no new growth on ghost

[greg_s]

I have owned a ghost orchid for about 5 or 6 months. I keep it in an apothicary jar with the lid half open. I keep it in the same light as my phal. I keep the humidity between 70% and 90% with diatomite and I mist it somewhat regularly with a light mixture of 20-20-20 and SuperThrive.

My problem is that while it has stayed alive...it doesn't seem to be growing at all. I haven't noticed any new growth. Any suggestions on what I could do differently to inspire some new growth? Right now it feels like I am just breaking even with it.

Thanks,

Greg

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I don't have a ghost orchid, but orchids in general often take a 6 or more month growth break and do nothing during that time. Many orchds time their growth to the seasons where they grow, making new growth during the most opportune time of the year. If your plant was recently moved from southern hemiphere to northern, or visa versa, the delay could be much longer. You will just have to be patient. Is it possible the plant has a little root activity going on. Any activity is a better sign than none. Cynthia

[greg_s]

Thanks for your reply Cynthia. The trick with the Ghost orchid is that it is all root. There are no leaves. The photosynthesis takes place in the roots as well as normal water/nutrient absorption. (I'll attach a picture.)

The idea of it having a specific growing season and trying to aclimate itself to a new environment is a very good thought. The plant was origionally raised in CA and then shippped here to PA. While not a North to South move, it could definately be part of it. You're probably right, I should probably just be patient and wait for it to find its season. I guess I am just being paranoid because these things are so hard to grow.

Again, thanks very much for your reply.

Greg

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Actually, I new that, but got sidetracked with the "many orchids" thing. On the subject of misting, you should not ALWAYS mist with fertilizer water. The fert salts will build up if you are dainty with your misting. A fresh water drench once in a while might be good just in case the salts are building up. There are many orchids, Dendrobiums particularly, that object to fertilizer when they are not growing. Just a thought. Cynthia

[greg_s]

Cynthia,

I figured you would have come across that piece of information before. Just throwing it out there as a reminder since it is kind of unusual.

The fertilizer is a good thought too. To tell you the truth I do flush my other orchids once a month but, for some reason, I haven't been doing it with this one. It wasn't until you said it that I actually thought about it.

Thanks again!