Growing Orchids on Fuerteventura

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

I'm keeping an eye on the markdowns at Oasis to see if I can get some bargains, gotta work out a way to mark the plants I'm interested in so I know which ones to buy when the flowers are all gone 

Found a method, and it worked! Got 3 on sale today, 6€ each, down from 14.85€ each. Now need to find space for them in the house ...... 

[Gone Fishing]

TamaraEnLaPlaya wrote
I'd like to mount it somewhere outside but I'm afraid I'd forget to water it 3 or 4 times a day. 
Indoors I'm constantly going past it which reminds me or if I'm going to be out all day I can fill the vase with water and leave it like that.




Hi Tamara
Thanks for providing a splash of colour during a bleak period here in the UK.

For regular watering of outdoor plants have you considered a greenhouse irrigation system with a timer?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/CAMWAY-Irrigati...WNrPXRydWU=

Martin (MLA) has one set up for his plants @El Cotillo for when he and The Lady are not in residence.

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Thanks GF. 
Yes, I have 3 different timers on the go already for different parts of the garden/plants that need different schedules. Running out of outdoor taps  , I have 5 spread around the garden (3 when house was built, I've added 2 extra) and 2 have multi outlets on them. Need to get another multi I think, just for the orchid, as nothing else will want the same schedule. Pretty sure it's the way to go. 

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

another one coming along   earlier than last year when it started in March.



Saw HiperDino in Villaverde had got some new ones in today, several I really really liked and a good price, 11€, but where to put them?  Perhaps retractable hanging pots?

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

10 in bloom at the moment and more plants still to open  their first flower 

  

  

  

[Can the Man]

Beautiful Tamara these orchids are superb 🥰

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Thanks Can. 
I've been blessed and delighted today to receive 3 more into my care from forum members! 

[TeaInTheDunes]

Be warned though, as with most orchids bought in garden centres or supermarkets, they need repotting ASAP as the roots are being suffocated with tightly packed sphagnum moss. Repot into specialist bark for best results, never in anything resembling soil. 

Hi TamaraEnLaPlaya,

This is what I have faced, the orhcid I was given as a present needs repotting, and I wonder if you know where on the island I can get good quality bark or seramis and clay pebbles? Do you know if some Chinese shops have them or some gardening centers?
I just visited one garden shop in Corralejo, but they sell 1 type of bark mixed with coconut husk and I doubt the quality is high.

P.S. I just have realized how similar our names are  I just freshly registered here, but I want to say that I did not have in mind to copy you, I just have the same nick name on other platform 

[windermeregolfer]

Be warned though, as with most orchids bought in garden centres or supermarkets, they need repotting ASAP as the roots are being suffocated with tightly packed sphagnum moss. Repot into specialist bark for best results, never in anything resembling soil. 

Hi TamaraEnLaPlaya,

This is what I have faced, the orhcid I was given as a present needs repotting, and I wonder if you know where on the island I can get good quality bark or seramis and clay pebbles? Do you know if some Chinese shops have them or some gardening centers?
I just visited one garden shop in Corralejo, but they sell 1 type of bark mixed with coconut husk and I doubt the quality is high.

P.S. I just have realized how similar our names are  I just freshly registered here, but I want to say that I did not have in mind to copy you, I just have the same nick name on other platform 

Welcome TeaInTheDunes, enjoy our forum

[TamaraEnLaPlaya]

Be warned though, as with most orchids bought in garden centres or supermarkets, they need repotting ASAP as the roots are being suffocated with tightly packed sphagnum moss. Repot into specialist bark for best results, never in anything resembling soil. 

Hi TamaraEnLaPlaya,

This is what I have faced, the orhcid I was given as a present needs repotting, and I wonder if you know where on the island I can get good quality bark or seramis and clay pebbles? Do you know if some Chinese shops have them or some gardening centers?
I just visited one garden shop in Corralejo, but they sell 1 type of bark mixed with coconut husk and I doubt the quality is high.

P.S. I just have realized how similar our names are  I just freshly registered here, but I want to say that I did not have in mind to copy you, I just have the same nick name on other platform 

Welcome!
As to your forum name all I can say is you have good taste! 🤣

I've tried buying different brands of bark here, some known brands and some cheapies, but I've given up. The first bag I had was good but all subsequent bags have been useless. (pieces too small, crumbly, mouldy!)

I now use expanded clay pellets exclusively. They occasionally stock them at Oasis Garden Centre (Puerto del Rosario ring road or Zoo if you are further south.) The most reliable stockists are the Cannabis Grow Shops! The ones I get are in 5L bags - I can't remember the price, sorry. If you've not used this product before be warned the stuff is very dusty and needs multiple washes before you can use it for orchids. Once it is clean give it a good soak immediately prior to using it so that it is holding a reasonable volume of water.

Good luck! Happy to answer any queries.