Rhyncholaelia digbyana in bloom and care
So, I got this guy a few years ago when he was about a quarter the size he is now (I added one photo for scale) and when he only had one flower. Since then I have seen him flower every year, with 2 flowers, then 6, then every year after it has always been 3, like this year. One year, strangely, the leaves of the pseudobulbs, which come up collapsed or folded, and then open, did not open when they usually do around flowering, but remained closed for months after. Anyway, this guy produces big flowers, night fragrant with lemon pepper citrus and VERY strong, (last for about 2 weeks) and is so easy to care for. He is a very slow grower, but a reliable flowerer provided light has been good.
CARE:
LIGHT: blast it! I give this guy full summer sun and during the winter make sure he has well over the rec. for cattleyas.
WATER: sparingly, I soak him once a week for about an hour.
Medium/potting: Many people mount this guy, but I have him in big bark in a clear, slotted plastic pot so he drains VERY well. He is usually dry within 3 days.
Temperature: He is from central America so he likes it warm but I have seen him manage in temperatures ranging from freezing to 100 degrees F. However, WARNING, when in flower, do not subject it to major temp. changes. I have lost flowers that way in the heat.
|