PLEIONES -2008 (New Forum section)

[FrazerHenderson]

I'm after some advice. My shantungs have now lost their leaves (recent frost (-6c). Is there any special winter care: do I have to move to dry environment or should I just leave nature to take its course. I 'm concerned that frost might affect the bulbs. Any general advice welcome.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Hi Frazer,

You'd better get them dry and frostfree right now !
I hope it's not too late yet.
Mine have never been exposed to -6°C so I have no experience how they will cope.

[FrazerHenderson]

Luc

Thanks - I'm off out now!!

Frazer

[LarsB]

I have formosanum growing in the garden with little protection from winter wet, but that doesn't mean that Shantung will be able to handle the same conditions. I've have exposed Shantung to frost, but only when it was dry. And mean completely dry.

Kind regards

Lars

[Pete Clarke]

I know Dave has already posted a picture of Pl. Wharfdale, but I want to show off mine to. A "cracking" coloured lip.

[Maggi Young]

I know Dave has already posted a picture of Pl. Wharfdale, but I want to show off mine to. A "cracking" coloured lip.

....and a super photo !

[Slug Killer]

Yes that is a cracking lip on your Pln.wharfdale.

Dave

[Pete Clarke]

I have followed Paul Cumbleton's excellent advice on his website, on how to sow Pleione seed. However 5 out of 6 of my flasks became contaminated by fungi & bacteria, reflecting my poor seed transfer technique.
Fortunately I then came across a good article by Christian Koch on the Danish orchid forum  (http://forum.orkideer.dk/viewtopic.php?t=759 ), who shows a very neat way of sterilising & then injecting the seed into one's flask, greatly reducing the risk of failure.
The silicone sealer plug seal survived autoclaving without problem.
However, you need to inject the seed in only a very small amount of water, 0.2mls, otherwise the seed swims around ontop of the medium.
Now fingers crossed.

The surplus seed from my first attempt was squirted onto a nice moss covered brick block that I found in the garden. This was placed & sealed inside a plastic bag,  4 weeks on & I am convinced that I can see (with a good magnifying glass) some seed greening up.

[Slug Killer]

Hi Rob

Wharfedale   
 Pln. Hekla x Pln. Lassen Peak   
 A. D. Smith
 1993 

Lassen Peak   
 Pln. praecox x Pln. x lagenaria   
 I. Butterfield
 1985 

x lagenaria   
 Pln. maculata x Pln. praecox   
 hort. (natural hybrid)
 

Dave