Dracula sodirol help, please

[VickiC]

Hi,
I just received a Dracula sodirol orchid from Andy's Orchids that I had ordered a few days ago. (I have a picture of it attached). My question to you is: Since I rec'd it already potted in a plastic basket, do you think it would be alright to repot it in a Vanda basket? I had planned to hang it in an area where a more decorative basket would look best. Also, I'm not clear as to what type of medium would be best, but since it was already in a basket, I'm wondering if it does well not in any medium at all.....potted same as a Vanda. I was hoping to pot it in the Vanda basket with Sphag., but I want to do what's best, of course. Please give me your thoughts on it.
Thanks,
Vicki

[Ross]

I don't have this particular one, but yes it would be fine to repot. Use fresh sphagnum (New Zealand) and pack it firmly. These guys hate to dry out. Andy told me he has seen these growing in the constant spray from waterfalls in nature. I keep mine pretty wet in the orchidarium. To be on the safe side, I'd spray everything with Physan 20 as I repotted into vanda basket. If outside, you'll probably have to water daily. Dracs don't like heavy feeding. Mine get straight RO water with monthly feeding of 125ppm MSU fertilizer mix. That's pretty much a starvation diet. Keep them cool as possible, probably shaded (again I don't know this species), and hopefully it'll bloom for you in winter months. Good luck. They can be a challenge.

[VickiC]

Hi Ross,
Thank you so much. I will do just as you advised after I reply to you here....except for 2 things I don't have. I hope I will still be ok. ?? I don't have any Physan 20 nor do I have any New Zealand sphagnum. All I have is sphag. from Lowes. I had already planned to place an order to Rays today for more PrimeAgra and a few other things, so I'll add the moss you suggested to my list.

You have helped me soooo much. I always rely on all of you on the Board for help.

Sometime when you get a chance, and don't mind, I'd love to see your orchid orchidarium. I'm sure it's very nice and I know your plants must be beautiful.

The picture attached is the photo from Andys site when I placed the order

I'm excited.....I've never had a Drac. before, so I'm looking forward to seeing the blooms (if I grow it properly, of course).

(By the way, this is the same plant I asked you about awhile back.)


Here's the description I copied from his site then pasted it here:

"beautiful clump-forming plant with narrow 6" long leaves, erect flower spikes rise above the foliage and are adorned with 2 to 5 brilliant orange/red bell-shaped pendant internally hirsute1" flowers with three crimson 1" tails, one of the few Draculas producing more than one open flower at a time per spike
Growing Tip: Needs good water and a coolish humid environment
Blooming Season: Light: Temperature: Deciduous:
Free Flowering Throughout the Year Shade; 500-1500 Footcandles (indirect low light,slight shadowing) Intermediate to Cool; 52°F min. to 80°F max.

Miniature
Mount: Size: Watering: Price:
4" Basket Blooming Size (mature flowering size plant) Daily Watering;1 or more waterings per day (should not dry out)"

Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by Ross

I don't have this particular one, but yes it would be fine to repot. Use fresh sphagnum (New Zealand) and pack it firmly. These guys hate to dry out. Andy told me he has seen these growing in the constant spray from waterfalls in nature. I keep mine pretty wet in the orchidarium. To be on the safe side, I'd spray everything with Physan 20 as I repotted into vanda basket. If outside, you'll probably have to water daily. Dracs don't like heavy feeding. Mine get straight RO water with monthly feeding of 125ppm MSU fertilizer mix. That's pretty much a starvation diet. Keep them cool as possible, probably shaded (again I don't know this species), and hopefully it'll bloom for you in winter months. Good luck. They can be a challenge.

[Ross]

Couple comments Vicki. Andy's photos are pretty accurate and you sure have selected a neat one. Congrats on that.

The reason I said New Zealand sphagnum is that's the long strand stuff, not the sphagnum sometimes sold that is small particles. I'm sure what you have will be fine. It's long chunks, right? Rays's moss is what I use. He also carries Physan 20. Good to have on hand for algae, mild fungus, etc. Good to use as preventative as well. Ray is really good with his instructions. I always follow them. I'm sure you will bring it to bloom, if not this winter, then maybe next. I say winter, because they love cool temps and very humid (ie. wet) environments (remember the waterfall description?) If they get that combo now, they'll bloom now. They really never stop blooming as long as the conditions remain constant. I wish you all the luck and I am sure you will enjoy your Drac! Be sure to share photos when it blooms.

[VickiC]

Thanks....I'm glad you like the orchid....it was in my "color-category" because I like orangish-yellowish-redish bloom colors best, so that's what caught my eye. Actually, I like all colors when it comes to orchids. lol

I have already placed my order at FirstRays, but I couldn't find the New Zealand sphag. for some reason, so I ordered all the other things I had in mind. I looked twice, but I just couldn't figure out where it was ?? I thought it would be in medias, but didn't see it there ?? Just as well, though, the sphag. that I have is as you suggested-long strands, fibrous and sorta chunky....not particles. By the way, I did order some Physan 20. As for Ray, I totally agree with you....I ALWAYS take his advice, suggestions, and follow his instructions.

Thanks for the "good luck wish". Trust me.....if it blooms, I certainly will send pics!

Originally Posted by Ross

Couple comments Vicki. Andy's photos are pretty accurate and you sure have selected a neat one. Congrats on that.

The reason I said New Zealand sphagnum is that's the long strand stuff, not the sphagnum sometimes sold that is small particles. I'm sure what you have will be fine. It's long chunks, right? Rays's moss is what I use. He also carries Physan 20. Good to have on hand for algae, mild fungus, etc. Good to use as preventative as well. Ray is really good with his instructions. I always follow them. I'm sure you will bring it to bloom, if not this winter, then maybe next. I say winter, because they love cool temps and very humid (ie. wet) environments (remember the waterfall description?) If they get that combo now, they'll bloom now. They really never stop blooming as long as the conditions remain constant. I wish you all the luck and I am sure you will enjoy your Drac! Be sure to share photos when it blooms.

[Ross]

Originally Posted by VickiC

Just as well, though, the sphag. that I have is as you suggested-long strands, fibrous and sorta chunky....not particles.

I think you are fine with that. It certainly must be good stuff. BTW, here is my lotax - it's hard to see the sphagnum, but it's at the bottom of the photo

[Royal]

Hey Vicki, Cool looking new plant. It looks like it might bit your finger off! I just wanted to reassure you that the Lowe's sphag sold as "orchid moss" will do fine. That's all I use. I think it's Better-Gro brand, and may either be from New Zealand or Chile. The stuff you buy from growers (and what Andy probably uses) is just a higher quality. It will be cleaner looking and have less stems. But the cheap stuff should be fine.

[VickiC]

Yes, cool looking orchid indeed.

Thanks for the reassurance, so I'll stick to the Better-Gro brand from Lowes. I just pick the stems out, by the way. lol

Thanks again,
Vicki

Originally Posted by RoyalOrchids

Hey Vicki, Cool looking new plant. It looks like it might bit your finger off! I just wanted to reassure you that the Lowe's sphag sold as "orchid moss" will do fine. That's all I use. I think it's Better-Gro brand, and may either be from New Zealand or Chile. The stuff you buy from growers (and what Andy probably uses) is just a higher quality. It will be cleaner looking and have less stems. But the cheap stuff should be fine.