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Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: Deleted on April 07, 2005, 11:23:06

Title: Look at this... !!
Post by: Deleted on April 07, 2005, 11:23:06
Just had to show you my lovely orchid that my Mum gave me 2 years ago. I took this picture last week. There are 77 buds on it and yesterday there were 55 full or partially open.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/DawnSmith/orchidB.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v699/DawnSmith/orchid1.jpg)
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Mimi on April 07, 2005, 11:29:09
Wow :o  Dawn that is fantastic.  Is it a cymbidium orchid??  I have just bought on (going at half price in a local garden centre but still with a flowering spike)  Are you growing it outside or is it in a conservatory?? Mine is in the living room at the moment and according to the instructions that came with it, I should put it outside once danger of frosts is over.  I would be grateful for any tips  to promote a repeat performance of flowers next year.
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: eileen on April 07, 2005, 11:46:17
Dawn that is a must for the April competition!!!  ;D That first piccie especially is absolutely gorgeous!!!

Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Deleted on April 07, 2005, 11:46:40
Hi Mimi,

Yes, its a cymbidium. When my Mum first gave it to me it had 4 spikes. I keep it in the conservatory in the winter and then put it outside once chance of frosts have gone. The first year I watered it lovingly outside (rain, not tapwater), then fed it in the Autumn. It did nothing - not even 1 bud.

So last summer I just stuck it outside behind the garage and just chucked a bucket of rain water over it now and again (i.e. when I remembered). I started to feed it with orchid food when i brought it in again, and its rewarded me with this lovely display.

In the winter, or dry weather, I revert to tap water, but let it stand for a day or so before using it. Don't know if this makes a difference or not. It's also very very pot bound, whch they love apparently - they like it cosy, not spacious!!

Good luck with yours Mimi
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Deleted on April 07, 2005, 11:47:07
Thanks Eileen
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Mrs Ava on April 07, 2005, 13:17:22
WOW WOW WOW WOW WOW!!!

That is the most amazing thing!  You very clever person you!  I am everso impressed.  Never given orchids a go, have a couple of little critters thanks to MagpieDi, but nothing like that scale.  I often look at them in the garden centre but they are so many pennies that I just cannot justify the cash.

Well done you!  Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeutiful!!!
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Marianne on April 07, 2005, 14:34:53
Oh Dawn, that is absolutely gorgeous !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :o ;) :D
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Jesse on April 07, 2005, 14:46:41
Wow, you must be very proud! Well done! I was given two beautiful yellow orchids 6 years ago as a maternity leave present, unfortunately I managed to kill them both  :'(.
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: TULIP-23 on April 07, 2005, 17:46:23
Dawn :)

What a Plant you must be chuffed to beans 8)

You go girl....put it in the picture Comp
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Deleted on April 08, 2005, 13:17:18
Thanks for the lovely comments - am chuffed with it! (not sure that there is a picture comp at the moment though)
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Deleted on April 08, 2005, 13:19:58
Ooops! Just found it!
Title: Re: Look at this... !!
Post by: Doris_Pinks on April 08, 2005, 16:35:25
That is absolutely beautiful Dawn, and the great thing is the flowers last for weeks and weeks!