Culture Sheets and Care Archives - CAIOS https://caios.org/category/culture-sheets-and-care/ Cape and Islands Orchid Society Mon, 04 Dec 2023 11:58:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 Dry Winter Rest https://caios.org/dry-winters-rest/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dry-winters-rest https://caios.org/dry-winters-rest/#respond Thu, 01 Dec 2022 16:09:29 +0000 https://caios.org/?p=21316 By Bob Findlay Many horticulturally important orchids originate from forests that are under the influence of monsoons.  A monsoon is a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation.  Biologists often refer to these areas as “dry tropical forests” and they are characterized by dramatic swings in monthly rainfall totals (as much as

The post Dry Winter Rest appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>

By Bob Findlay

Many horticulturally important orchids originate from forests that are under the influence of monsoons.  A monsoon is a seasonal reversing wind accompanied by corresponding changes in precipitation.  Biologists often refer to these areas as “dry tropical forests” and they are characterized by dramatic swings in monthly rainfall totals (as much as 10” in the rainy season and as little as 0.1” in the dry season).  What does this mean for our culture of orchids from these regions – dry winter rest!  So what is a dry winter rest – simply put it is a period of a few weeks to several months where water and fertilizer is significantly reduced or totally withheld.  Many species also benefit from an increase in light levels and slightly cooler temperatures during this time.  Ed Lysek and Sandra Svobada, in an article reprinted from the Orchid Digest, cover the basics for the many of the deciduous groups as well as offering a practical view of just how to offer your orchids a dry winter rest.

Many of us reduce watering frequency during winter to account for decrease daylength and increased number of dark, gloomy days here on Cape Cod.  In their Orchid Digest article Ed Lysek and Sandra Svobada state “Many cattleyas, laelias, and oncidiums will finish growing by the end of autumn and should be hardened off with reduced water and fertilizer but not the Spartan regime of other genera. Fertilizing with less frequency will make these genera happy and prevent them from breaking into unwanted off-season growth that frequently delays flowering.”  However, this does not tell the whole story for many Central and South American species.  Western (Pacific) Mexico, Central American and regions within Brazil experience large seasonal differences in rainfall similar to those typically associated with classic monsoon region of central Africa, India, Asia and the north of Australia.

Take Encyclia cordigera for example.  It is distributed from southern Mexico, through Central America, and into Colombia and Venezuela

from Stan and  Sanchez-Azofeifa (2019)

and is common in the rather dry, scrubby forests of coastal region.  Compare its distribution to that of the biome “Dry tropical forest” pictured above. For San Salvador, El Salvador rainfall varies with the season (as it does for all regions with the dry tropical forest biome).  Monthly rainfall averages nearly 12” per month for June through September and about 0.3 inches December through March.  During the rainy season there are, on average, only 3 days per month clear at noon while during the dry season there are 20+ days clear at noon (from Baker and Baker Orchid Species Culture website (https://www.orchidculture.com); Encyclia cordigera culture page). In my experience, this species needs more than “hardening off” to grow and flower well – a dry winter rest is called for.

How does one identify species and their hybrids that require such cultural conditions?  One can search the web for “orchid dry winter rest” and find some information but the best way I have found is to search for distribution information and then pick a nearby city and look at climate charts or use the cultural information compiled by Charles and Margaret Baker (Orchid Species Culture – https://www.orchidculture.com).  There are 50 sample sheets available for free and hundreds, likely thousands, available at $1 per sheet (or less if you buy more).

How do I provide a dry winter rest?  I grow in a greenhouse, so November 1 plants are sorted by the degree of rest I will provide.  For plants to be rested, this is the last time they will be fertilized until March.  There are three groups – those being hardened off (many of the Cattleya hybrids, Brassia species and hybrids, etc.), those watered every two weeks (Coelogyne fimbriateEncyclia (Dinema) polybulbon, etc.) and those water once a month (see list below).  All plants are water on November 15th and December 1st.  From this point, all plants being hardened off are water approximately once a week unless we hit a long cloudy damp period (all too common on Cape Cod) when the no water period can extended upwards of 2 weeks.  Those being watered every 2 weeks will be watered on the 15th and 1st of each month until February 15th, when watering will be ramped up over the next two weeks to spring norms.  Those being water once a month will be watered January 1st and February 1st; beginning February 15 these plants will also begin the transition to springtime watering norms.

Here as some of the South and Central American (with a few south Florida and Caribbean species mixed in) that I rest during the winter months along with the Asian genera discussed by Lysek and Svobada:

Brassavola nodosa
Broughtonia sanguinea
Cattleya leopoldii – dry warm winter rest
Cattleya percivaliana
Encyclia alata
Encyclia cordigera
Encyclia pyriformis
Encyclia tampensis
Laelia sincorina
Oncidium (Rossioglossum) ampliatum
Rhyncholaelia glauca
Sophronitis (Cattleya) brevipedunculata but not Sophronitis (Cattleya) coccinea
Rupicolous LaeliaL. milleri, L. mantiqueirae, L. briegeri – note these species originate from the Cerrado biome pictured in the map from Stan and  Sanchez-Azofeifa (2019).
Epicyclia Serena O’Neill (75% Encyclia cordigera) plus several other Encyclia hybrids that are 50% or more E. cordigera, E tampensis, E. pyriformis, and/or E. alata

The post Dry Winter Rest appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>
https://caios.org/dry-winters-rest/feed/ 0
Getting Your Phals To Spike Based On Subgenus And Section https://caios.org/getting-your-phals-to-spike-based-on-subgenus-and-section/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=getting-your-phals-to-spike-based-on-subgenus-and-section https://caios.org/getting-your-phals-to-spike-based-on-subgenus-and-section/#respond Wed, 09 Nov 2022 21:38:52 +0000 https://caios.org/?p=21189 The post Getting Your Phals To Spike Based On Subgenus And Section appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>

The post Getting Your Phals To Spike Based On Subgenus And Section appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>
https://caios.org/getting-your-phals-to-spike-based-on-subgenus-and-section/feed/ 0
Epidendrum Parkinsonianum https://caios.org/epidendrum-parkinsonianum/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=epidendrum-parkinsonianum https://caios.org/epidendrum-parkinsonianum/#respond Sun, 01 May 2022 19:27:56 +0000 http://newcaios.org/?p=20493 Epidendrum Parkinsonianum Hooker Orchid Care Epidendrum parkinsonianum Hooker is a species from Mexico and Central America is large sized, pendant growing, epiphytic species. They grow pendulously (leaves drooping down about 4 feet) and produce huge flowers that are 5 inches across and 7 inches from top dorsal to bottom petal. In nature, plants bloom

The post Epidendrum Parkinsonianum appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>

Epidendrum Parkinsonianum Hooker Orchid Care

Epidendrum parkinsonianum Hooker is a species from Mexico and Central America is large sized, pendant growing, epiphytic species. They grow pendulously (leaves drooping down about 4 feet) and produce huge flowers that are 5 inches across and 7 inches from top dorsal to bottom petal. In nature, plants bloom mostly in spring and summer, but they may bloom more than once each year. When blooming they are fragrant in the evenings emitting a sweet fragrance.

Temperature: Summer days average 78-80F, nights average 56-57F, and the fluctuation range is 22-23F. Spring, before the start of the rainy season, is the warmest time of year. Days average 82-85F, nights warm from 51 to 56F, and the fluctuation range is 28-31F.

Light: Throughout the year, plants should receive as much light as possible, short of burning the foliage. The leaves may have a purple tinge when light levels are near the maximum the plant can tolerate. (2,000-3,000fc)

Humidity and air movement: In summer and early autumn 70- 75% humidity, dropping to 55-60% humidity in winter and early spring. Humidity is especially important if they are grown mounted.

Water: Late spring to early autumn rainfall is moderate to heavy. This species should be damp, and between the next watering should only slightly dry out. Water should be gradually reduced in autumn after new growths have matured.

Potting medium: Due to the large, hanging and branching habit, it should be fixed on cork, bark or tree ferns. These plants grow well in hanging pots or baskets that have a very good drainage. The division can be done by cutting the rhizomes and planting these pieces, even if they have only one increment, on the boards, with the leaf pointing upwards.

Fertilizers: 1/4-1/2 recommended strength, applied weekly. A high-nitrogen fertilizer is beneficial from spring to midsummer, but a fertilizer high in phosphates should be used in late summer and autumn.

Rest period: During the 5-6 months from late autumn to early spring, you should gradually reduce the amount of water and allow the substrate to dry, but it should not be allowed to have dried soil for a long period of time. To prevent excessive drying, the plants should be sporadically misting between watering. However, for 1-2 months in late winter and early spring, watering should be limited to occasional misting. Watering should be increased when flowers begin to grow. Fertilization should be limited or should be completely abandoned until spring, when stronger watering resumes.

Become a Member

Beginners, novice and experienced growers are all welcome.

The post Epidendrum Parkinsonianum appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>
https://caios.org/epidendrum-parkinsonianum/feed/ 0
Bulbophyllum Dayanum https://caios.org/bulbophyllum-dayanum/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bulbophyllum-dayanum https://caios.org/bulbophyllum-dayanum/#respond Sun, 01 May 2022 19:15:21 +0000 http://newcaios.org/?p=20486 By Tom Sampliner The large genus of Bulbophyllum at 1800 species worldwide is noteworthy for having some unusually configured flowers. They have a distribution primarily in the tropics. Perhaps these two traits assure popularity among orchid growers. The particular species of this article is available to collectors. Several internet sites claim to stock them

The post Bulbophyllum Dayanum appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>

By Tom Sampliner

The large genus of Bulbophyllum at 1800 species worldwide is noteworthy for having some unusually configured flowers. They have a distribution primarily in the tropics. Perhaps these two traits assure popularity among orchid growers. The particular species of this article is available to collectors. Several internet sites claim to stock them such as Orchid Web; Andy’s Orchids; Orchid Species Plus and Marni Turkel; however, though she provides some basic cultural information her stock is presently sold out.

I encountered this charismatic species in the wild in Northern Thailand during a visit in March of 2019.

It was growing upon a large mossy boulder within an upland mixed scrub, dipterocarp and pine forest. The boulder was cracked and creviced due to weathering and liberally covered with mosses, lichens and liverworts which aid in both decomposition of the boulder, buildup of some organic debris, and retention of some moisture. Its creeping growth habit over the boulder qualifies the species as a lithophyte. March is late dry season in Northern Thailand. Watch your footing as everything is covered in a rather solid layer of dry leaves crunching under foot hiding roots, twigs, rocks and crevices. I was able to see florets in prime bloom as I hope my pictures establish. The perimeter of each floral part (sepals and petals) are deeply fringed with long stringy yellowish-brown hairs. This and the forward projection of each of the flower parts making a hooded cavity make for an orchid one could easily associate with Halloween.

The orchid can be found from sea level up over 4000 feet. Don’t let the height fool you because I can attest that during the dry season, the daily temperature can easily reach 40 degrees centigrade (over 100 degrees Fahrenheit). While there can be significant night time temperature drop off, freezing is never a possibility. Humidity in the dry season can be low say 40-50% but combined with the day temperatures, this is downright beastly to us Great Lakes residents. Maroon color within the flower indicate a foul odor reminiscent of carrion. This in turn indicates beetle, fly and other insect visitors.

Acquire and grow it for a conversation piece.

Become a Member

Beginners, novice and experienced growers are all welcome.

The post Bulbophyllum Dayanum appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>
https://caios.org/bulbophyllum-dayanum/feed/ 0
Maxillaria Tenufolia https://caios.org/maxillaria-tenufolia/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=maxillaria-tenufolia https://caios.org/maxillaria-tenufolia/#respond Wed, 01 Jul 2020 19:29:56 +0000 http://newcaios.org/?p=20498 Maxillaria Tenufolia - The Coconut Orchid Maxillaria tenuifolia is a species native to Mexico and Honduras. It has one and a half inch flowers that smell like coconut cream pie. The flowers smell like coconut and are colored in red with yellow speckles. Easy to grow and flower but does like a little cooler

The post Maxillaria Tenufolia appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>

Maxillaria Tenufolia – The Coconut Orchid

Maxillaria tenuifolia is a species native to Mexico and Honduras. It has one and a half inch flowers that smell like coconut cream pie. The flowers smell like coconut and are colored in red with yellow speckles. Easy to grow and flower but does like a little cooler night temps in winter. When the plant begins to produce flower buds they will emerge from between the pseudobulbs and the leaf at the base. Flowers should last a month to 6 weeks under ideal conditions.

Light: Medium light (1500 to 3500 foot candles) similar to between Cattleya and Phalaenopsis. Several articles indicate they grow well under fluorescent and high pressure sodium fixtures.

Humidity: 50 percent or higher. Using humidity trays or room humidifiers is helpful, use caution when using humidifiers.

Water: Start keeping the plant drier at the roots between watering from Late November until the end of March being careful not to allow the pseudobulbs to become too wrinkled. You may have to water every 2-3 weeks during this period. About mid-March you can begin watering normally allowing the potting mix to approach dryness between watering. Rain, distilled or reverse osmosis water is recommended. Overwatering can cause several problems such as root rot and infectious bacteria/fungus in the potting medium.

Fertilizer: Recommended to use every time you water if plants are planted in bark. Be sure to flush the mix with clear water only once per month to prevent fertilizer salt build up. For plants in moss or mounted on slabs feed every third or 4th watering as the moss holds a lot of nutrients.

Repotting: Repot in spring after flowering. The plant has a normal habit of climbing out of the pot and producing pseudobulbs up in the air one on top of the other. Repot into larger pots as the plant fills them up. Eventually you will have a specimen plant that will appear as a small mound of grassy like foliage. These plants can be divided when large but you should leave at least 6 to 8 growths per division.

Become a Member

Beginners, novice and experienced growers are all welcome.

The post Maxillaria Tenufolia appeared first on CAIOS.

]]>
https://caios.org/maxillaria-tenufolia/feed/ 0