how to get larger tuber from Hab. medusa

[sailortom2]

was wondering if I remove the flower sooner instead of letting it wilt will the tuber grow bigger?

[TOMMYMIAMI]

No clue, interesting question though. I got my very first some 2 weeks ago and the spike is still developing, but must say, I would feel horrible to cut it early. However, once these finish blooming and loose leaves, all the energy and food goes to tuber, so it may help (to cut it earlier). Who knows:-)

[Brooke]

The tubers have spent the growing season growing and hopefully multiplying. Usually if you start with a singleton tuber, it won't be until the second year where you get additional tubers.

Don't cut the flower spike enjoy the blooms because it has already made any additional tubers this growing season.

Once the leaves disappear, stick it in a dark spot and give it a sip of water on occasion. You don't want the tuber to lose its moisture and shrink but you don't want to rot the tuber with too much water. I use clay pots for my Habs and about once a week I drizzle water around the edge of the pot - think baby sips.

Brooke

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by brooke

The tubers have spent the growing season growing and hopefully multiplying. Usually if you start with a singleton tuber, it won't be until the second year where you get additional tubers.

Don't cut the flower spike enjoy the blooms because it has already made any additional tubers this growing season.

Once the leaves disappear, stick it in a dark spot and give it a sip of water on occasion. You don't want the tuber to lose its moisture and shrink but you don't want to rot the tuber with too much water. I use clay pots for my Habs and about once a week I drizzle water around the edge of the pot - think baby sips.

Brooke

Brooke, do you leave tuber in the medium or you take it out? also, do you move it inside (I am in Florida, I can put it into dark spot, but it will be still worm through out winter except few cold fronts). And you say once a week little bit of water around the edge of the pot? I have my very first habenaria and I really hope to make it grow and bloom again next year:-)

[sailortom2]

I usually take it out and put in a cool dry spot....this is the third year with blooms for me...just want bigger and more tubers

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Thank Sailortom2. I was thinking about taking it out, into the ziplock and inside the apartment where temps is around 72-76 max? Should I still mist it when it is out of the medium?

[brn_thmbs]

Can you guys share some pics. I just got 2 of these & am wondering how moist to keep it, what type of media others grow them in & what size plants are blooming.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by brn_thmbs

Can you guys share some pics. I just got 2 of these & am wondering how moist to keep it, what type of media others grow them in & what size plants are blooming.

I have small plant, first year bloomer, and the spikes is still growing, I will post once it will open. Mine seems to be in some dendro good drainage mix, I know sellers growing them in pure sphagnum, and some have even crazy soil mix.

[sailortom2]

I just wrap it in a paper towel...and rarely mist it

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

One thing people forgot to mention is possibly increasing potassium availability.