Trichopillia care

[Phalgirl]

I have a trichopillia tortillis, t fragrans and a t. Coccinea. Can not find much information about care on them. Can someone help me out with Some info on watering them, feeding, temperature requirements and winter rest. Also what is the period they should bloom.
Thanks in advance

[MrHappyRotter]

I don't grow those species, but I am growing the closely related T. suavis. I suspect there's not one single right way to grow these, but if they grow anything like T. sauvis, then here's what I do.

For the most part, I treat the plant like a typical Oncidium alliance plant. It gets bright light, but nothing too crazy. I grow under 4 foot long LED shoplights that are replacements for fluorescent bulbs. The plant is about 6 - 8 inches (15 - 20 cm) from the bulbs. Temperatures are intermediate and moderate year round (i.e. typical household temps) with a pretty constant light breeze from the fans.

The only "oddball" part of its care that's a bit different from other Oncidium alliance plants is that I keep the roots constantly moist, sitting in water year round. It absolutely hates getting even slightly dry. Essentially I grow it like a Phragmipedium. I discovered this by accident and it's working quite well. So, even if you don't feel comfortable growing this way, it suggests that these plants like very moist conditions year round. Obviously different species could have different preferences so keep that in mind.

I acquired my T. suavis several years ago as NBS and it has bloomed right around Christmas (Dec 25th) the past two years. It seemed to bloom slightly earlier this year than last, and I just trimmed off the spikes a few days ago over the weekend.

I saw a T. tortillis in bloom at one of the local orchid shows back in early to mid November, so it may have a slightly earlier bloom season than T. sauvis.

[plantzzzzz]

Originally Posted by MrHappyRotter

I don't grow those species, but I am growing the closely related T. suavis. I suspect there's not one single right way to grow these, but if they grow anything like T. sauvis, then here's what I do.

For the most part, I treat the plant like a typical Oncidium alliance plant. It gets bright light, but nothing too crazy. I grow under 4 foot long LED shoplights that are replacements for fluorescent bulbs. The plant is about 6 - 8 inches (15 - 20 cm) from the bulbs. Temperatures are intermediate and moderate year round (i.e. typical household temps) with a pretty constant light breeze from the fans.

The only "oddball" part of its care that's a bit different from other Oncidium alliance plants is that I keep the roots constantly moist, sitting in water year round. It absolutely hates getting even slightly dry. Essentially I grow it like a Phragmipedium. I discovered this by accident and it's working quite well. So, even if you don't feel comfortable growing this way, it suggests that these plants like very moist conditions year round. Obviously different species could have different preferences so keep that in mind.

I acquired my T. suavis several years ago as NBS and it has bloomed right around Christmas (Dec 25th) the past two years. It seemed to bloom slightly earlier this year than last, and I just trimmed off the spikes a few days ago over the weekend.

I saw a T. tortillis in bloom at one of the local orchid shows back in early to mid November, so it may have a slightly earlier bloom season than T. sauvis.

What light levels do you use for your T. Suavis? Am I correct in giving them like, about phal light? I've heard they like it very shady.

[MrHappyRotter]

Originally Posted by plantzzzzz

What light levels do you use for your T. Suavis? Am I correct in giving them like, about phal light? I've heard they like it very shady.

I definitely grow mine brighter than typical Phal level light. It grows side by side with Phrags, which I consider typical Oncidium light levels. If I were going to experiment with lower light levels, I'd definitely cut back on watering. However, it seems happy with the way I've been growing it so I haven't messed with success too much.

[Dollythehun]

I have that. Like MHR, I grow mine under fairly high light, and constantly damp. Its pretty purple but not burned so, it must not mind the high light. I'd bump your water and light up.