplets are underneath. I sprayed it twice with Indoor Pharm Solutions. Those darn droplets came back! I think they're mites. Time to buy one of those scope thingy.

[patticake]

Arlene, Maybe a really heavy glazed ceramic number! Clay pots wouldn't be heavy enough, I don't think. Just a suggestion, I hate to have your plant keep taking the plunge!

[PhalPal]

I'm so relieved to hear that!! It is not mites, their honeydew is not this water soluble. This stuff rinsed off like sugar and left no mark on the leaves. I think I am going to go ahead and transplant one size up today. I have it in coir mix so it will just fall away from the roots and not hurt them. This is one thirsty bugger; I can't believe how dry the pot gets every single day.

BTW - I have super micro glasses I used when I was doing surgery -they are now orchid glasses - and I see no bugs. Maybe I will find a moment to email Fred and see if he will help us??? I have a feeling it is a normal occurence with this type of orchid; I would be curious to know about it.

Arlene - find a pretty, decorative, heavy pot and double pot Fergie so she won't blow off the windsill!!! I double pot my outdoor cyms so they don't blow around in the Santa Anas and it works great.

[articuno75]

Fred Clark is coming to King Island for the Mid America Orchid Congress. I'm still debating on jumping on the band wagon.

Would the bulbs be a more suited choice than that of the flasks?

I think he's going to have more of the flasks than the bulbs.

Jay~ How's your seedlings doing?

The reason I ask is because I want one, but I want a bulb. If I have to get a flask instead then I'm going to panic.

[PhalPal]

Okay Everyone - this is the email I sent to Fred this afternoon. I am sure he will answer me and I will let you know as soon as I hear back from him. I really want to know for sure what this goo is; I can't find it in any book or Google.

Dear Sunset Valley Orchids –

We have a concern with our FredClarkeara ‘After Dark’ bulbs that were purchased at the San Diego show back in March of this year; I am hoping you have a moment to solve a mystery for us. All three bulbs are growing amazingly well with lots of roots and big leaves. This was a group effort and the three bulbs are being grown in different households under very different conditions. However, they all have one thing in common, and that is very clear, sticky droplets on the undersides of all the leaves. It washes off very easily and I do not believe it is mites. When this occurs my bulb shrinks up a bit as well, which is very concerning for me? Can you help us identify what is going on here so we can remedy the situation????

I soooo appreciate any help/information you can give us. All our orchid knowledge and that of the Orchid Geeks are stumped!

Thank you VERY much in advance!!!

Sincerely,

Connie, Jay and Arlene, OrchidGeeks
……….. we can’t forget Freddie, Frankie and Fergie which are the names we gave our bulbs……….

[patticake]

Connie, That's great! I'll be very interested to hear the answer!

[jay]

I bought a scope today to see what is under the leaves. I believe I have two-spot spider mites. I will be treating in the morning.

Jenny - the bulb is easiest as he might have some that could still bloom this year. The flasks are not that bad either, but a little more worrisome. I will post an update later of my seedlings (which are doing great).

[PhalPal]

Fred got back to me real quick! Here is his reply and I'm not happy about it. I treated with Safer and cinnamon two days ago just in case. It's interesting that all three of us have the same problem????? Maybe they are just likely suspects for mites.

His response:
Sounds like mites, the sticky substance is the exude from the mites. Purchase some ‘safer soap’ from your favorite garden center and spray all leaf surfaces ASAP, repeat is 7 days. Them let me know how they are doing…..



Fred Clarke

Sunset Valley Orchids

[kid a]

Originally Posted by jay

I bought a scope today to see what is under the leaves. I believe I have two-spot spider mites. I will be treating in the morning.

Jenny - the bulb is easiest as he might have some that could still bloom this year. The flasks are not that bad either, but a little more worrisome. I will post an update later of my seedlings (which are doing great).

Jay, you reminded me of my scope in the closet. I think I might dig it out to check all my plants. Wouldn't hurt right. I have seen goo on my spikes but no pests yet.

[patticake]

Bummer... I had read that they are suseptable to mites. My Cycnoches has similar leaves and I've been watching it like a hawk! Good luck...

[solay]

Hummm...wonder if the funny spots I got on mine are mites too. Where can I find a scope? Oh, and I keep finding ants on the one with the spots.

[arleneg]

Connie -- Thanks for checking with Fred. I'll spray all my Catasetinaes with Indoor Pharm and hope that will correct/prevent the problem. (fingers crossed).

Jenny -- Go for a bulb. It will be easier for you, since it will be your first one. Seedlings require a lot more time and attention. So go for a bulb! Go Jenny...go Jenny...go Jenny.

[articuno75]

I'm sooo gone! Saturday September 6th. 1:30 pm That's when he'll be there

[FLaCo]

Jay, your plant has come a long so quickly. I really hope the others are doing as good as your is....I have faith in them.

Good growing man!

I'll post pics of my FDK seedlings. They are doing well but I don't see the intense growth as your bulb...although they are seedling so I expected that. I'll return in a bit.

[jay]

Damien - I don't know if I realized that you got a flask of Fdk. That is great. My seedlings have grown, not at the same rate as the large bulb, but a noticeable difference. I am getting ready to leave for the day, so I will post picture updates of the seedlings on Sunday or Monday.

I look forward to seeing other photo updates.

[Jirel]

Jay = thanks so much for starting another round of updates, I LOVE hearing about these plants and can't wait until they bloom and we get to see the result.

Sorry I've not been active on the board lately. I have to move and it's going to take weeks and weeks to sell most my stuff and get ready for the move and I'm just too busy to really read the boards except for a general check now and again.

[jay]

And here is an update on the seedlings.

[jay]

Hmmmm. . . Sure helps if I include the photos. Hit the wrong button.

There are a couple of the smaller ones that have died off. They seem to be outgrowing their little cells, but I don't want to do any repotting. They still seem very sensitive.

I think that some of the largest ones may actually bloom within 3 years of deflask, and the smaller ones a year or two after. Only time will tell.

[articuno75]

Jay~ Have you changed your growing conditions or has it been pretty much the same? They're getting so big!

[jay]

They have been in the same conditions since I de-flasked them. They are in one of those indoor mini greenhouses. There is a small CPU size fan circulating air, 3 T5 bulbs (added the last one about a month ago), humidity holds steady at about 80%, and temps range from 70-83F.

[patticake]

They look GREAT! Do they go through the same dormancy stage as the big guys?

[jay]

I believe so. I can let them grow until about December. I believe that is when I am to slow watering then stop in Jan. I will check with Fred when the time gets closer.

They still look like large blades of grass to me. It is hard to imagine what they will become when you see my update on the full size Fdk.

[Bird Song Farm]

Jay, they really look great. You are doing wonderfully well with them.
Congratulations!
Al

[PhalPal]

They look terrific Jay! How exciting to watch them grow up! I just love how fast these guys grow.

Frankie seems to be doing better, no more dew drops. I have alternated between the Safer soap and Pharm Solutions cinnamon; they seem to be doing the trick. I still have not seen a bug on them, just the tell tale signs.

I will try to get pictures soon. We are at the top half of a remodel and little things (or BIG things) seem to come up every day. Contractors i.e. MEN are not good planners and it leaves me scrambling to put out their fires, everything is an emergency. Well.....it is my house, but geez, it's not that hard to know what you need for the very next day guys!!!

Hissy fit over. I feel better now.

[arleneg]

Jay -- Those seedlings are coming along just great. Keep up the good work.

Connie -- The week before, I sprayed Fergie and my other catasetinae plants with Indoor Pharm Solutions. Yesterday, I sprayed them with brookn's cinnamon spray. Next time I do a check, I hope they're all gone. (fingers crossed)

Sorry to hear you're having some troubles with the contractors. I hope everything will smooth out.

[PhalPal]

Boy, it's been a long time since I have been on this forum!!!! (see above)

I need a little reassurance/comforting/support here......my After Dark's leaves are one by one turning yellow and dropping off. This is what they are supposed to do before sending out spikes, correct????? It looks great otherwise but a little alarming when I am accustomed to Phals and Cyms who should not behave this way.

Anybody else having these symptoms?????? Please say yes???? Am I entering dormancy and skipping a bloom for this year????

[jay]

Connie - Here is a copy of the email that I got from Fred Clarke on the matter.

"The bulb will start hardening off now, so keep fertilizing and watering, till about
1/2 of the leaves turn yellow, then cut your watering in half stopping in
late December."

I have lost the bottom leaf, but it still is taking in an incredible amount of water. I will use just pure water when it loses another leaf or two. I can hardly wait. Yours might bloom first if it is further along in this process. Mine still thinks it is the middle of summer.

Do you have any updated pictures? You too Arlene? And has anyone heard from Clara? It has been quite a while.

[arleneg]

Connie -- Don't worry. That's part of the process. However, some Cycs can produce a spike before the leaves fall off. My Cyc. barthiorum and Cyc. Wine Delight is spiking before the leaves fall off. Either way, don't worry.

Jay -- No spike, yet. My leaves are still green. Bulb is getting fatter...slowly, however. Fergie flew off again the other day! That girl just loves to fly! LOL Anyway, I hope to see a sign of a flower spike within the month...or so.

[jay]

This is getting so exciting again. One of us has to get an all black flower. I check daily to see if a leaf is yellowing or if a spike is starting. I can't wait.

[arleneg]

Jay,

I know what you mean. I wish mine would spike NOW.

[tizzycat]

You guys are so lucky, (I was a little disappointed that Fred Clarke coudln't ship overseas), and I'm looking forward to sharing your success.

[berkeleysgr8]

I can't wait until they bloom! Very exciting. Any update photos on the seedlings Jay?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

Sounds like mites, the sticky substance is the exude from the mites. Purchase some ‘safer soap’ from your favorite garden center and spray all leaf surfaces ASAP, repeat is 7 days. Them let me know how they are doing…..

I hadn't been following this thread for some time thus my super delayed input on this issue.

Mites are tricky little devils because they are so ridiculously tiny as to almost be invisible. When I get them I rarely ever see the critter itself, only its aftermath, usually 1) a mottled look to the leaf, 2) beads of sap - sound fmailiar?, or 3) dust-like speckles which wipe off - actually mite poo.

Mites are, as you probably already know, sap suckers. They feed on sap which is why your bulbs have shriveled when the sap appears on the underside of the leaf.

Fortunately they are fairly "vulnerable" critters, havign no hard shell or other protection. A mild insecticide like Safer's Soap should erradicate them after a few, maybe 2 or 3, applications. When you spray, really drench the leaves and stems good.

Almost any thin-leaved or papery-leaved orchid is succeptible to mites. They don't seem to go after the thick leaved orchids like cattleyas. Maybe they do but they don't cause as much damage. And they don't ever seem to go after my Paphs or Phrags for some reason, only those orchids, some dendrobiums with thin leaves, and things like lycastes, stanhopea and the catacetinae.

[FLaCo]

Originally Posted by jay

FlaCo - do you have a photo of the bulbs yet? Can't wait to see them. I think it will be nice to see what the hybrids come out looking like.

Jay, I am sorry for the delay reply.

If you guys remember I order to young bulbs from Fred.

I got the (Fdk. After Dark ‘SVO Amazing' x Ctsm. Mark Dimmitt ‘Ed Wise')

(Fdk. After Dark ‘SVO Amazing' x Ctsm. Donna Wise ‘Kathleen' AM/
AOS)

All came in 3 inch pots. I transplanted them into 3 (they actually seem bigger than that) clay pots with a seedling mix of coir/broken foam/fern and charcoal (all very tiny). They have grown tremendously with the Florida heat durring the summer. One of them is actually growing two babies on the side. Can anyone give me some insight on that? Also, now that the sun has changed positions for the fall season should I being the plant closer to the sun line at my backyard (not direct sunlight I know)?

Pics: Left side are before and right side are after.

They started off around 3 inches or so. Now they are 9-10 inches tall. It is truly amazing how fast they have grown and honestly I didn't notice until I saw these before and after pics today. In four months they have tripled in size!

[jay]

FlaCo - Those look great. Sorry for my late reply, life has been a bit of a whirlwind of late.

Here are my seedling updates. They are ridiculous!

Pict 1 & 2 - group shots. These things are much bigger than I thought they would get.

Pict 3 - a close up of a couple bulbs that have already swelled. These are much larger than the "first" bulb on my blooming size After Dark.

Overall I am very happy so far with my first de-flasking. I know that I have another 2 years until blooming, but so far so good.

[PhalPal]

Wow Jay they are gorgeous!!!! When you decide to sell some put me at the top of your list!!!!

[articuno75]

Yes, I want to be there too!

[brookn]

Oh yes, me also!

[Tarad]

Ok I am new too the orchid world outside of Catts adn phals...I just gotta ask ...what kind of orchid is gonna come outta those alien lookin bulbs things??? LOL Tara

[articuno75]

If these guys are lucky, black alien looking orchids.

[jerrymeola]

I was wondering about any spikes or buds as it is blooming season for Catasetum. Any encouragement yet from the plants.