All growing orchids are equal but some are more equal. In order to have the privilege of living at my place, an orchid must grow. I have struggled trying to make plants grow that simply are not cooperating and eventually will discard or give them away if I'm unsuccessful. So all are growing but some are growing robustly. A recent speaker said that a well grown orchid should double in size every year. There are many obvious exceptions to this statement like Cattleyas, Vandas etc, but at least it applies to the leafy orchids.

This year I have changed my watering habits. I religiously water every day if possible, consciously water every plant until water runs out the bottom of the pot, changed to MSU fertilizer for RO watered plants and am adding a wetting agent. This has doubled my water usage from 20 gallons to 40 gallons per day and also doubled the time it takes to water everything. All this is happening on the 2 greenhouses for the species plants only. Cymbidiums, catts etc outside under shade cloth are being watered the same way as before.

Today I was marveling at the robust growth being displayed by many plants. Examples are a Maxillaria with 4 adult growth which is growing 7 new ones. A Dracula with 17 leaves which is in full bloom and growing 13 new leaves, more coming by the looks of it. A struggling Pleurothallis imperialis with 3 adult leaves only, finally turned the corner with 4 new leaves. A large Pleuro titan with more new leaves than old ones. Several Masdevallias who have as many new leaves as old ones.

These are examples of 'robust growth'. I have in the past accepted less than optimum growth but there is no reason to do this. Given the right circumstances these plants grow like crazy. If they are just limping along either they are virused or conditions are not right for them. Since I changed several aspects of my care at the same time I cannot attribute the successful growth being displayed to one or the other of the new features.

I have started separating plants that are not exhibiting 'robust growth' and am working with them. Changing locations, increasing or decreasing the light they get and changing other parameters. Eventually non-performers will get tested for virus and then either discarded or given away. I think a collection should be limited to plants that are growing well, we spend too much time, energy and money to be saddled with anything else.

Nick