dinema/encyclia polybulbon: half-closed leaves and possible sheaths?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by neophyte

Thanks! For a serial underwaterer, would you say that the terracotta mount could work? I've never tried s/h and am a bit reluctant to let this plant be my first test subject.

---------- Post added at 07:24 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:16 PM ----------

also, would you say that the evaporative cooling from the terracotta would chill the roots? actually that's a concern for a bunch of my orchids - the unglazed clay pots all feel so cold to the touch.

I wouldn't worry about cold... mine has lived outside for years, winter night temps occasionally get into the mid-30s F, once in a while even hit freezing. The terracotta pot stuffed with damp sphagnum might do what you want. You can use nylon monofilament fish line and it is pretty invisible, or you could use dental floss to tie it in place

[neophyte]

so would I just have an upright pot with moss in it and the plant growing on the sides? or invert the pot and have moss inside with the plant on top?

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by neophyte

so would I just have an upright pot with moss in it and the plant growing on the sides? or invert the pot and have moss inside with the plant on top?

Either way works. If you invert the pot, you'll need a screen or something like that to keep the moss in. But the hole then is a great place to attach a hanger. Which ever way you decide to approach it, figure that in time you'll hang it (even if you don't for a start) since the plant won't stay on the pot, but will ramble (I have seen these eventually turn into a ball, making an impressive specimen)

[neophyte]

thank you!! your advice is invaluable, as always.

[Ray]

FWIW, I grew mine on a cork bark slab, and it was watered - saturated - from overhead for about 30 minutes daily.

[neophyte]

Ray - if it was watered for 30 minutes daily, how did you collect the water and did you reuse it?

[Dollythehun]

Roberta, thanks for the advice. I have the same problem and I'm going to give this a try. Would setting the upside down, moss filled pot, in a saucer if water keep it moist enough? Daily watering for 5 minutes isn't going to happen here.

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Roberta, thanks for the advice. I have the same problem and I'm going to give this a try. Would setting the upside down, moss filled pot, in a saucer if water keep it moist enough? Daily watering for 5 minutes isn't going to happen here.

I haven't tried it but don't know why it shouldn't work... Moss will wick water, and the terracotta pot will then stay moist, and provide the air that mounted plants want on the outside. Clever idea!

[neophyte]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Roberta, thanks for the advice. I have the same problem and I'm going to give this a try. Would setting the upside down, moss filled pot, in a saucer if water keep it moist enough? Daily watering for 5 minutes isn't going to happen here.

Dollythehun – if you gave this a try, how did it go?

[Dollythehun]

Well, I did try it. It looks ugly as sin but, is growing new shoots all over. It seems happy, but again...it is certainly an ugly set up. Now to see if it blooms.

I actually have five encyclias. One radicans that blooms like clock work and smells like a used cat box, two species that also bloom regularly, and the one were talking about and an alata 'Early Bird,' that does nothing but grow. I am sorely tempted to rehome these as space is always at a premium.