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[samuijimmy]

I am not sure about most of Samui, but yesterday we had a little bit of rain in the Maenam area, quite welcome for sure! Even some mature plants were starting to show signs of stress, dropping leaves is  a good sign! Most plants will tolerate some drying out, especially once established.... but what with the wind and high temperatures of late, it's enough to make anything or anyone wilt!  Out with the water!

Some time in the last couple of weeks my Max/ Min thermometer hit our usual yearly high of 38 c. I think usually this happens in April.... so we are a bit off this year.

I headed down to one of Thailand's best kept secret areas last week, for a few days.... Thali Noi Lake, in northern Songkhla province... it's a paradise of Lilies and Lotus blooms by the millions. I know nothing to do with the Islands, but would recommend anyone headed south for a visa run etc, take time to stop at Thali Noi.... just east of Pattyalung (sp?) or west of Ranot (on the coast road headed toward Songkhla City) ... Quite well marked with large signs ... well worth a boat rental to tour the lake, but do in morning as lilies close up by noon!!!!

I have done this numerous times now and  just get blown away every time I see it.... It's also a good area for bird watching too...  April is the best month for lilies, January there are more birds as part of the migratory bird route, a worth see !!! There are a few resorts appearing in the area now, a big change from five or so years ago when I first discovered the area .....

One thing too,  the rice paddy's are dwindling to make way for Palm Oil production, the ever hoping to make more money, although the rice farmers in that area actually make a reasonable living and are quite proud of the fact the produce some of the best rice in the world, sad that there will be a shortage of rice at some point.

It was interesting to see so many orange Flame trees blooming all the way down, lots of those blooming around Samui too... quite striking!

Attached Files

•  1-Thali Noi Songkhla May 10, 2012 9-55 AM 3072x1728.JPG   258.58K   4 downloads

Edited by samuijimmy, 2012-05-19 18:33:26.

[itishothere]

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-19 18:25:40, said:

orange Flame trees blooming all the way down, lots of those blooming around Samui too... quite striking!

Is that their official name SJ? They are indeed stunning!!!

[mitmig]

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-19 17:57:35, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-07 19:07:20, said:

Now I'm confused The plant I've got is know as the Chinese Honeysuckle or Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) and I assumed it was of the same
family as the honeysuckle I know from my home country. But now I find out they both belong to a different family. But I still have a fragrant flower
When I google Elephant Ears I get images of different kind of flowers/plants, so I don't know which one you mean. Do you have the Latin name for me?

Here!!!  I finally found a picture of the Honeysuckle, which is growing well locally and I think an easy plant to grow... Is it the same one Mitmig?

One nursery that has this plant is Samui Plant Centre in Lipa Noi area. Perhaps 1 km  past Raja ferry turn off ..... on right side coming from Nanthon.

That's the same nursery I've got my Rangoon Creeper from! Didn't know they also had the 'real' honeysuckle, so I've got to visit them again A Thai
friend is building an arbor for me so the Rangoon Creeper can do what he's supposed to do. Would be great to plant the honeysuckle on the other
side of the arbor.

Those flame trees (delonix regia) are so gorgeous! There's a really huge one at the Namuang waterfall but the seedpods were too high for me to reach. Found another tree with seeds on the ground and I took a couple of them home. I was really surprised to see that one of the seeds already came out. Will take of picture of it tomorrow.

The picture of all those water lilies is fantastic Jim! I saw something similar near the Raja Ferry. Opposite the German Butchery is an artificial lake and it's
covered in water lilies. Have to go back there with my camera because I saw some moorhens which I would like to photograph.

Edited by mitmig, 2012-05-19 22:52:21.

[samuijimmy]

mitmig, on 2012-05-19 22:49:08, said:

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-19 17:57:35, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-07 19:07:20, said:

Now I'm confused The plant I've got is know as the Chinese Honeysuckle or Rangoon Creeper (Quisqualis indica) and I assumed it was of the same
family as the honeysuckle I know from my home country. But now I find out they both belong to a different family. But I still have a fragrant flower
When I google Elephant Ears I get images of different kind of flowers/plants, so I don't know which one you mean. Do you have the Latin name for me?

Here!!!  I finally found a picture of the Honeysuckle, which is growing well locally and I think an easy plant to grow... Is it the same one Mitmig?

One nursery that has this plant is Samui Plant Centre in Lipa Noi area. Perhaps 1 km  past Raja ferry turn off ..... on right side coming from Nanthon.

That's the same nursery I've got my Rangoon Creeper from! Didn't know they also had the 'real' honeysuckle, so I've got to visit them again A Thai
friend is building an arbor for me so the Rangoon Creeper can do what he's supposed to do. Would be great to plant the honeysuckle on the other
side of the arbor.

Those flame trees (delonix regia) are so gorgeous! There's a really huge one at the Namuang waterfall but the seedpods were too high for me to reach. Found another tree with seeds on the ground and I took a couple of them home. I was really surprised to see that one of the seeds already came out. Will take of picture of it tomorrow.

The picture of all those water lilies is fantastic Jim! I saw something similar near the Raja Ferry. Opposite the German Butchery is an artificial lake and it's
covered in water lilies. Have to go back there with my camera because I saw some moorhens which I would like to photograph.

Thanks Mitmig, you're so useful!   I just looked it up too, so that answers Itsohothere question.(Delonix regia)   Also known as Flamboyant Tree. There is a lovely red flowered on near Hau Thanon, (Muslim Village) along the beach to the west, it usually blooms earlier....I've not been there for a while so not sure if blooming now, usually January and February for sure.  My book also says there is a yellowed flowered one too, that I have never noticed!

As for lilies at Thali Noi, that's one huge lake and takes hours to see it all, by flat bottomed boat... what that picture shows is a very small area! Certainly worth planning a stop over if anyone ever heads south!

[itishothere]

Thanks SJ and mitmig for naming the tree. There is one heading from Bandon to the airport, right hand side on the hill. Stunning. Keep thinking about stopping and picking up some pods or seeds or whatever when I pass, but the handbrake on the jeep is khrap, so suspect the car would end up in 99 just as I am getting out my trowel and plastic bags from the glove compartment.

(Glove compartment???? )

It is hot here.
itishothere.
I know, stupid name.

[mitmig]

Very proud to present ... my flame tree to be I hope I'll run in to the yellow version someday!

Attached Files

•  2012-05-20_0004.jpg   222.38K   2 downloads

[Tropicalevo]

Just a reminder. I was always told that honeysuckle is poisonous to dogs and small kids.  

http://www.ehow.com/...us-people_.html

However, I have neither and so I have a fabulous rangoon creeper 'hedge' at the entrance to my house. Smells great.

[samuijimmy]

Tropicalevo, on 2012-05-20 16:56:26, said:

Just a reminder. I was always told that honeysuckle is poisonous to dogs and small kids.  

http://www.ehow.com/...us-people_.html

However, I have neither and so I have a fabulous rangoon creeper 'hedge' at the entrance to my house. Smells great.

That's a new one on me, honeysuckle being poisonous..... always something to learn in the garden! But reading your link one would have to ingest a large quantity!

Rangoon creepers looking really nice at the moment. I am surprised I have quite a lot of seedlings popping up around the garden..... must have missed them in the last round of weeding!

Edited by samuijimmy, 2012-05-20 20:26:32.

[Tropicalevo]

Large quantity for an adult - yes. Kids and small dogs, dunno. It's not a major issue unless you have rugrats that put everything in their mouths! (Or small dogs that eat vegetation. Most don't. A few do.)

[Dukgae]

At a restaurant yesterday I noticed their hanging orchids are growing on interesting bits of old wood, instead of the usual coconut husk in a plastic pot, much nicer-looking. Any tips for getting an orchid to grow on a bit of wood - do I just tie it on and wait for the roots to grow around the wood? (I presume keep it moist and add some spray-on food once in a while). Thanks in advance

[samuijimmy]

Dukgae, on 2012-05-21 08:03:11, said:

At a restaurant yesterday I noticed their hanging orchids are growing on interesting bits of old wood, instead of the usual coconut husk in a plastic pot, much nicer-looking. Any tips for getting an orchid to grow on a bit of wood - do I just tie it on and wait for the roots to grow around the wood? (I presume keep it moist and add some spray-on food once in a while). Thanks in advance

Funny you should ask that question today, Dukgae.

My neighbours were proudly showing off their orchids, this afternoon,  placed on old  branches and pieces of wood.  They look fantastic in full bloom.

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow. But they just tied the orchids to wood with string or wire, perhaps a year ago, may be two years now... roots have encircled the wood now. They only get morning sun too.

Orchids and me just don't get along, the one species of plant I never have luck with  

Perhaps not feeding them or spraying foliage often enough is the problem?, so I think yes some liquid fertilizer occasionally would help!

[samuijimmy]

mitmig, on 2012-05-20 12:00:56, said:

Very proud to present ... my flame tree to be I hope I'll run in to the yellow version someday!

Congratulations, Mitmig on your baby! I wonder how many years before it starts to bloom?

Yes, the mission now is to find a Yellow flowering one.... every yellow flowering tree I see know, I slow down, but they are mostly the golden rain tree, which themselves look very nice too.

I might take the book to some of the nurseries and see if they know of any around.

[Dukgae]

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-21 18:32:46, said:

Dukgae, on 2012-05-21 08:03:11, said:

At a restaurant yesterday I noticed their hanging orchids are growing on interesting bits of old wood, instead of the usual coconut husk in a plastic pot, much nicer-looking. Any tips for getting an orchid to grow on a bit of wood - do I just tie it on and wait for the roots to grow around the wood? (I presume keep it moist and add some spray-on food once in a while). Thanks in advance

Funny you should ask that question today, Dukgae.

My neighbours were proudly showing off their orchids, this afternoon,  placed on old  branches and pieces of wood.  They look fantastic in full bloom.

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow. But they just tied the orchids to wood with string or wire, perhaps a year ago, may be two years now... roots have encircled the wood now. They only get morning sun too.

Orchids and me just don't get along, the one species of plant I never have luck with  

Perhaps not feeding them or spraying foliage often enough is the problem?, so I think yes some liquid fertilizer occasionally would help!

Many thanks - I have a phalaenopsis one with strong looking roots, will give it a go and let you know how it goes

[mitmig]

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-21 18:39:32, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-20 12:00:56, said:

Very proud to present ... my flame tree to be I hope I'll run in to the yellow version someday!

Congratulations, Mitmig on your baby! I wonder how many years before it starts to bloom?

Yes, the mission now is to find a Yellow flowering one.... every yellow flowering tree I see know, I slow down, but they are mostly the golden rain tree, which themselves look very nice too.

I might take the book to some of the nurseries and see if they know of any around.

No idea when and if I ever see the flame tree in bloom Whenever I see a yellow tree in bloom I force my husband to stop and check it out. Think I'm driving him crazy

[mitmig]

Dukgae, on 2012-05-22 10:25:56, said:

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-21 18:32:46, said:

Dukgae, on 2012-05-21 08:03:11, said:

At a restaurant yesterday I noticed their hanging orchids are growing on interesting bits of old wood, instead of the usual coconut husk in a plastic pot, much nicer-looking. Any tips for getting an orchid to grow on a bit of wood - do I just tie it on and wait for the roots to grow around the wood? (I presume keep it moist and add some spray-on food once in a while). Thanks in advance

Funny you should ask that question today, Dukgae.

My neighbours were proudly showing off their orchids, this afternoon,  placed on old  branches and pieces of wood.  They look fantastic in full bloom.

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow. But they just tied the orchids to wood with string or wire, perhaps a year ago, may be two years now... roots have encircled the wood now. They only get morning sun too.

Orchids and me just don't get along, the one species of plant I never have luck with  

Perhaps not feeding them or spraying foliage often enough is the problem?, so I think yes some liquid fertilizer occasionally would help!

Many thanks - I have a phalaenopsis one with strong looking roots, will give it a go and let you know how it goes

I have an old tree branch in which I attached some orchids with a wire. The roots will develop very quick so they can hold on to the wood by themselves.
On television I saw they use old nylon stockings to attach orchids to wood in order not to damage them too much, but I have no idea if you can find them in Thailand

[Rooo]

mitmig, on 2012-05-22 15:18:10, said:

On television I saw they use old nylon stockings to attach orchids to wood in order not to damage them too much, but I have no idea if you can find them in Thailand

Nylon half stockings Tesco . So my wife says.

[gusG]

Rooo, on 2012-05-22 17:16:04, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-22 15:18:10, said:

On television I saw they use old nylon stockings to attach orchids to wood in order not to damage them too much, but I have no idea if you can find them in Thailand

Nylon half stockings Tesco . So my wife says.

Most hardware shops, have nylon/plastic multicolored rolls of twine/raffia like stuff, that is about an inch or more wide, that is good for this.

[samuijimmy]

Dukgae, on 2012-05-22 10:25:56, said:

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-21 18:32:46, said:

Dukgae, on 2012-05-21 08:03:11, said:

At a restaurant yesterday I noticed their hanging orchids are growing on interesting bits of old wood, instead of the usual coconut husk in a plastic pot, much nicer-looking. Any tips for getting an orchid to grow on a bit of wood - do I just tie it on and wait for the roots to grow around the wood? (I presume keep it moist and add some spray-on food once in a while). Thanks in advance

Funny you should ask that question today, Dukgae.

My neighbours were proudly showing off their orchids, this afternoon,  placed on old  branches and pieces of wood.  They look fantastic in full bloom.

I'll try and take some photos tomorrow. But they just tied the orchids to wood with string or wire, perhaps a year ago, may be two years now... roots have encircled the wood now. They only get morning sun too.

Orchids and me just don't get along, the one species of plant I never have luck with  

Perhaps not feeding them or spraying foliage often enough is the problem?, so I think yes some liquid fertilizer occasionally would help!

Many thanks - I have a phalaenopsis one with strong looking roots, will give it a go and let you know how it goes

Well you might have phalaenopsis mine are failingopsis .... quite sad looking specimens, I decided not to embarrass myself by taking a picture and posting ...

But I did pop next door to get a picture of theirs, actually they have a combo of how they are planted at a closer look. The one first pictured is a beautiful white, but it was awkward to get a good shot of the whole plant.

The first pic (pink flower) is a combo of wood and coconut.... all these things work, it's the after care that is important.....

Certainly Mrs Rooo's old stockings, would be better than twine or wire... they would have some "give" provided not tied too tight. I wonder if Mrs Rooo will consider donating her nylons in the course of experimentation?   .

Of course any dilegant garden using anything else would remember to check every few months and adjust the wire or twine so not to cut into the plant.... but that never happens,  until too late!  

My pics reversed their order....

Attached Files

•  1-Orchids May 22, 2012 2-38 PM 3072x1728 May 22, 2012 2-040.JPG   98.76K   8 downloads
•  1-Orchids May 22, 2012 2-38 PM 3072x1728 May 22, 2012 2-042.JPG   113.18K   7 downloads

Edited by samuijimmy, 2012-05-22 19:14:51.

[samuijimmy]

gusG, on 2012-05-22 17:41:57, said:

Rooo, on 2012-05-22 17:16:04, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-22 15:18:10, said:

On television I saw they use old nylon stockings to attach orchids to wood in order not to damage them too much, but I have no idea if you can find them in Thailand

Nylon half stockings Tesco . So my wife says.

Most hardware shops, have nylon/plastic multicolored rolls of twine/raffia like stuff, that is about an inch or more wide, that is good for this.

Yes, GusG, good as long as one remembers to check for tightness once in a while.... most people forget! ...... Including me!

[samuijimmy]

I've started an experiment, using worm casting liquid to try to perk up my last rose bush... I am mixing 20 parts water to 1 worm casting liquid.

I also got some dry worm castings which as told mixed 4 part of soil to one part of castings.... I am going to find two plants and grow side by side to see the difference .... and will try to post updates on progress occasionally.

One of my neighbours who's one of the leading Landscape companies on the island, swears by it and using in his landscape projects.... with, as he says "great results".

So here goes, we'll see!

Pic of my last rose! It's about three years old now, it does bloom occasionally but a bit like my orchids.... but they are worse looking

Attached Files

•  rose worm exp.JPG   66.82K   2 downloads

Edited by samuijimmy, 2012-05-22 19:39:23.

[Dukgae]

I've found with orchids that part of the trick at least is to try different places till you find the spot they like - enough air but not too much sun, or for some types, full shade.  I have a dark pink one (the sort with lots of aerial roots) that was not doing anything and after I moved it to a more shady spot that still gets a bit of light and the breeze, it started growing and flowered again (not flowering right now, will post a pic if it flowers again).  And giving them a misting with the spray bottle every morning and the occasional dunk in a bucket of water for a good soak.

If they're indoors, they are also sensitive to things you wouldn't think of - when I lived in Hong Kong, I had 8 or 9 of them doing very well, and then we had the house painted and they all shrivelled and died, I think the paint fumes got them.

Thanks for the tip about tights, Mitmig, will have a look in Tesco

[mitmig]

samuijimmy, on 2012-05-21 18:39:32, said:

mitmig, on 2012-05-20 12:00:56, said:

Very proud to present ... my flame tree to be I hope I'll run in to the yellow version someday!

Congratulations, Mitmig on your baby! I wonder how many years before it starts to bloom?

Yes, the mission now is to find a Yellow flowering one.... every yellow flowering tree I see know, I slow down, but they are mostly the golden rain tree, which themselves look very nice too.

I might take the book to some of the nurseries and see if they know of any around.

I've got a second one coming up!  Did some 'research' on the internet and this is what I found about the royal poinciana.
At the age of 10+ years, the Royal Poinciana tree [Delonix regia] may begin to bloom At age 8 it will reach its full growth,
Since a Royal Poinciana will grow 5 feet per year until maturity, a tree that is shorter than 5 feet is less than a year old.
A 10-foot Poinciana would be 2 years old, and so on, up to 40 feet, when the tree will have reached maturity and stopped growing.