I had problems keeping them alive in the bark too, that's why a couple of years ago I decided to try going with straight spaghnum moss. I have heard it isn't such a good idea - it does dry out pretty quickly. But, my orchids stay out on the pool deck and get lots of humidity so maybe that helps. I am bad about watering regularly at times. I will be real good for awhile and then slack off ... I should be a better plant mommy.
A NEW Day of Gratitude and Love
Well, home from jury duty- have to go back tomorrow....
Lin- You have nothing to be embarrased about with your Ludsia- Jewel Orchid! I think it looks great! They are a semi-terrestrial orchid so I have mine in the Schultz Ultimate Orchid Potting Mix with my real good regular potting mix PLUS a little bit of long-fiber spagnum. I prefer the bark mix for orchids over the spagnum it just works better for me. I f I let the spagnum dry too much (and I'm an under-waterer) it is difficult to get it evenly moist again. Just goes to show you- You have to try and see what works for you because it may differ from what works for someone else!
So true Diane! I do have a problem with the LFS drying out to the point where it is hard as a rock! I made a New Year Resolution (first time ever) to try and take better care of my plants! First is cleaning, inside and outside, porches decks etc., de-cluttering and downsizing ... so it's not so much work!
And I kill everything from overwatering! I love that water hose and always have. This is one reason I am anxious to use Tapla's outdoor soil mix. It will drain!
Years ago I had a problem with overwatering and couldn't understand why plants were always dying. I love being able to have so much out on the decks almost year round - it sure makes it easy to water, being able to use a hose! I usually water once a week except during the real hot, summer months I sometimes have to water twice a week. I use orchid bark mix with potting soil and perlite for a most plants so they do dry out quickly.
Wow Lin - Can't believe you can get away with watering once a week. You must have pretty high humidity. i can do that while everything is in the greenhouse, but when they come out, I almost have to water every day. I'm having trouble now keeping everything in the house watered evenly since the heat has been on and off. It needs to either be winter or not! Our weather has just been crazy - cold and then warm, etc.
During the summer I often have to water twice a day............right now I am watering on the front porch only once a week but then I have poly wrapped around the porch tightly so it acts like a greenhouse........
Here in Florida we have nothing but humidity! Gulf of Mexico on one side, Atlantic Ocean on the other and lakes & rivers in between!
Gessiegail. I saw lovely cups with violets on them on Ebay. May be fun to look at for ya.
I can't go to ebay, Sally (laughing but not funny) because i tried to use ebay about 3 years ago and thought they would take mastercard...........didn't even know what pay pal was.......so I told them not to ship the items..............little did I know what trouble I was and am in..........don't know how to open up a new account..........
gail
Gail, has your e-mail address changed since you first signed up?
If so, you can sign up as a new member easily :)
If you need me, I'm here for you........we'll do it over the phone even :)
XO
I might let you do that for me, Kim.........over the phone.........my email address I used is still mine but I have two or three more email addresses................but not tonight......I am a walking zombie today and much more to do before the day is over.
I really appreciate you walking me through it just like you did the other night for pay pal. I did it!!!!!! (with all your help) (LOL)
Hey friends............we need a new thread as jannich and others have dial up............Kim, can you start us a new day of gratitude and love(smiling at you)
I would be happy to :)
Ladies, the party will continue here: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/803233/
Please join us there :)
Kim