Trichoceros help

[amanda_is]

I recently had you guys help me identify my orchid as a Trichoceros. I am having issues with it. I read that it liked cooler temperatures and I had it in my basement for awhile which is around 65 degrees F. I didn't see any changes except for one of the roots dried up. So I thought maybe I needed to water it more. So I started watering it more often. Nothing changed so I tried bringing it upstairs where the temperature is 70-75. Still no signs of any new growth and now one of the other roots has rotted. It appears to be potted in fine bark. Any help would be great. I've read what I can find online which isn't much and a lot of the information is contradicting.

Thank you!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I've had relatively long term success with this genus of orchid for about 10 years. It could've been longer if I were able to keep up with everything in my life.

One of the challenging things about growing Trichoceros spp. is that they are moderately slow growing orchids. If it has not established itself, it will not show signs of growing. It can take up to at least 1 month for it to establish itself before you start seeing anything significant in terms of growth.

They do like it cool, but it is not necessary to keep them as cool as 65 F all year round. Temperatures of 45 F - 85 F are tolerated very well at any point in the year.

Something you don't mention is lighting...

How much light are you providing this orchid?

So far that I know of, many Trichoceros spp. grow well under moderately bright to bright indirect light. Keep in mind I grew the species I had outdoors here in Southern California. To my knowledge, these are not low light orchids.

I also recommend you grow this orchid mounted on a piece of cork bark with a one strand thick layer of moss under it.

These orchids are not terribly difficult to grow. You just need patience.

I don't know what kind of "conflicting information" you are receiving, but I find growing them to be pretty straightforward. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

[amanda_is]

So is keeping the orchid at 70 to 75 degrees all year round ok? Or does it need a period of cooler temperatures?

It gets bright indirect light currently. It is back a ways and to the side a bit from a west facing window.

If I were to mount it, does it have to be on cork bark? Would I put any roots under the moss or just leave them all on top? And how often would I water it? I have a mounted phalaenopsis that I soak everyday. Would this be the same concept? I've read places that say to keep trichoceros moist and others that say they grow like a succulent.

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for all the info!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by amanda_is

So is keeping the orchid at 70 to 75 degrees all year round ok?

It is ok. I'm not sure how likely you will see blooms if you do. For some orchids a more constant temperature does not affect blooming. For some it negatively affects blooming. For this particular orchid, I have not tested out whether constant temperatures will prevent blooming.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

Or does it need a period of cooler temperatures?

It could, but it is mostly associated with blooming cycles. Keep in mind that it can take it down to 36 F at the very very coldest. I would not go colder than 36 F for long stretches of time. The safest low in my opinion is 45 F.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

It gets bright indirect light currently. It is back a ways and to the side a bit from a west facing window.

Good.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

If I were to mount it, does it have to be on cork bark?

No, it does not. I recommended cork bark because that's what I used. If you want to use other wood, you will have to make sure that the tree you get the wood from does not produce chemical compounds that can harm the orchid. Cork is pretty safe because many people already know that the tree does not produce chemicals that deter anything from growing on it.

If you'd like to use tree fern plaques, that's fine too. I believe when I got mine from Andy's Orchids a long time ago, this was what he used. In my opinion, if you use tree fern plaques, you do not have to use moss. One of the downsides to using tree fern plaques is that over a long period of time, it could biodegrade whereas cork bark can last for far longer.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

Would I put any roots under the moss or just leave them all on top?

On top. Roots need to breathe.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

And how often would I water it? I have a mounted phalaenopsis that I soak everyday.

Either everyday or every 2 days depending on your climate. They are very hardy. These can take it drier than they can wetter. Watch for leaf wrinkling, don't watch for pseudobulb wrinkling. Pseudobulbs rarely wrinkle, the leaves are the ones that you need to look out for because signs of dehydration are quicker to manifest and easier to see from the leaves.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

Would this be the same concept? I've read places that say to keep trichoceros moist and others that say they grow like a succulent.

They're both correct. Succulents can handle long dry periods and still be relatively ok, but in reality they need some consistent moisture. Same with Trichoceros spp. The roots need to dry out between waterings, and if you mount it, there won't be a problem with water - trust me on this one. They're not as difficult to grow as one might think they are.

Originally Posted by amanda_is

Sorry for all the questions and thank you for all the info!

It's fine. I'm used to this. Trichoceros spp. are not widely grown.

As a side note, you can see my old posts of mine here on the OB. I will warn you, these orchids are not really prolific bloomers. It could be a long time before you see flowers. These orchids definitely do not do anything fast.

If you want instant gratification, you've gotta try out Pleuorthallis, Specklinia, or Acronia. These are wonderful little gems. If you get advanced enough, you could try growing Lepanthes.

[amanda_is]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the information! I will get cork bark after work and mount the orchid. I dont mind waiting for blooms. I just want to see the orchid grow and be healthy.

One question- what size cork bark should I put it on? You don't want to have to remount it correct? Should i get a larger piece and just add moss to more of it as it grows?

[Ray]

I'm going to contradict one of Philip's comments, based upon my own experience: When mounting a plant, I always spread the roots on the mount and cover it with a thin layer of sphagnum.

That moss will hold moisture longer than the mount itself, but will still dry rapidly enough that suffocation is not an issue.

That said, with the grade of bark it's currently in, it may simply need more water or humidity, as-is.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by amanda_is

Thank you so much! I really appreciate all the information! I will get cork bark after work and mount the orchid. I dont mind waiting for blooms. I just want to see the orchid grow and be healthy.

One question- what size cork bark should I put it on? You don't want to have to remount it correct? Should i get a larger piece and just add moss to more of it as it grows?

Yes. Get a larger one. Since it kind of stays small and grows slow, a 5" x 5" or 6" x 6" is fine.

[amanda_is]

Thank you Ray. And thank you Philip

[amanda_is]

So I mounted the orchid on cork bark. I do have a question since I have never used cork bark before. My mount that is on mopani wood I just soak in the sink, but the cork bark floats. Is there a good way to water this new mount? It's hard for me so far trying to water it without getting water in the leaves.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Float plant side in water. Don't worry about getting water on the leaves. They dry out quick. Never had a problem doing this. Don't leave in water for too long and you're fine. 15 minutes - 1 hour is plenty time.

You can also hose it down.