Dracula leaf tips

[VickiC]

Hi,
I have had this Dracula Sodiroi just a few weeks and recently the leaf tips started turning brown ( ..I'm not a good photographer..sorry. Awhile back, I read somewhere the reason that this happens, and it may have been here on OB, but I can't find the thread if it was ?? The plant looked fine when I rec'd it from Andy's Orchids, so I'm sure it was me who caused the problem. When I rec'd it, it was potted in all sphag but I transferred it to standard orchid mix (bark, charcoal, etc.) simply because I can monitor the dampness better.....it's a little harder for me to judge when to water a plant potted in 100% sphagnum. I have had good results when trying to grow roots in it, though, but these Drac roots looked fine. Do you think I should repot it back into sphag as it was when I got it? Also, I water it ever 2-3 days and the humidity in the room varies from approx. 55-65 percent (there are a few other orchids in the room, so I keep a humidifier in there). It's hanging over my kitchen sink, which gives it a tiny bit more humidity. I also mist it every day. Is that good or bad? It gets approx. 700-1000 fc of light in front of a south window. Please let me know your thoughts as to where I've gone wrong and what I can do to remedy the prob. I would appreciate any advice.
Thanks in advance,
Vicki

[betwixtimes]

I'm not sure, it could be several things---generally when/if my leaves get brown on my cymbidum, I trim them off.

[gmdiaz]

I had the same problem with one of mine. . .and got this advice from our expert, Mauro.

Transplant it into tree fern fiber and chopped sphagnam.

Be very careful with fertilizer. . .they're very sensitive to it.

Water first with good water (RO or rainwater), then lightly fertilize and THEN about 30 minutes later, water it again with just water to flush out the excess.

Low light and high humidity. Not sure about your temps, but for mine. . .it needs to stay quite cool.

[Dorothy]

This is a cool looking dracula .. common name is Red Bell Dracula - according to Dracula sodiroi
It's very masdie-looking
Here is additional info and photos of it -
Dracula sodiroi
IOSPE PHOTOS
According to the IOSPE - it's temperature icon indicates it's a cool grower - 58`F to 66`F night average

[Ross]

I find with Dracs that they are extremely sensitive to salts in the medium. RO or distilled or rain water is a must. Also if they get too hot the leaves will turn like that. As has been said low light (less than 1000FCs) lots of water (they like to stay damp to wet), coolish temps (under 75-80 - at least at night) will help. A mix with at least some sphagnum (like you would use for Paphs) is necessary as they really shouldn't dry out.

[masda]

One of the main causes of leaf tip burn is over fertilizering. cut back on the strength or miss a week, try once a month, I only feed mine with a weak mixture once a month as with all my Masdeavallias and it seem to be ok.

[VickiC]

Thanks to all of you for your help.....betwixtimes, gmdiaz, Dorothy, Ross and Masda. I repotted my Dracula.....I appreciate your good advice.
Vicki

[Bolero]

I had this problem as well and still do. I don't fertilise mine at all and have water very low in salts.

I think low humidity as the effect of killing the tips like that. I brought mind inside and the tips that grow now are great. Not sure what the issue is but they do need to grow cool.

I've heard it can happen when the leaves are too wet in cold weather, I've heard it's when they're too dry, too much fertiliser and I'm sure there are others.

Let me know how you go with your experimenting, I am keen to keep growing these and one day I might even flower one.

P.S. I don't think you can beat Sphag for Drac's and I kind of doubt this is your problem.

[VickiC]

I've been mulling over less or no fertilizer at all for my Dracula. ??? I've been fertilizing the majority of my orchids weakly weekly, but that might even be too much for this one. ???

I'm afraid, especially now that you mention it, that the plant is not getting proper humidity and/or the temp. may be too warm, also. More things to think about and experiment with.

I have figured out one thing, though...this plant is VERY particular about it's conditions. Not sure yet if I can supply what it needs. ???

I may need my memory jogged, so PM me anytime about experimenting with Draculas.


Best of luck with your growing these!
Vicki

Originally Posted by Bolero

I had this problem as well and still do. I don't fertilise mine at all and have water very low in salts.

I think low humidity as the effect of killing the tips like that. I brought mind inside and the tips that grow now are great. Not sure what the issue is but they do need to grow cool.

I've heard it can happen when the leaves are too wet in cold weather, I've heard it's when they're too dry, too much fertiliser and I'm sure there are others.

Let me know how you go with your experimenting, I am keen to keep growing these and one day I might even flower one.

P.S. I don't think you can beat Sphag for Drac's and I kind of doubt this is your problem.

[Bolero]

Yeah you make good points, will PM you after I investigate further. There are varying opinions and I wish there were more experts around.

I'm planning to build a new orchid house with distinct zones when I get enough money. Talk to you soon.

;-)