Greetings from San Jose, California
Feb 17, 2011 14:37:02 GMT -10
Post by nodine on Feb 17, 2011 14:37:02 GMT -10
Hello, my name is Tony and I live in San Jose, CA, near the Santa Cruz Mountains. I've lurked around this board for a few months and really appreciate the depth of content and passion of the participants. As I have become more comfortable within this community, it feels like a public introduction is an appropriate way to add context to my occasional postings.
In 2003, we built a small greenhouse in our backyard to grow orchids and other tropical plants. All was well until I started visiting with the Santa Barbara orchid community. Many plants have passed through our greenhouse and yard over the years. Some are now magnificent specimens, while others....well, RIP.
Around 2005, I discovered California Carnivores nursery and met Peter D'Amoto (first online and then in Sebastopol). On my first visit to the nursery, Peter asked me what I was growing in my greenhouse. I answered excitedly, "Paphs., Vandas and Catts!" Without missing a beat, he said "how pedestrian," smiled and walked away. My greenhouse is now full of Nepenthes and I couldn't be happier about it.
In 2008, I optimized the greenhouse environment for montane tropical plants. Generally, I allow the temp to drop to 55-50F every evening and cap it at between 85-89F during the day. Also, we have installed a HerrMidifier (Mr. Humidifier?) to bring the RH up to at least 70% and upgraded the RO unit capacity for more frequent hand watering. The four Nepenthes living in there have exploded, along with a few previously obstinate orchids. Sadly, many of my Vanda and Dendrobium are slowly dying - which is just too bad, but will fortunately leave more room for my Nepenthes :-)
I'm currently growing out many Nepenthes acquired from all the usual suspects in the USA. All of my Nepenthes are currently grown in our greenhouse. However, I plan to move a couple of my hardier specimens outside, as spring approaches.
Five of my plants are from Sam. I grow two N. St Hedwig (one is kinda blond, while the other is more red), N. Diomedes, N. Troth, and N. Sunset.
I am most accesible at facebook.com/nodine
Kind regards,
Tony
In 2003, we built a small greenhouse in our backyard to grow orchids and other tropical plants. All was well until I started visiting with the Santa Barbara orchid community. Many plants have passed through our greenhouse and yard over the years. Some are now magnificent specimens, while others....well, RIP.
Around 2005, I discovered California Carnivores nursery and met Peter D'Amoto (first online and then in Sebastopol). On my first visit to the nursery, Peter asked me what I was growing in my greenhouse. I answered excitedly, "Paphs., Vandas and Catts!" Without missing a beat, he said "how pedestrian," smiled and walked away. My greenhouse is now full of Nepenthes and I couldn't be happier about it.
In 2008, I optimized the greenhouse environment for montane tropical plants. Generally, I allow the temp to drop to 55-50F every evening and cap it at between 85-89F during the day. Also, we have installed a HerrMidifier (Mr. Humidifier?) to bring the RH up to at least 70% and upgraded the RO unit capacity for more frequent hand watering. The four Nepenthes living in there have exploded, along with a few previously obstinate orchids. Sadly, many of my Vanda and Dendrobium are slowly dying - which is just too bad, but will fortunately leave more room for my Nepenthes :-)
I'm currently growing out many Nepenthes acquired from all the usual suspects in the USA. All of my Nepenthes are currently grown in our greenhouse. However, I plan to move a couple of my hardier specimens outside, as spring approaches.
Five of my plants are from Sam. I grow two N. St Hedwig (one is kinda blond, while the other is more red), N. Diomedes, N. Troth, and N. Sunset.
I am most accesible at facebook.com/nodine
Kind regards,
Tony