March 22nd, 2008

New leaf buds and some new roots.

I've found that after adding the heat pads, the plants seem to be putting out new growths.

Repotted Today

Re potted a few of my plants today. Had to cut off a lot of dead roots. But did discover one of my Chia Lin New City to have good root growth but no flower. Potted my Shinfong Beauty's from three pots to two; found new growth with some new roots. Re potted my Chia Lin 'Red Rose' and found new growth but no new roots yet.
I found with the heat pads, evaporation is high. And the need to fill the reservoir increased to once a week. Can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can turn the pads off. I'm afraid to get my next electrical bill.

Tolumnia & Phalaenopsis

Some more photos of my current blooming orchids.

Chia Lin Red Rose back bulbs rebud

This old back bulbs is putting out a new bud. Hopefully it will grow.

Some Close Ups of Popoki Blooms

Tolumnia Flowering!

I have to say how happy I am with this Tolumnia. I'm glad I got this plant from ebay because this plant was very easy to switch to Dyna-Rok. So far, the other Popoki are doing okay (I think). But this one makes me happy.

Added Full Spectrum Florescent Lighting

I had an old plant box with full spectrum florescent lighting in it. I decided to take it apart and install it into my orchid stand. Originally I just wanted it installed just so I can look at the orchids under normal lighting. Although the orchids are doing well under just the LEDs I read on the web that some green part of spectrum do contribute to better root growth. Well, I thought I'd try it out. I am having root problems but I think this is because of the cold temperatures of winter. I ordered heat mats but they haven't arrived yet.

Moved Orchid Stand into Office Closet

I've spent my long weekend reorganizing, cleaning and clearing out my office. Discovered that my office closet was just the right size to allow my orchids stand to fit inside! So I moved it. I placed a small table in my bedroom and placed flowering Phalaenopsis on it. Will take picture of it later. For sure now, this will be a real test of the LED lights to support the plants.

My Tolumnia Popoki is about to flower! How exciting!

New Dark Pink Phalaenopsis

Got a new Phal; thanks again Gloria. Its a very dark purple pink! Most of the roots looked good and I trimmed off all the dead roots and potted it into dyna-rok and Aussie-gold. One of the leaf is turning yellow; not sure why but I am guess from drying out. I took one of the pollen nodules and pollenated it with the orange Phal seen below it.

Terminator

Although not an orchid, Brian Bloom does make a great terminator. I hope he shows back up in the TV show.

Feb 5th, 2008

Broke down and repotted Big Red a few days ago. I don't expect the flower bud to survive.

March 18th, 2008 update: The flower sheath dried up and the flower had shriveled up inside.

Pizzaz looks okay.

March 18th, 2008 update: I have not seen any activity in terms of growth.