How hard is it to grow Zootrophions?

[DelawareJim]

Hey John, how's your Zootrophion in S/H growing. I got one about a year ago and I'm thinking of having a go.

Cheers.
Jim

[Polarizeme]

Originally Posted by DelawareJim

Hey John, how's your Zootrophion in S/H growing. I got one about a year ago and I'm thinking of having a go.

Cheers.
Jim

I'd love to know too. I just aquired 2 new zootrophion:
Zootrophion oblongifolium
Zootrophion serpentinum, this one is mounted and very small

[DirtyCoconuts]

i'll bump this thread to see if any of these (or anyone else with Zootrophion experience) members are still around to update

[Roberta]

I grow Zo. alvaroi . The flowers are like little yellow balloons. They doesn't actually open, the openings are tiny slits - the pollinator must be a very tiny gnat. For me, greenhouse - it is intermediate to warm. RO water. Potted, small Orchiata.

[DirtyCoconuts]

cool-
I just got a little serpentinium and I was wondering if it should stay mounted as i have received it or go S/H...what do you think

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

cool-
I just got a little serpentinium and I was wondering if it should stay mounted as i have received it or go S/H...what do you think

I got mine bare-root, and potting seemed to be a reasonable way to grow it.

You live in a humid climate. I think it should be fine mounted, especially if it is established on its mount. If you think it needs more moisture, I think it would be better to just add some sphagnum over the roots than to disturb it by unmounting. Another trick for maintaining a bit of extra humidity on mounted plants is to drape them with a few strands of Spanish moss (Tillandsia usenoides) (That's what I do with my leafless orchids, and it seems to be successful)

[DirtyCoconuts]

thanks...I have not gotten the chance to see how established it is as there is already some moss over the roots- it is a nicely put together mount so i will leave it unless i see signs of distress.


I am a BIG Spanish moss draper!!! it is a great orchid pal!! i had not thought about using it on leafless 'chids bc i thought it would reduce their light and inhibit photosynthesis...clearly not an issue if you do it

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

i had not thought about using it on leafless 'chids bc i thought it would reduce their light and inhibit photosynthesis...clearly not an issue if you do it

Not necessarily... but I don't think if the amount of Spanish moss is reasonable that it blocks that much light. It might be an issue in winter at higher latitudes but these are pretty much shade plants anyway. A balancing act between "moisture" and "light".