walkeriana addiction

[ChrisFL]

I have become obsessed with C. walkeriana above any other type. The fragrance, the clean lines on the flowers, the flower to plant size ratio, the compact size. I'm amazed they aren't more popular than they are. It took quite a bit of looking to find them locally, and even then it was only a few specimens. I picked up a var. coerulea 'Da Yolanda' NBS seedling, and a younger var. alba 'Lester' x 'Walker'. I normally have no problem with the idea of seedling plants, but I cannot wait for these guys to bloom. Any tips or tricks? Thanks!

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I think the problem is that some are reluctant bloomers. I have one that blooms easily, and the others, three, are still waiting for me to find the right combination of culture. I'll let you know when I find it.

[ChrisFL]

Thank you Cynthia. I've read so many combinations for what they need to bloom, some say intense light, some say 20 degree nighttime temp drop, other say they absolutely need a rest period, etc. etc.

By the way, I mounted my two other seedlings and am using the watering routine that you recommended, daily with ro/di, weekly fertilize using a 30/70 tap/RODI mix. Both look great and is shooting out new roots like crazy. The only thing not growing yet are the new walkerianas.

[ChrisFL]

and come to think of it, I've only ever seen one in bloom at the three major growers we have in town.

[Aniko]

This is an interesting site dedicated to walkeriana.I've got fond of them, but I don't feel prepared yet to the challenge of growing
http://www.sanorchids.com/

[daytriper]

WEll I did it-----I got Walkerianas in bloom or buds everywhere--In bloom I have a Dayne Wenzel, an Alba Pendentive, and "The Chairman". I have a "Delicata and a Tipo Nomura in bud. My solution---I mounted everything with just a little long fiber moss on the root system. Once new roots started well and bud appeared---moved into a vanda basket with just coconut fiber and a little moss. Now I have the Pendentive and the Dayne Wenzel on my great room display table----they are stunning for sure.

[ChrisFL]

Originally Posted by daytriper

WEll I did it-----I got Walkerianas in bloom or buds everywhere--In bloom I have a Dayne Wenzel, an Alba Pendentive, and "The Chairman". I have a "Delicata and a Tipo Nomura in bud. My solution---I mounted everything with just a little long fiber moss on the root system. Once new roots started well and bud appeared---moved into a vanda basket with just coconut fiber and a little moss. Now I have the Pendentive and the Dayne Wenzel on my great room display table----they are stunning for sure.

So you think they need lots of air around those roots to be happy? I have mine mounted with just a touch of moss.

[daytriper]

Yes, I have 12 walkerianas and 4 nobiliors---6 walkerianas are being treated the same as my cattleyas---they are healthy but slow new growth--color is good--root system good. 6 walkers are mounted or in vanda baskets--treated along side my vandas---same sun, water, etc. They are all thriving--they are either in bud or blooming. The nobiliors are the real bad boys of this group. All 4 are mounted and hanging with my vandas---they look great. it is not there time to bloom --we will see come spring. My vandas get the most light and the most air movement--Good Luck!!!!!
Gary

[daytriper]

PS. the Da Yolanda you will like alot--she is very pretty--the other I do not know. Are you growing in a green house or inside your home?????

[ChrisFL]

Originally Posted by daytriper

PS. the Da Yolanda you will like alot--she is very pretty--the other I do not know. Are you growing in a green house or inside your home?????

its a small glass orchidarium in my office, in a huge West facing window. Gets direct sun for 2-3 hours during the afternoon. In fact, the sun just when behind the adjacent building. Temperature inside cycles between about 68 and 80 every day. The side of the orchidarium is open, and there is plenty of air circulation. I'll try to take some pictures if I can borrow a digicam.

[daytriper]

Me, I have a water front home with large decks facing east. East side is almost all glass with alot of windows south as well. Most of my orchids are outside most of the year but inside now and will be until end of March. Anyway down stairs which still gets alot of morning sun I have a small table, a walmart $10.00 light fixture, a 150 wat flor. grow bulb and a $6.00 timer. A ceiling fan in the room which stays on med. The timer turns the light on at 7am and off at 7pm. I winter my vandas in the room. The supplemental light and ventilation has really made a difference in my Walkerianas. The six in the room wintering has florished and are in bud or blooming--the others up stairs are healthy but in more of a dormant state. No buds--- and after all this is the season for Walkers. I have several pics of my Pendentive in bloom but I am computer stupid and not sure how to send them. This is a division of the original awarded plant---the blooms are spectacular. Have a nice day!
Gary

[butt0n]

Reading about these makes me want to look for some during this upcoming show in San Francisco! Thanks for the information.

[ChrisFL]

Update: the coerulea is sprouting new roots since it was mounted. I was nervous because I mounted it out of growth season. And I've seen so many times how bad the species catts are about that. But the media it came in looked like crap, and the roots were pretty sad. So I mounted it with plenty of air flow through between the roots and the branch to facilitate drying. Looks like that risk is paying off!

[ChrisFL]

Bought this one on an impulse. Saw the green on the lip and couldn't resist.