Peyotes are ready for repotting

I have been wanting to repot my peyotes for some time but the catcus potting sand have been sold out and not available currently. Found a bud this morning on one of them. I have previously succeeded in pollinating and harvesting and germinating seeds from cactus and succulents so this will be a project. I have added last year's photo to show how much they have grown in their current 5 and 6 inch pots over 12 months. Because they prefer very dry growing conditions, I don't water them regularly maybe once or twice per fortnight depending on the weather and they get their share of fertilisers when I feed my orchids.

Fruit bags

Bought some fruit bags online for the papayas and figs. Hopefully they will be enough to protect against birds and insecte.

Fungus a common problem

Fungus infection, a common problem especially during wetter seasons. This probably was started by a nip by the birds. Treatment is not difficult. Just cut off the infected areas. I would usually just cut away part or most of the leaf if it is not too near the growing crown. Use a lighter to sterilise the cutter before and after use. Apply fungicide or fungicide powder to the affected   areas and allow it to dry.

Automatic sprinklers vs manual watering.

While the watering system is convenient, some plants and orchids inevitably gets insufficient amount of water, after months of trial, some plants needs to be moved and new misters and micro sprinklers e added. I still find manual watering the best as it allows even watering to make sure all the plants and orchids get their fair share of water + I can check the plants and orchids as I am watering. I now use a combination of both when I am not travelling.

Added a new plant

Saw this for sale, a bit dehydrated but nice variegated leaf patterns, couldn't resist. At $15, its not expensive. Added fertiliser and watered. Now we wait !

Fading Tiger

Two and a half months later the flowers have all finally bloomed... no wasted buds. Flowers gets smaller towards the end of the spike ..  I shall attempt to make a flower count the next time it blooms.

Big leaves

Anthuruim magnificant and the Philodendron gloriosum, both grown in the ground, they need lots of water to produce big leaves especially during this heat spell. I have not enough space on the orchid racks for them hence shifted them to the ground.