Ophrys growing in a tropical environment

[Kevin_PR]

I was always interested in Ophrys, so about April of this year I bought 3 bulbs of Ophrys mammosa. My initial concern was the drop in temperature needed to grow them. They are dormant in the summer and grow in the winter. Originally I tried to stimulate growth by sticking them in the fridge, they did not die, but they did not grow either. I think they may have been too cold in my fridge, the temp I keep my fridge at is around 40 degrees. Since then I have moved them to my patio where they experience a natural decrease in temps. Our temps are dropping down into the 70s now at night so Its about 10 degrees lowers than the summer time lows. I unpotted one of them today and I found them sprouting!!! Happy Day!!! I am so excited I hope they all make it. I wonder if I am the only person on the Island with an ophrys. Terrestrials are tough I think simply because of the fact that I am so impatient. My other terrestrial that is coming up is Pterostylis curta. I unpotted it and saw the sprout slowly making its way to the surface. I left the pot in a drizzling rain for 5 minutes to get some moisture, hopefully this will persuade the plant that it is the right time to grow.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Kevin is the Ophrys the one that looks like a bee or colorful bug? They are awesome! I saw them here on OB but though they are available only in Europe! So happy it grows for you! Awesome, I can't wait to see the blooms!

[Kevin_PR]

Yes, the same Genus. They are called the bee orchids. I bought mine from a seller in Germany. They would probably do good in Florida too, especially since you get cooler than we do over here.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Awesome, I really want one of these sometimes:-) They are adorable, I love these strange orchids from Europe:-)

[euplusia]

Low temps may stop the growth for a while. But in their habitat they have to stand temps much lower than 40°F.

[WhiteRabbit]

Awesome!

[SlipperGirl]

That's great! Good job

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Kevin, how is this orchid doing? I wanna for sure try one this year, hope to get one from Europe in summer! There was also recently post here with blooming one and the temps would be just perfect what I can provide! Let us know how are yours doing?