Are you growing this one very bright? Perhaps they need to sit in the lower tier?

Well, that's a thought! They are all on the top shelf..but the shadier side of the patio.

I've also found that they like to stay a little more moist - or should I say not dry out as much as the Catts.

I've moved mine to the section that gets misted every day and they've been blooming nicely this summer. You're right, the stems are usually 10in. to a foot tall.

Thanks Elaine..I'm sure moisture is key...we haven't had any rain in AGES..and maybe these moisture loving guys are panicking with the less than ideal watering situation. I'm trying to keep my bench simple..with one kind of plant that I know how to deal with...Catts..
Suddenly, I have Onc., Den, Vanda, Phrag., Phal. And Epidendrums.
At my orchid club meeting I won a door prize..a Bulbo. I gave it away rather than bringing it home to a certain death!

I've heard that we celebrate diversity in this country, y'know? I have all those and more, too. Encyclia, Prosthecea and a bunch of Brassavolas. Plus the terrestrials of course. Cymbidium, Spathoglottis, Phaius and Habenaria . . .

At the very least, it's a learning experience and we all need those to keep our 35yr. old brains agile.

You betcha!!

Where's the agility emoticon?

I'm up there with Ken, and I'm not sure about keeping the brain agile, but multiple types of orchids sure keeps your internet skills polished. I'm constantly looking up culture for the different species.

I suspect the fact that you keep "your internet skills polished" and constantly looking up things (which means you're learning) goes a long way in keeping the brain active, Carol!

I am relatively young (just under 30), so feel free to weigh my comments accordingly. I have heard it said that "age is in the mind" and to some extent, based on what I've seen with my family and friends, this is true. Those in my grandparents generation that have a positive attitude and keep as active as they can come across as much "younger" than those who don't. Of course, some are blessed with better health in their later years than others, which does play its part.

The reason I'm constantly looking things up is that I can't remember what I learned.

You too!

Sometimes I wonder if the internet, which I usually think is so helpful, is not clogging my brain with a lot of nonsense. At this point I only have a finite number of gray cells left and I have to use them carefully.

Fortunately, Alice, the brain doesn't quite work like that. As I understand it, learning/memory storage actually creates new pathways in the brain or strengthens existing ones. I'm not sure it's possible to "run out of space" as such (at least in our lifetime).

That's why it is important to always learn new skills, keep up with technology as possible. Heh, my grandchildren smile when I have a phone conversation through my watch!!

Ha, just wait until you are my age.

I bought my first home computer, an Apple, in 1976. I'd been working with the big IBM computers at work in the early 60's. I swear all this technology has fried my brain. TMI in too small a space.

I'm believing the new neural pathways theory instead. I'm constantly making new pathways through the jungle in my brain, just like my garden.

That's your story and your are sticking to it. Think positive!

So, during my "health hiccup" this last week I have sadly neglected some of my orchids. Just today I discovered one more hanging stand in the garden that I do believe hasn't been watered for at least 6 days. It's been windy and very dry, but not too hot. These plants have been standing (thanks to my DH who graciously finished clearing out the pool cage while I was in hospital) in the very middle of the sunniest part of my garden. I did tell him to set them all "in the shade" but in true engineer fashion he probably assumed that since it was shady there at 5pm they would be fine . . .

Anyway, only one seems to be in trouble, my Den. bigibbum var. compactum has turned it's leaves deep burgundy. They are still pliable and not dry feeling, cool to the touch so not dead. Now we've had a few nights down into the high 50's this week so I'm wondering if the cool weather has anything to do with it, but it seems to be asking for magnesium. What do you all think?

During the Summer outside, the leaves on mine turn color too, though perhaps not as strong as that. It seems to have gotten a lot of sun and I don't think that is a bad thing. I would probably move it into a not quite as bright spot and water it really well.

I agree. I think that is a sun issue. Less light and a good drink should help.

Jim