Up for Bid:
A flask of Lycaste virginalis (syn. Lyc. skinneri). This flask is an outcross between a seedling of light pink with dark petals from a cross I did some years ago and an awarded alba clone ‘Golden Gate’ HCC/AOS. 25% of the siblings of this pink clone bloomed out as albas. I am told by people who understand genetics that it is quite possible that there may be some albas in this cross. Both parents of the flask offered here are pictured. The flowers on the pink clone are 6” across with multiple flowers per pseudobulb. The flask you are bidding on is shown in the images with the tape measure and is the flask you will received. It is growing in a 24 oz plastic container. This is a semi-deciduous species, so there are brown leaves in the flask from previous growths.The the seedlings have good pseudobulbs, new growth and are ready to come out of flask. The last images of the flask shows close up the pseudobulbs and the new growths. [1718]
Contents: Approximately 25 seedlings that are ready to come out of flask.
The Species: Known for many years as Lycaste skinneri, it has recently been changed back to the earlier species name of Lycaste virginalis. Lycaste virginalis/skinneri grows in Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador at elevations from 4000 to 6000 ft. The flowers are long lasting and fragrant, one flower per spike and frequently multiple spikes from a growth.
Culture: It is a cool-intermediate to intermediate grower. I fertilize them with 1/4 strength fertilizer most of the year, but it could benefit from slightly higher concentrations during the growing season. Moderately bright light. I grow this species in a fine bark mix or a terrestrial mix. It does not get a dry winter rest.
About this flask: I take great pride in producing flasks with strong seedlings that are ready to come out of flask and have a very good survival rate. The survival of these seedlings is dependent on the conditions where they will be growing and the skill of the grower. If you are new to deflasking seedlings (or just want to see how I do it) you may want to take a look at my Deflasking Suggestions.
Shipping seedlings: After a bit of experience shipping flasks, I have decided that deflasking before shipping is probably the safest for the plants. I will shake off most of the medium, treat them with beneficial microbes and fungicide and put them in a zip bag. If your prefer to have them shipped in flask you must let me know that. Whether they are in flask or bagged, you should be prepared to pot them up shortly after receiving.
To see more orchids from mostlyspecies (Marni Turkel) click: More Orchids.
Ask Before Bidding if you have any questions about this plant. Your plant will be packed very carefully, but I cannot guarantee that flowers or spikes will be intact on receipt. I want my customers to be happy, so if there is a problem contact me immediately, I will do my very best to see that it is corrected.
Shipping & Handling Charge: Packing and shipping for the first plant or flask is US $13.45; additional plants or flasks in the same shipment are only $1.50 each. The shipping/handling may seem high but it takes time and material to pack these plants with the great care they deserve to insure their safe arrival. I usually ship on Monday/Tuesday or Saturday after receipt of payment. The plants need to be dry to ship safely and that can take several days. I most often ship USPS, but sometimes I use FedEx.
Your item will be shipped with a tracking number so you can see its progress. Insurance for $50 is included in Priority Mail.
I can hold your item for a few days if you wish to combine shipment with other items; please let me know that you want to wait.
Shipping plants in flask to Hawaii does not require any special paperwork.
Weather: I live in a mild climate area, so I am able to ship most any time. Shipping with a heat pack is extra work for me and I won't recommend it unless I think you really need it. IF your daytime temperatures are below 40F a heat pack may or may not be advisable and we should discuss. If your daytime temperatures are below 32F I don't usually recommend shipping even with a heat pack. If your package will be sitting outside in a mailbox or on a porch after delivery that needs to be taken in to consideration.
If you have concerns about the weather in your area, I am happy to work with you to be sure that the order arrives safely by timing of shipment and/or heat pack ($3.00 if paid with plant invoice or $4.00 if paid separately) or by using FedEx Next Day or Second Day Air shipping for an adjusted price. It is the buyer’s responsibility to check the weather in the delivery area and let me know if special precautions are necessary.
Payment: Expected within 3 days, PayPal if fine. If you prefer to use a credit card, you can contact me for my secure server address.
California Residents: 8% sales tax will be added to your invoice. [2/12/17]
