"Waling-waling blooms later in the year when it is grown under high elevation ... An initial experiment on the culture of Waling-waling under different elevations tend to show that elevation has a bearing on the blooming of the plants. The plants that are grown under 300 meters above sea level (MASL) and below have been observed to bear flowers in July to August, the usual blooming period of this native orchid.
On the other hand, the plants grown under an elevation of 750 meters above sea level flowered in September to November while those grown at 1,000 MASL flowered in November to December. The experiment was conducted by Angel Puentespina of Waling Orchids in Davao City... In the experiment, Puentespina used 500 three-to-four-year-old Waling-waling plants per treatment. These were first bloomers... The plants... were of the same age and quality... The first batch was grown at the Malagos Garden of the Puentespinas which has an elevation of 300 meters above sea level. The second batch was brought to Cadalian, a place that is 750 meters above sea level. On the other hand, the third batch was brought to Carmen in Mt. Apo with an elevation of 1,000 meters above sea level. In each location, the plants were placed under netshade. Normal watering and fertilization were observed... ... important for the nursery operators... easier to sell the plants if they are in bloom. ... Plants in bloom also command a higher price... The going price during garden shows for a first bloomer Waling-waling is R600 to R750... It is... easier to sell the young seedlings of Waling-waling if there is a blooming specimen around. Under normal conditions, Waling-waling is in bloom during the months of July to August. That is the reason why the second garden show for the year of the Philippine Orchid Society is usually held in August. That could also be the reason why the Kadayawan Festival is held in Davao City every August. Another fellow had his own experiment on the flowering of Waling-waling. He was able to make his Waling-waling bloom in January so that he was able to exhibit a few blooming Waling-waling plants at the Floriculture Congress held in San Fernando, Pampanga several years ago. ... When the flower buds were coming out from the leaf axils of his plants in August and September, he disbudded them. Then he... fed his plants with complete fertilizer and bloom booster... he was able to exhibit several Waling-waling in bloom in February. ... some general simple guides on the care of orchids. For strapleaf vandas (like Waling-waling), ascocendas, cattleyas and oncidiums, these are normally hung inside a greenhouse (net or lathe roofing), with 40 to 60 percent light. For phalaenopsis, the plants should be protected from rain by a plastic roofing. ... vanda teretes, dendrobiums, arandas and renanthera (fire orchid)... grow well in full sun but require frequent watering to prevent drying up. Faster growth is obtained in less sunlight when the plants are young. For good flowering, expose them to more light. ... watering... Thoroughly soak the plants leaves, roots and growing medium at least -- once or twice a day but no later than 3 oclock in the afternoon so that the orchids are dry by nightfall. Orchids in full sun should be watered more often, especially during the dry months. When it rains, do not water. Resume watering only after the growing medium is dry. Fertilize at least once a week. Use a grower for the growing stage. For blooming age, use a bloom booster every other fertilization. Alternate it with a balanced fertilizer." article URL : http://www.mb.com.ph/AGRI2007041091458.html *********** Regards, VB _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
