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Can anyone help me figure if I am doing good with these please?

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Cristina, Jun 22, 2021.

  1. Cristina

    Cristina New Member

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    Hello,

    I have a Dendrobium Gregulus, a Podangis Dactylocera and a Ionopsis Utricolarioides (together with a D. Capillipes and a Euryangis Victoria Nile... ) - but I am a novice to rare orchids and can't find much information on their care. Photos in link Dropbox - orchids - Simplify your life

    I had these babies since over a month now, and I hope someone can tell from the pictures if they are doing good - well, if I am doing good with them! :)
    The Gregulus came to me with two sets of tiny leaves and they all had tiny brown tips - have not seen it grow much, but it's a miniature so perhaps growth is slower?

    The Podangis arrived sat in moldy medium - took her out and upon closer inspection most of her roots were gone and the few she had left were damaged. I managed to save just about some truncated roots, and after removing the dead ones, I gave her a light bath in potassium permanganate (very little of it and like, in out), let her dry, and then mounted her on a cork with few strings of spagnum moss, securing her loosely with silk thread, just to keep her in position.
    Few days later I applied by gentle brushing some root growth.

    The Ionopsis I can see that has sprouted 3 new roots (!) but her leaves are in a bad state - seems she must have been left outside in a spot not of her like...
    All of them get misted 3 times a day, fertilized (misting with) and bathed for 1 hour once a week, and get fogged 2 hours every other day. Please let me know if you think I am not doing right, or they are not doing good. So little literature on them around, it's difficult to know what one's doing! Thanks :)
     
  2. Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Location:
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    You should not mist Ionopsis three times a day. they like to dry out very well between waterings.
     
  3. Cristina

    Cristina New Member

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    Hi, thanks for your kind advise - I think there's good air flow where she is, because she gets totally dry (roots and spagnum moss and mount) in about 4 hours after watering. I will ensure to keep her dry! Thank you again so much!!
     
  4. Piranhacon

    Piranhacon Member

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    Location:
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    I've grown Dendrobium gregulus before.

    It has a dormancy period during the winter months. During this period, water far less than you would during growing season.

    How you'd know when to water more is when you start seeing new shoots or new roots grow.

    I can't give you exact numbers for lighting because I don't have a meter to give you measurements, but it should be moderately indirect light.

    I've only grown this species mounted. If you want to grow them potted, my suggestion would be to use medium grade bark in a small net pot.

    They bloom around late spring - early summer.

    These actually grow quite quickly.