Hi all, new here from Tampa

[blksunsh1ne]

Well I was browsing the net in hopes of finding info on care of a ghost orchid that I may purchase, and found this site.So I figure why not join cuz I have a small collection of orchids myself and have a few questions about them. First off, I live in Florida and have some orchids that havent bloomed yet. I am new in caring for these so any imput on blooming age,fertilizer,light? would be great.

1. dracula mopsus... leaves are growing nice,keep the medium constantly moist.Everything Im doing looks right, but no flowers. Now, I see like these little root lookin thingies growing from the base of the plant(pink in color) dont know if theyre roots or flower stems

2. Dendrobium rigidum-ya Ive got nothin to say on this guy, as im having a problem with it. No flowers,barely any new roots.Not really sure to keep it in the house or outside

3. Brassavola culcullata- this one is starting a new leaf shoot (FINALLY) again no flowers when I recieved it, no flowers now(about 8 months since ive had it)

4.neofinetia falcata- I LOVE THIS MINIATURE. it was budding/flowering when i received it, but it hasnt since,which was like 8 months ago. It IS rooting like crazy. I have this guy outside in the shade,gets watered once a day

I know this is alot to ask, but any knowledge from fellow orchid growers is MUCH appreciated

Thanks !!
Mandy ^^V^^

[khill]

Hi--welcome to another Floridian. I am also new here. Unfortunately, I can't really answer any of your questions yet, as I'm new to growing orchids myself.

[Julie_M]

1. Try giving it a bit more light. I know these are listed as low light, but I've found they tend to take off with a bit more light. Those slim growths could be spikes, as many Draculas do put out spikes through the potting media. Spikes are usually green, though, and you'll notice an isty-bitsy mitten-like thing at the end.

2. Grows best mounted. Water heavily when in active growth, water a lot less and try to keep cooler when not actively growing. This does need a cool dry rest to bloom.

3. Not touching it, since the one I tried croaked rather quickly.

4. This is another one of those that needs a cooler winter to bloom.

Good luck.

Julie

[blksunsh1ne]

Thanks Julie! im having issues trying to put photos in this message, but if you look in Orchid pictures on this website, I uploaded a photo called 'mopsus shoots1'. hopefully you can see what im talking about...

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I just looked up D. rigidum in Bakers book (equivalent to a Baker's culture sheet), and it gets down to the mid 60's in winter, so I would treat it like the warm growing Dens. Kept damp while growing and blooming, but a wet/dry cycle while not growing. Can't comment on the others.