Dracula Benedict growing environment

[jforsha]

I was given a Dracula by a friend, but I've never grown one. Can anyone tell me if my Dracula would benefit from being in a terrarium or cloche? I know they are higher elevation Columbian rainforest flowers. The ambient temperature in the room is probably between 72-78 degrees, which is at the high end of the Dracula temperature range, so I'm afraid it would rot if enclosed. It seems to tend to start getting dry pretty frequently on here. Any advice?

[jforsha]

Nobody knows anything about Dracula orchids here?

[Helene]

Sorry, I'm a newbie myself- so I'm just commenting to read what people say.

But I did read about Masdevallia and care not long ago, and think I read about Dracula (but since I don't have one, I don't remember what I was reading regarding care), will post a link if I remember the webadress

Best of luck

Maybe a picture? Love to see one

[DeaC]

Here in NJ I can get results with Masd. from the warmer end of cool to grow but have had no luck with Drac.berthae -not cool enuf. But Restrepias do well for me next to the Masd. over humidity trays in a shady south window,breezy. Good luck.

[euplusia]

Give it a try. A night drop in temperature would be beneficial. Eventually pot it in hydroponics.

[estación seca]

Cloud forests are cold at night, often low 40s F or colder. Everything is cold, soaking wet because of dew and fog. Not damp, wet. In the daytime temperatures rise a little in some places but not in others.

For most cloud forest orchids, the most important thing is cold nights. How much work are you willing to do? I once rooted a high-altitude Andean cactus cutting by putting the pot into my refrigerator every night for 6 weeks, and putting it outside the next morning.

A terrarium might work if you could keep it cool enough inside. Might you put a container of ice inside every night?

[jforsha]

Thank you for the great responses. I'll watch for the link in case you find it. Thank you. The refrigerator is a brilliant suggestion. I should have thought of that. I'll give that a try, and some ice cubes during the day. IKEA sells some small vented greenhouses that should be just about perfect size for this particular plant, with some room for ice. I'll take some pics if this works out. I'll look into something compact in hydroponic tech that I can use in my office. I'd love for this thing to not just live, but thrive. Thanks again.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by jforsha

I'll take some pics if this works out.

We're all interested to see.

[jforsha]

Btw, DeaC, if temps are not working well for you in NJ, I have to wonder how I can help this thing overcome the challenges of the dry air here in Phoenix. Ugh. The fridge might be the answer. Ice packs maybe in the bigger of the two little types of greenhouses IKEA sells. I'm grateful for all of your input.

[estación seca]

jforsha, do you live in Phoenix? Oh, my! Yes, temperature control is going to be very interesting.

On the other hand, the weather will be better for your orchid by late November.

You should consider coming to the next meeting of the Desert Valley Orchid Society on August 20:
Desert Valley Orchid Society | Orchid Club | Phoenix
It will be a canned program from the AOS or Orchid Digest but you can meet people. We have members who grow cloud forest orchids.