Best location for my new Monnierara Millennium Magic 'Witchcraft' ?

[Cymbaline]

Hey there !
I posted in the beginner forum and it was suggested I come here and check for isurus79 videos. I found some good information and both isurus79 and I live in Austin, TX ( well I'm right outside but same difference ).

However I noticed in the videos his backyard is full of trees ( lucky! ) and my backyard is pretty bare so I don't feel comfortable yet about leaving my new plant outside unless I ask. I hope you understand.


My backyard is West - South and it gets really strong sun by probably 1 or 2pm. The pictures I took is about 620pm so if I place the plant in an area where it will receive afternoon sun it's going to be receiving pretty strong sun for about 5 hours.

The other direction ( where you can see the window of my next door neighbor's house and my cactus ) will receive morning sun but probably only 3 hours. It's just an odd location.


I read that Catasetums like pretty strong sun but I'm a bit worried that the south location ( where it can get 5 hours ) maybe TOO strong.

What do you think?




My other option is with my current orchids which are kept in a room under a grow light and they receive morning sun. I'm thinking if I was to buy another grow light , Amazon has one for 35 dollars that produces 5000 lumens, I could keep it on the lower rack and place the grow lights under the other orchids.

[isurus79]

Hi Cymbaline,
Good to see another Austin grower! I'd say that in the spring, you'll put your plant in the SW location around April 15 (basically when the forecast says there are no more temps below 50 at night) and maybe add a small piece of shade cloth for the hottest part of the day (noon and later). However, I've got Catasetinae that seem to do just fine in bright locations as long as they have dappled shade by about 2pm. Getting your plants used to the Texas sun/heat works well if you start them early in the growing season.

Until then, I'd keep your plant inside under the artificial light. Have you joined the local society yet?

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by isurus79

Hi Cymbaline,
Good to see another Austin grower! I'd say that in the spring, you'll put your plant in the SW location around April 15 (basically when the forecast says there are no more temps below 50 at night) and maybe add a small piece of shade cloth for the hottest part of the day (noon and later). However, I've got Catasetinae that seem to do just fine in bright locations as long as they have dappled shade by about 2pm. Getting your plants used to the Texas sun/heat works well if you start them early in the growing season.

Until then, I'd keep your plant inside under the artificial light. Have you joined the local society yet?

Thank you so very much for your input. I appreciate it.

Local society? I have not. I'm not a pro by any means so will they be good with a newb?

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Cymbaline

Thank you so very much for your input. I appreciate it.

Local society? I have not. I'm not a pro by any means so will they be good with a newb?

We love new-bees and actually meet tomorrow at 715!

Join Us! - Heart of Texas Orchid Society

[Cymbaline]

Originally Posted by isurus79

We love new-bees and actually meet tomorrow at 715!

Join Us! - Heart of Texas Orchid Society

I'll consider it! Thank You so much.