Yikes! You could say I'm a newbie!

[Stargazer997]

I went this past weekend from 4 orchids on my southwest windowsill (kitchen) to 20! Darn orchid show. :-). I will be posting questions, to be sure. Despite spending the past two days searching out help topics, I still have several (many) questions.
1) I purchased a Brassavola cordata on a cedar plank. It is growing in "moss" (is that the correct term?). It is in bloom. I am wondering how often I should mist the moss. I assume I should not be submerging the cedar in h20. The petals have already started turning yellowish green since Saturday. Do I fertilize?
2) I also purchased an Oerstedella centradenia mounted on bark, in bloom. The grower suggested soaking every 3 days. Again, Fertilize? Tips?
3) And can anyone shed light on growing a Vandofinetia Blaupunkt in coconut fiber?????????????

Light conditions for any or all? I basically have a southern exposure, and a southwest exposure to work with. By the way, I live in balmy Minneapolis. So sun is a premium any angle.
Appreciate any and all suggestions and look forward to being on this site!
Stargazer997

[jerrymeola]

You went from Newbie to addict in one day.

The Bassovola is a strong plant. The yellowing leaves is not normal for this plant, but it is capable of surviving anything. All Bassovola are good beginners plants. Since you say it is growing 'IN' moss it is probably a recent mounting. All the new roots will grow on top of the moss and around the wood. This may be the cause of the yellowing, but the plant should recover easily.

Your other two plants are collector orchids and I would not have sold them to a Newbie. The Neofinanta in the Vandofinetia Blaupunkt can be temper-mental and Vandas require very high light levels possibly more than you can give it. I am not experienced with the Hybrid so maybe the hybrid will not be as difficult as its parents. That is why we hybridize

I mount hundreds of plants. Soaking is an excellent way to water until you have too many and the time becomes excessive. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. You can add fertilizer directly to the soak water. Use from 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of balanced fertilizer in a gallon of water.

How often you soak varies on your conditions but you will find that once a week or every 10 days is probably good in your home. Sphagnum moss will dry to white and rock hard. As long as it is damp to the touch and soft, it is OK.

If you want to try the 'Worm Tea' I have been using, then it is 3 ounces of concentrate to a gallon. You can use the same water over and over of 6-9 months.

[Stargazer997]

Jerry, Thanks! I think. I am not going to cry uncle on the 2 you say are more difficult. What is your "Worm Tea" secret remedy? And again, asking about h20'ing in a coconut fiber, how often? I'll show those dealers I can't be defeated, nor will their lovely orchids!

[jerrymeola]

Worm Tea is made by OurVitalEarth.com and is a worm compost concentrate. If you google on the internet you will find a number of University of Ohio research articles about how well it does for food crops.
They were using water run through a worm bed one time and had to use it in one day.

This product is 50 passes, dilutes 50 to 1 and can last 9 months. It has many microbes necessary for plant life, micro nutrients and the microbes are know to attack fungus and insects.