Orchid Project Suggestion

[sandra]

Vivienne, I like Encyclia too except I find mine needs high light levels. I'd really like to stay away from Cattleyas and alliances too! I know Dendrobiums need as high light levels so I can't understand why they all bloom for me in the same light that my Catt.s didn't. Can't figure that out?

How about a Cochleanthes? This one requires low to medium light levels.

[Vivienne]

Too true Sandra.

Cochleantes works for me. Or Cochlioda. At the Denver Show there was a Cochlioda rosea that I absolutely fell in love with. If Jerry happened to have any of those I'd be ordering with or without the project!

Oh Jerry!?!?!

[articuno75]

Truthfully there all wonderful. We could sit and converse on which ones to get all day. I suggest listing a "TOP 5" and taking a vote from there. Someone somewhere is going to have problems with growing issues. That's not the point. The point is to grow for fun and see what outcomes are achieved in what enviroment. (I guess).

WE CAN DO THIS !!!!

[kellyincville]

The problem is finding the top 5!

[NancyG]

Epi. Atroneceum 'Mother's Day'
x Enc. Cordigera 'Chocolate Violets'

I like the above that Jerry suggested especially since it is fragrant too.

NancyG

[PhalPal]

I have learned from experience, so please heed my warning about keeping all 'Orchid Project' topics in ONE thread, regardless of topics. When I started the 'Epiphyte Division Thread' the same thing started to happen, meaning many threads going on at once. We eventually got it sorted out but it could have become a big mess in a hurry and important information could have been missed by many members.

Arleneg set up a WIKI thread that is linked to our original thread. This is perfect for this type of project because any participant can go into WIKI and edit and update on an ongoing basis, unlike a normal thread. (the edit buttons go away after two days) When something new happens to our division we go in and update the growth and under what circumstances we have the orchid growing.

For example! I'm not sure which thread this should be posted in, so I just picked one and hope it will get to the correct organizers.

I'm up for any plant all of you choose. I'm not even going to look at the list because I'll end up getting ten! especially Oak HIll....my weakness....

[PhalPal]

Another thought.....those of us who were fortunate enough to get one of Epiphyte's divisions have never viewed our comparisons as a 'competition.' I don't think that is the intention of this new project, especially since the spirit of this forum has always been to share and cheer each other on. If our individual plants are not the same size it shouldn't matter. What will matter is how we all choose to grow it and what our results may be.

Epi's divisions are literally being grown 11 different ways. One was sent out with a spike but all the others had nothing. We aren't even sure what it is, so, Hey, pick a culture!! The amazing thing is that all are still alive, most have new growths and apparently it didn't matter how we grew them. The first bloom is only significant so we can identify it.

Hey, here's a thought. Maybe Jerry can send us a 'mystery' orchid and we can test our skills that way???

[clarita]

My.02¢
Pick a summer bloomer (for the Northern hemisphere)
Winter for southern
1 species, 1 hybrid

I have many Encyclia (Epidendrum etc) species. I always recommend cochleata for a beginner rather than a phal. They seem to bloom no matter what you give them but they need to dry out like catts. They grow like weeds, primarily fall/ spring bloomers. They seem to need a change in conditions to do their thing. ie fall decrease in water, spring increase in light

[PhalPal]

Hi Sandra - I copied this from another 'Orchid project' thread. I think it is really important to get it under control from the start. I think there are FIVE related threads now???? To serve as an example here is the link to a similiar project. The first post includes our link to WIKI. You can take from it what you want and change/upgrade what you don't like about it.

I have learned from experience, so please heed my warning about keeping all 'Orchid Project' topics in ONE thread, regardless of topics. When I started the 'Epiphyte Division Thread' the same thing started to happen, meaning many threads going on at once. We eventually got it sorted out but it could have become a big mess in a hurry and important information could have been missed by many members.

Arleneg set up a WIKI thread that is linked to our original thread. This is perfect for this type of project because any participant can go into WIKI and edit and update on an ongoing basis, unlike a normal thread. (the edit buttons go away after two days) When something new happens to our division we go in and update the growth and under what circumstances we have the orchid growing.

For example! I'm not sure which thread this should be posted in, so I just picked one and hope it will get to the correct organizers.

I'm up for any plant all of you choose. I'm not even going to look at the list because I'll end up getting ten! especially Oak HIll....my weakness....
__________________

[mayres]

Sandra - someone will have to lay out the ground rules of plant selection to get this thing rolling - someone has to be a leader in the project - (honk, honk) - after reading what everyone has to say thus far why don't you start narrowing down some of the options - you will never make 100% of the members happy - though this is obviously our goal! Jerry replied correctly in another thread - if we purchase from Oak Hill we WILL get the wholesale price, but we will also pay teh $12.50 minimum shipping fee. My guess (?) is that this will also be the price for anyone who might want to purchase several since it is touted as a "minimum"? Using Jerry as a source of plants would be less cost if we can find the quality and size of plants the majority of members are interested in - most of us definately want something that can potentially bloom in a year or less.
I concur with Connie's note - one thead only while this is being determined - PLEASE.

[Vivienne]

I'm inline with getting our plants from Jerry. I'm also of the thought that we could be trying to decide for a long time. My thoughts on that are that possibly Jerry come up with a list of what he has available in the 'bloom in a year or less' frame... he create a poll and we select that way. Highest poll (say within the next 5 days or something) is the plant we go with.

Just my 2 petals worth.

[tizzycat]

Originally Posted by tom499

If you wanna keep the seller the same, then you'll have to count anyone outside N. America out, I cant pay the CITES and phytosanitory costs for one plant

We could maybe buy the same plant here or similiar size anyway, there are many sellers in the EU who could get us the same plant, as long as its not too rare.

I Agree with you Tom, although I'm waiting for DEFRA to give me some info on the the red tape for imports - i.e. cost etc. Do you know what financial implications are involved?

I guess we could have three different 'experiments' going at once, the US/Canada, Australia/Tasmania/NZ, and Europe/England. Each geographical group could pick what orchid they want to grow and get them at the same place. The threads will be open for all to read and learn from, like the 'Epiphyte's Division Thread' is now.

If the three groups chose different orchids we could learn a great deal in a year about how to grow these three types of orchids.

Great minds think alike Connie, I was about to suggest this but see you were already there. Also, as Tom suggests we could probably get the same plant from an EU supplier

[patticake]

Originally Posted by NancyG

Epi. Atroneceum 'Mother's Day'
x Enc. Cordigera 'Chocolate Violets'

I like the above that Jerry suggested especially since it is fragrant too.

NancyG

I like this suggestion too! Whatever the majority wants,- but I like this.

[articuno75]

Another suggestion would be like what Connie said and let Jerry pick out a plant for us. I wouldn't mind that.

[rodbender]

I like the idea of letting Jerry pick one also

[jay]

Clarita - so far I have been quite happy with the LED lights. Since I have added them I was able to re-bloom my first Catt. I think the additional light really helped.

[jay]

I think the mystery orchid might be fun. I would be willing to try it. The only problem is culture. We would have to agree on light/water/humidity levels. I could never do a Vanda or Masdevilla because of lack of humidity and too warm a temperature.

But I am game for anything. Let's see what happens.

[clarita]

Jay- Which type are you using? How much area does your's cover and at what distance? I just couldn't get the fc's right. No idea what to measure LED's with. Jeez maybe I should try them again.

I feel the same way about halogens. They were in my place so I decided to give them a 30 day trial. Some of my plants needed the extra heat up here in Chicago. I've had a "non-blooming variety" of tenuilfolia. 5 years that dang plant grew to monster size, produced nothing. The halogens did the trick. Its blooming its head off. They seem to run towards the red spectrum so when a plant is finished blooming I rotate it to 5100k cfl's.

Halogens run very warm and extremely bright.(near 5000 fc's at a distance of 4') Brisk air movement is critical

[palito]

I am for that too. I believe Jerry will pick easy bloomers that most people can grow and enjoy.

[sandra]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

Hi Sandra - I copied this from another 'Orchid project' thread. I think it is really important to get it under control from the start. I think there are FIVE related threads now???? To serve as an example here is the link to a similiar project. The first post includes our link to WIKI. You can take from it what you want and change/upgrade what you don't like about it.

I have learned from experience, so please heed my warning about keeping all 'Orchid Project' topics in ONE thread, regardless of topics.

What link, where Connie? What is WIKI?

The biggest objective right now is getting this all centralized for easy navigating and keeping the project all in one place without duplicate threads as I see this is turning into before we even get off the ground.

So, who, what, where is this WIKI?

[Rocinante]

I'm all for letting Jerry pick our bloomer, and I also like the idea of supporting one of our own.

[sandra]

Excellent idea about Jerry supplying members with the orchids! If all members in this project are in agreement, then I say let's do it....providing all members outside of the U.S. who are participating, can easily find these orchids in their areas.

Can Jerry provide a variety to choose/vote on first? OK, I admit, I haven't read the posts yet from today...maybe the answer is somewhere here already but if not, does he know that high light orchids (no Catts) for instance is one thing we're in agreement with and should be eliminated from the picking?

P.S. Jerry's s/h costs for additional purchases are too good to pass up so this would be a great time to get more than one!!!!!! OMG, this is fun!

Mike, I think lessons from geese would be a great send-off to start this project with. What do you think?

[Vivienne]

Yep - I'm with you all. Jerry picks... but I'd prefer it not to be a Mystery Plant. We're doing that with our local OS this month.

[Rocinante]

Forgive me if I'm being redundant, but may I suggest that Jerry choose for us a list of 5 orchids, and we then have a poll amongst all participants. As long as there are no ties, the poll can decide our orchid.

[chefatplay]

Now this sounds like fun. Now that my season is winding down, I would love to participate. I hope this thread is the one we are going to use?? Coming in like this is a little confusing. Is there somewhere else I'm supposed to go to participate?

[sandra]

I just found the Wiki link, above....it's only been up there forever, right? I tried editing my post about Wiki I just wrote but editing privileges are gone?????

[sandra]

Originally Posted by chefatplay

Now this sounds like fun. Now that my season is winding down, I would love to participate. I hope this thread is the one we are going to use?? Coming in like this is a little confusing. Is there somewhere else I'm supposed to go to participate?

Happy Days Ellen! But I'm going to send you to your room and take away your orchids if you disappear again young lady. I'll update you in the members list. So glad you're here.

[chefatplay]

Easter is just around the corner. Everyone will start going home then. I am sorry.

[Ak_Orchid]

I like the idea of voting on 5 or so orchids, with the intent that they could be easily purchased overseas.

[exasperatus2002]

I'll second the notion to have jerry pick the top 5 orchids.

[articuno75]

Yep, yep. I agree with Jerry picking the top 5 and going from there. (I think I need to make a wormtea order anyway )

[Sharyn]

Well, I agree with others - we're getting too many threads on this subject. I just posted elsewhere. As much as I love Oak Hills, I think we should have Jerry make a few suggestions for us. He'll have much greater knowledge of what orchids will do well for all of us.

From my post somewhere................

"For those of us in the US, I think we should consider Jerry's very generous and kind offer. His plants are always very healthy and packed and shipped in A-1 condition. We would also have the advantage of Jerry overseeing our growing project and perhaps contributing his expert advice."

[kellyincville]

Originally Posted by Rocinante

Forgive me if I'm being redundant, but may I suggest that Jerry choose for us a list of 5 orchids, and we then have a poll amongst all participants. As long as there are no ties, the poll can decide our orchid.

I agree...

[mayres]

Works for me too. Go Jerry! Looks like we're coming to some sort of consensus??? I have a group of plants from Jerry that were shipped 3000+ miles and arrived in pretty good condition. I like the idea of voting among the group from a small selected list (such as the "5" noted above) too.

[NancyG]

I agree. Just waiting for Jerry to give the list.

NancyG

[PhalPal]

This is posted in a couple of the other threads on this topic but I'll put it here to! We can't use a regular thread for updates because our edit buttons go away after two days. (or sooner) In WIKI we can continue to add updates ongoing for as long as we want. Each participant is responsible for their own information and has access to WIKI.

Basically we had two places to go:
1) the regular thread where we talked about what, where, when and how to do things as well as posting pictures of our divisions. The very first post included the list of participants and the link to our WIKI page.
http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/gen...on-thread.html 'Epiphyte's Division Thread'

And 2) WIKI where we updated our progress and kept facts of how we were growing our particular division. It helped to have our basic information on the first page so we didn't have to continually dig for this info. Here is the link to WIKI so you can see what it can do for you:
Epiphyte's Division Follow-up - OrchidGeeks Wiki

This system has worked very well for us, however there were only 11 divisions. I don't know why it would be any different with more participants but if anyone can think of something now is the time to speak up! Hope this helps Sandra.

[chefatplay]

Jerry's suggestion sounds good to me, too. PhalPal, I'm afraid I'm a little lost ont he WIKI and the regular thread thing. My, I have been gone for a long time. I will need tutoring.

[flowerchild]

Just let me know what we have to do, in order to get this lovely little experiment going and how I go about getting meself one!!!! Thanks Flowerchild

[Ak_Orchid]

Those 2 links are to the last project that's being worked on. I think what's being asked is if we like the format they're recording that project in. Everyone can report their progress, and post pictures. The big difference is that you can keep re-editing your post in wikki, however in normal posts the "edit" option goes away. It works for me, looks like it would be easy to use.

[Rocinante]

Yes, I must say that I signed on looking for updates on what, where and when, and I found that there are so many threads going that I don't know who has posted the latest information on which thread. I'm afraid I may miss the ordering boat! Feel free to PM me about this if you all start ordering and haven't heard from me.

[sandra]

Connie, we're not going to use Wiki (by the way, what does that stand for?) Fred is going to help put together sub categories/sub forums in the Orchid Project Forum that will include a few members per sub-forum. Fred explained that for a project like this, it would be best to make divisions within the forum for postings and that using Wiki wouldn't be the way to go on this kind of project. And because there has been a big return from members wanting to do this, there would end up being just too many separate sub forums if members were given their own exclusive threads in which to post (which I would love to see but not practicle...) Member's will probably be grouped 3-4 per sub-forum.

If everyone is happy with wanting Jerry to select 5 or more orchids that we can then all vote on for the project, then so am I. It has to be an orchid that ALL members, not just us in the states, will be able to easily find. Also, are we all in agreement that no high light required plants, be included in these choices? I'm really relieved that he's offered to be the supplier. My head was spinning when I started seeing all these choices and the task of narrowing down a gazillion orchids to 5 or so for a vote. Yikes.

So, we now wait for Jerry to offer a list to choose from.

[articuno75]

Yay!!!

[chefatplay]

I look forward to the fun.

[patticake]

This will work great! Jerry is a doll for doing this! I can't wait to order my plant!

[flowerchild]

Please let me know if I can order from Jerry, and when Cause I know Pikevi and I are really interested in playing with the pretty baby orchids!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[PhalPal]

I don' know what WIKI stands for??!! It is where we were directed to keep all our information in one place and also be allowed to continually add informaiton and not have several threads/forums going on. I don't understand what Fred said to you or why, but I figure he knows the programs better then I do.

What ever orchid Jerry chooses is great with me.

[exasperatus2002]

Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Jerry! Sorry, I had a springer moment.

[Ak_Orchid]

Originally Posted by PhalPal

I don't know what WIKI stands for??!!

Definitions of Wiki on the Web: This is a website that includes the collaboration of work from many different authors. A wiki site allows anyone to edit, delete, or modify the content on the web. (The first wiki creator named the site after a chain of buses in Hawaii; Wiki means "quick" in Hawaiian.)

[PhalPal]

Thanks AK Orchid!!!! Perfect definition.

My Dad, who was in the Navy for many years, would say to us 'Wiki Wiki' when he wanted us to hurry hurry. Such memories came flooding back!

[jctusa]

I am not sure what the ORCHID PROJECT is, but is sounds like I might want to be a part of it. Where do I start or sign up?

John

[articuno75]

You can sign up here. http://www.orchidgeeks.com/forum/orc...bers-list.html

[PhalPal]

Boy are you brave and trusting!!!! Our kind of guy!

[sandra]

Originally Posted by jctusa

I am not sure what the ORCHID PROJECT is, but is sounds like I might want to be a part of it. Where do I start or sign up?

John

jctusa: You've been added to the list. Now, we're waiting to get the list of orchids to choose from.

More to follow....

[Hummer344]

I will go along with what ever the majority deceides.

[sandra]

OK everyone...to get things moving, I thought it would be a good idea if we put together a list (yes, again!) of plants we can vote on for the project. What I'd like to suggest is that members add (to this thread) up to and no more than 3 choices, plants that they have found from available vendors over the internet.

In the meantime, I am checking out a few vendors who can supply a list of plants available to everyone joining in the project. As you know, Mike corresponded with Oak Hill Gardens' Oak Hill Gardens who is offering their wholesale list for us to choose from. As well, I am going to contact a few other vendors and find out if they can offer or suggest readily available plants that meet our criteria.

I haven't checked 'where' yet but I have some plants in mind that will work for all areas, U.S., Canada and Europe.

All thoughts and comments about plants listed from members can be posted here. Let's try to get our choices listed for the project soon so we can do a poll and go forward with ordering by next Saturday, March 22nd.

To assist members, I'm attaching Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia's link Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia


For consideration:
Dendrobium lawesii
Sedirea japonica
Epidendrum peperomia

[Vivienne]

Aerangis citrata
Aerangis luteo-alba var. rhodosticta
Sedirea japonica

[flowerchild]

I personally like the looks of the Aerangis citrata, but I am pretty easy going when it comes to orchids, so whatever is decided will be fine with me!!!! Just tell me when and where to order from K?

[Sharyn]

Thinking out loud: Wouldn't it be better to find out what the vendors have in stock, and if they have enough to supply all of us, before we decide? Once we know what's in stock for shipment, then decide which plant?

I thought we were going to contact Jerry in regard to providing plants for those of us in the US. He grows thousands of orchids and I'm sure can provide us with an orchid that is not a seedling. I want something that is somewhat established in growth.

I'll go along with whatever you guys decide. Just can't do the real high light and big plants.

[brookn]

Tricopilia tortilis
Oeoniella polystachys
Aerangis citrata

[made4engineering]

I would like to participate in this thingy, but of course I have size restrictions, and I cant do super high light.

Small intermediate species:

Pleurothallis palliolata
Restrepia contorta
Maxillaria cucullata

[sandra]

I've got a call in to Andy's Orchids, waiting to hear if they can supply us with some plants to choose. When I get all the particulars, I will update everyone. No high light growing orchids....I know!!!!!!

What do you all think of this:Andy's Orchids - Orchids Species - Dendrobium - lawesii

Personally, I think this would be a great choice for the project. All objectives, met with light, size, cost.

Comments please!

[Vivienne]

Comment - 15" canes - plus daily watering might deter some. Cost is a little steep. Sorry

[brookn]

Sandra, I would kill it, some of mine wait over a week sometimes for lack of time for them. Sorry. I also want to add now that I prefer not to get anything mounted please, I have no place for it as yet.

I went to Andy's site, I actually have looked there before, but it is kind of like unless I know what I am looking for, I have to wade through a lot of plants. Some of them I have no idea what they are, and it seems a bit pricey. I do know that Andy is a great seller, but unless I am buying several specific plants, not sure if it is worth it for me. I am not vetoeing completely, as I am interested in seeing what he would suggest, and I know that he has very nice plants. Price is not a huge deal to me if it is under say $30 ( I have budgeted for this already), but I know it will be an issue for others. I just have been saving into the orchid fund for a while.

I would also like to add, and I know that I am in the minority, that I don't really want one that is almost mature, it does not seem like a challenge to me to get a plant that someone else has done most of the work to get it to near blooming size. Has Jerry decided not to provide the plants, or is he still compiling a list? I know that we need to decide supplier, then plants. Also my above list was made with Oak Hill in mind, but if we go with someone else, it is fine with me, I am putting in another order through Oak Hill anyway. Just let us know. I am in no way trying to muddy the process, or criticize. You are doing great so far.

[PhalPal]

'Must stay wet' and 'one or more waterings per day' would be impossible for many of us.

[jbigio]

Count me in

I think we should try Paphs or phrags since a lot of people are always thinking about trying them, they take low light, stays on the smaller size(some anyway) and you can’t over water them
Joe

[Rocinante]

And as it happens, I don't have a Paph yet. Love to add one...

[jctusa]

Thanks for adding my name to the list. I am still trying to navigate myself around this site.

jct

[exasperatus2002]

is this being restricted to species only or are hybrids ok?

[Vivienne]

hybrids are probably better but I wouldn't mind species.
The only problem with Paphs could be that they do take a while to mature to blooming size.

[jbigio]

Well just about any one we pick will take a season to bloom I'm sure Kevin could suggest some at least it would give people a chance to expand there collections just a thought

[chefatplay]

A paph or phrag would be interesting. I am currently struggling with 4 paphs. Can't quite get it down pat. I have the plants, they grow babies, but no flower yet. Maybe I'm just impatient. An Epidendrum, I think, would be interesting. They are tolerant.

Sandra, I love your plant, I can see it now under the oaks on a shepards hook, but, not everyone can do it.

Let's see what Jerry has to say.

[cytojo]

Signed up as well.

Joanne

[made4engineering]

We are all confused here. Maybe we can get an orchid that nobody has yet? I think it would be the most fun that way. There's got to be one out there....

[jbigio]

with the diversity of the collections and the number of members, I think we will be hard pressed to find a plant few have and available in sufficient numbers and price. Remember rare usually = expensive

[patticake]

Have we given up on Jerry?