Morm. tuxtlensis culture?

[Aceetobe]

Greetings, I just acquired Mormodes tuxtlensis from EOoM.

IOSPE suggests intermediate culture - which I have a hard time believing since most other Mormodes are warm. Also that EOoM has mostly warm growing species.

Should I give it a winter rest? The leaves are still on the current growth, but its obvious that the older growths have shed theirs.

[Bruno De Toni]

All these species need winter rest with a low humidity environment. About the culture, mormodes commonly grow on rotten tree branches, so I would suggest you to use semi descomposed wood in the culture media for these plants.

[isurus79]

Ive been growing the same species from EOoM since spring or fall (last year) and Ive been giving it bright light and lots of moisture and its still growing. I remember looking up the natural habitat in Mexico of this species a while back and I recall that while there is a dry period, its not that long and not that harsh, so dont go overboard when you winter this one. If you leaves are still green (as mine are) I would wait until the plant tells you its time to sleep by watching for a yellowing of the lower leaves that spreads to the upper leaves. No need to cut back on water with this one until that happens. That last bit is a rule I use with all of my Catasetinae.

[dserrano]

I supplied IOSPE with the photos of the M. tuxtlesis you cite. I have grown this species for years. Unlike Most descriptions of the culture for this plant, I permit it to grow outside in the summer in North Carolina (USDA Zone 7b, average temp July-Sept is high 80s low 90s with several 100 degree F days). The plants do great, so don't worry about trying to maintain intermediate temps. Higher temps generally only result in a loss of glaucous coloring of foliage.

Regarding Winter rest, this plant rarely if ever goes fully dormant. I have found that forced dormancy generally leads to plant failure. They are prone to substantial back bulb loss in the absence of winter moisture. I generally grow in baskets, but have found this species amenable to hydroponic culture(which definitely speaks to the winter rest issue).

Great plant, good luck.

Daniel Serrano

[isurus79]

Daniel,
This is really good information to know! I have wondered about the winter rest for this one, as mentioned earlier in this thread. Do you grow this one wetter than most other Catasetinae? I tried to plant this one in osmunda (2" pot) during the spring and the growth stopped making progress. I switched it back to spag a few weeks ago and still nothing. I'm worried I might lose this seedling, though the plant still looks fine, with no yellowing or anything like that. Its just frozen in time! Also, how bright do you grow yours? I've had a hunch that this one also prefers slightly less light than most other Catasetinae as well. Is this true?

P.S. Welcome to the OB! I'll be anxiously waiting for some pics of your plants!!

[dserrano]

In my experience, seedlings do not like anything other than sphagnum. If I'm in a hurry to bloom stock out I'll grow seedlings semi-hydroponically (they grow continuosuly throughout the year and get large quickly). This culture consists of sphagnum in a plastic basket suspended an inch or so above water level -- the plant has continuous access to moisture, but the media remains aerated.

Otherwise, standard Catasetinae seedling culture works well -- sphagnum and ample moisture as indicated by the plant.

I have found that they do not like osmunda fiber, but know other growers who have success with this media (though not as seedlings unless you want to water a lot).

Regarding your plant, it depends. I've seen seedlings stall and then start up, and others stall and die. keep it humid and see what happens. Unfortunately, when they are really young they don't usually have enough reserves to send out a second growth. If it bombs, get another and try again -- there is nothing like the fragrance of this plant, and the flowers last a very long time.

I grow mine in anything from full-ish sun to moderate shade, they are very forgiving plants once mature. Generally shadier for seedlings and dappled shade for adults.

[isurus79]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice! I will keep this one out in the general grow area this winter so it stays wet. I can't wait to smell the blooms on this one in a few years!

[Aceetobe]

I find that most Mormodes like at least a little bit of water during their rest. Anyways, thanks for the cultural tips. I've been growing it outdoors here in San Diego (avg about 75 day/60 night), and it seems to be doing fine. I guess I'll give it a bit more water. I have it currently in 2:1 fine orchid bark: LECA, and watering it about 4 times a week. The roots tips started to brown out on me right after leaving the bulb, so I top dressed it with sphagnum up to the level of the base of the new growth, and the roots have seemed happy ever since.

[Aceetobe]

Also this is the reply I got from Marni Turkel about its culture:

Hi, I grow this in the cool to intermediate range. I don't give it a dry rest. I find it does best in a basket in a fine bark mix. When I have tried it potted, it hasn't been a great success. Let it approach dryness between waterings. Dilute, frequent fertilizer during the growing season, moderately bright light. Hope that helps. Marni

[Nokomis.FL]

I have had little to no luck with this species. They almost always rot on me so I have restricted myself from buying any more. I have a couple left, but they are salvaged.

Is there anyplace to get specific info on this particular species?