Cischweinfia potting medium... - Orchid Board

Vanessa · #1 07-27-2008, 06:36 PM

I have 2 of these little gals (sheehanae and dasyandra) in sphag moss basket culture. The moss needs to go as it's past it's prime. Do I repot in fine bark or more spag moss? If bark, I would be using slotted pots. Is there a 'best' way to get the plant out of it's old spagh without tearing up it's roots?

Ross · #2 07-27-2008, 07:01 PM

Mine are both in sphagnum. They need lots of water so bark might not be best. A coarse basket or net pot, should be fine. Mine have 1/4" or larger holes (spaces). I think you can see the pot OK in this one:

Sphag should just fall off the roots if it's like mine.

whygreenberg · #3 07-27-2008, 08:19 PM

I'm curious as to how the two of you find the Cischweinfias? Easy, finicky? I've been really considering getting one.

Ross · #4 07-27-2008, 08:48 PM

I find them really finicky. I find they like really high water (pure, like RO/distilled/rain water) and high humidity. I have to water with a rot preventative like weekly, though (use Thiomyl). With sphagnum, you must repot annually at least - no exceptions. Otherwise, just high humidity, good light (1000+ foot candles) and lots of luck!

Vanessa · #5 07-28-2008, 03:48 PM

Thanks Ross. That's a fine looking plant! Mine quit blooming last week so I'll repot in moss.

Whygreenburg...I grow mine just outside the canopy of 4 T5 lights in hanging baskets where I they get about 900 to 1000 footcandles according to my light meter. Humidity is about 60% in my grow room. I have a ceiling fan and an oscillating column floor fan for air circulation. They are cute mini's in bloom!

Ross · #6 07-28-2008, 03:58 PM

Ray told me these guys can be found growing in the constant spray of waterfalls in Asia. So I presume high water. Mine don't like quite so much.

Vanessa · #7 07-28-2008, 04:21 PM

I only use rain or distilled water on my mini's and mini mounts, Ross. They seem to like it a heck of a lot better than what comes out of my tap. My other chids don't seem to mind tap water. Just the fussy little mini's/mounts. I do use rain water when ever I can...hence the buckets all over my lanai! This is the first season I'm using rain with MSU and everyone seems very happy.

Ross · #8 07-28-2008, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I only use rain or distilled water on my mini's and mini mounts, Ross. They seem to like it a heck of a lot better than what comes out of my tap. My other chids don't seem to mind tap water. Just the fussy little mini's/mounts. I do use rain water when ever I can...hence the buckets all over my lanai! This is the first season I'm using rain with MSU and everyone seems very happy.

Great! Pure water is the best! I also use MSU mix for pure water and I agree, it makes a noticeable difference.

whygreenberg · #9 07-28-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vanessa

I grow mine just outside the canopy of 4 T5 lights in hanging baskets where I they get about 900 to 1000 footcandles according to my light meter. Humidity is about 60% in my grow room. I have a ceiling fan and an oscillating column floor fan for air circulation. They are cute mini's in bloom!

Ross & Vanessa, thank you both for sharing your experiences with these guys. I think I can probably manage that 60% humidity, would have no problems with light or air flow, and I do use distilled water on a number of my pickier 'chids.

Think I may just have to give one a try!