Which Dracula to buy?

[Paul Mc]

Hello everyone!!

So, I've been researching like crazy since the Spring Project plant has been announced, but I can't seem to figure out what would work well for me in regards to Dracula's. I've just been dying to own one!!!!

I can say that I don't have good results with cooler growing Masdie's, but I seem to be doing good with a Masd. Nancy so I'm assuming intermediate to warm Dracula's would be preferrable but I just don't know enough to make that call.

I'd like you guys to give me some ideas/suggestions on what you think might work for me. And don't worry, I won't hold you personally accountable if I fail, I know there is a learning curve with each species!

I'm in St. Louis, MO if that helps.

Please help me fulfill my deepest orchid desire and insanity!

[Zoi2]

Lotax is probably the easiest first dracula and the easiest for the Missouri climate.
Joann

I agree about lotax, I have one indoors since last October and it is still alive and growing. Another intermediate that I got this March is simia. It is still alive too, but it was here just for one month, so its to early to say yet.
You can browse the dracula species in the Ecuagenera catalogue on their website. They mark each one if it is warm or cool growing.
Lotax is very miniature, simia is a bit larger (I don't know if it matters for you).

[keithrs]

sodiroi is probably the easiest the grow.

[Paul Mc]

I'm definitely looking at mini, but good flower size is also important. Funny, I was looking at the lotox already! I'm assuming culture similar to masdie?

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

I'm definitely looking at mini, but good flower size is also important. Funny, I was looking at the lotox already! I'm assuming culture similar to masdie?

Yes, my draculas get the same care as masdies. They are potted into net pots with sphagnum and net pot sits inside of larger clay pot. I keep them in the basement which gets about 62-64 F temps at night and a bit higher when morning sun gets there, around 70% humidity and medium light. Masdies like it there too, decumana is getting ready to bloom.

[Paul Mc]

I was thinking net pot slipped into a glass vase filled halfway with water. I'm assuming this would work for the lotax. I know some draculas bloom from the bottom though.

Glass should be good for lotax -I think her blooms are at the top, judging by pictures of course. Mine didn't bloom yet.
I should admit, that I am cautious about this technique, because am afraid of root rot. Although it seems to work for lots of people. I let the moss to dry between waterings for both masdies and dracs which might be wrong.

[Paul Mc]

I tried sphag and it didn't work, so I started using small grade wood chips, perlite and charcoal mix and then put that inside another larger net pot and stuffed sphag in the top to hold it in place and keep humidity in. Seems to be working now.

[isurus79]

Lotax is the only one I have tried. I've had it for about 4 months now and it has doubled in size with vegetative growth. I'm hoping for a pretty decent sized bloom soon, so I would imagine that lotax is your best bet as well. I got mine from J&L Orchids when Marguerite came and spoke to our society. They pot theirs in plastic pots osmunda with spag mixed in. It seems to work pretty well! They love to be very wet, just like Masdies, though they seem to prefer less light.