Couldn't figure out how to link a photo to a reply so here's a shot of some of my orchids from last summer in the pergola. This is in regards to care of dendrobium cuculatum.
Yes, the shade is being provided by my wisteria vines that grow up the pergola from both sides. That non-orchid plant to the left is a 50+ year old bonsai Chinese Elm that I've had for over 10 years.
The wisteria plant has done a job on the pergola though. The vines have pulled some of the wood pieces apart and are threatening to take the whole structure down. I'm thinking that I will do a job on the vines in the fall but am concerned that I will have to provide some other form of shade. I just really like the dappled shade that the vines provide each summer when the sun becomes too hot for the orchids.
The orchids do get direct morning sun and by the afternoon they are shaded by the vines. If I have to do drastic pruning of the wisteria I'm thinking of installing some kind of shade cloth over the top of the pergola. Any thoughts about that? But overall I'm disappointed that the wisteria although gorgeous when in bloom is so destructive!
By the way, my dendrobiums have no names either as they were purchased from Costco or Sams Club or brought back from Hawaii. But I love them just the same!
Beautiful set up , I bet the Wisteria is too when in bloom.
I have one but it is not happy where I have it might try to move it .
Hope all is well where you are I heard about the tornadoes in Va. Gin
We didn't get the tornadoes where I live which is about 15 miles away from the area in Suffolk that got hit fairly badly. About 200 people were injured but so far no reports of any fatalities. We were lucky and only got rain, wind, and thunder.
About your wisteria. I had to wait 4 years before my Japanese pink wisteria finally bloomed. And it was just gorgeous (see picture). I know this isn't an orchid but it does help me provide summer shade for my orchids.
It is beautiful !
I think mine is in the wrong area of the yard I have had it for several years it does not grow like it should .
Glad all is well there .I feel sorry for the ones that were hit hard .. Gin
Gin,
Do you have it growing over a fence or something that it can wind around? Like I said my wisteria has always grown wild and after 4 years it finally bloomed. Actually since I planted two different vines one on either side, I'm pretty sure only one bloomed this year. I haven't fertilized the vines only gave it water during the hot summer months. You could try moving it but be careful where you put it. Should it take off it will really cover anything it touches!
That Japanese pink wisteria is gorgeous hmy: It would be a pity if you'd have to change that, Hakulady. A cloth may be effective but by far not as beautifully looking as that wisteria
Ophrys, I don't want to totally get rid of it either. I'm hoping that the damage that it's already done to the pergola is no longer an issue. I will try to prune it back throughout the summer but not interfere with the shade that it provides. I realize that wisteria is very invasive when they're happy so I guess I'll have to keep it trimmed back quite a bit to control it. I too do not want to lose those beautiful flowers that are also very fragrant. It's lovely to look at while it's still cool outside and before the orchids are moved to the pergola.
Thanks for your thoughts!
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hmy: It would be a pity if you'd have to change that, Hakulady. A cloth may be effective but by far not as beautifully looking as that wisteria
Will be some work for you but it is fun to do, no?
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