Rupicolous laelias in moss?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I too do not advise growing rupicolous Laelias in moss.

I think it is better to grow them in rocks.

Honestly if you're thinking of using moss even in the slightest bit, I think you'd fare better with products such as PrimeAgra, LECA, or Hydroton over moss.

[Claire25]

We shall see. Still learning over here. Thanks again for everyone's input...I should've mentioned that I did once grow a L. lucasiana in moss sucessfully for a year before downsizing my collection (an AWESOME plant...so excited to finally be returning to rupis), so I know it can be done short-term...but that shouldn't mean a whole lot to those with more experience with these critters, I'm sure. But, I certainly take the words of warning to heart.

Edit: Just want to add that I'll proably take a wait and see attitude with these guys in gravel. It's a new medium for me, which is honestly kinda exciting...

[Claire25]

Originally Posted by glengary54

You may live to regret the addition of moss, unfortunately your plant may not.

Geez, man, I HOPE I live to regret it. That sounded pretty dang ominous. Thanks, though: I believe I'm convinced that gravel is a good plan.

[Fernando]

I have just one, arrived three month ago. It is potted into volcanic gravel; now there is a new growth coming. As the plant came from a GH, I had it in the shade first, with little sun only, now it gets more sun and every morning I spray a little ("heavy dew") and watering thoroughly once a week. If you want that the substrate retain more water, choose a finer gravel - just as simple. Remember even if it might not be your case that the most orchids are over watered!

Fer

[billc]

Hi Claire, Joann's comments are spot on. Just leave them like the are. I got 2 from Andy in March, have watered every 3rd day or so, have them 3-4 inches under a T5 light (very bright) and they are thriving. The fourneri is just starting to spike.
Good luck!

Bill

[gnathaniel]

I agree with Joann and Bill that you could likely leave these potted as-is for quite a while with great results.

However, not to be a contrarian, but I've also seen these growing very well in sphag and small clay pots (and apparently you have, too, with your lucasiana). In my limited experience with the rupicolous Laelias, keeping them bone-dry all the time is a quick way to kill them (which I've done with a couple). Their natural habitats tend to be very sunny, breezy, quickly-draining, and actually pretty regularly moistened.

--Nat

[Claire25]

Thanks again everyone. I'm feeling great about my potential to succeed with these, due largely to your feedback. Will keep you posted!

Claire

[Wrebbitrocks]

Originally Posted by glengary54

Rupiculous laelias like it extremely bright, hot and dry. They thrive on total neglect. If you can't provide all three conditions, don't even bother.

i live in tucson, az.... this sounds right up my alley