Coryanthes Macrantha care tips

[kindrag23]

Everyone has been talking about orchid shows coming up and there are not any close to me (thankfully my wallet says) I was cruising through my facebook I saw Seattle Orchid had a 20% off sale going through this weekend. Sooooo I was looking around and what do I find that they have a Coryanthes Macrantha for sale or 2 to be exact. who me no I am totally not encouraging orchid buying....but they do have 1 left, and its blooming size... just saying.....

I see on S.O. website that the orchids like to be damp and shady and in warm temps which lets be honest its the end of January and parts of the country are covered in snow and its flip flop and short weather here for the last 3 days I, can provide that haha! But what else do they need care wise?

Thanks!

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Kindra, growing mine since last year January, outside year round, large plastic basket, mix of medium bark and sphagnum (sphagnum ads acidity that this orchid needs, plus keep it moist). Keeping it on moist side, letting slightly dry between watering, Regular fertilizing, and once a month I do add fresh lemon juice to the water! I have it in pretty deep shade. It did bloom three times last year (you can find old posts here on OB). I know it says never let go under 60F, but it's just not possible in Florida anymore, it is expose to temps even around 50F early mornings now and no visible damage! I find it pretty easy to grow actually and it grows fast and huge! Hope this helps!

[kindrag23]

Awesome!!! How much lemon juice? And just once a month right? I can maintain close to 60 in my house right now but if we get the snow and ice like people are saying it may be harder. Not to hard just a little higher on the propane heater. Oh and I have a humidifier going in there pretty regularly bc the propane heaters dry the house out so bad.

---------- Post added at 08:30 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:26 PM ----------

How deep is deep shade? Bc this will be in my house for the first few months at least until I am sure the last late season frosts are over.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

I eyeball it Kindra, I would say few drops, really does not matter but not half of the lemon :-) Deep shade - it's at the very corner of the balcony on the top, so like Phal light or even less, seems to like the spot! I know people growing in bright shade so it will do well in a wide range of a different light levels.

[kindrag23]

Awesome. I will figure where to stick it in my grow room! And have to remember to not forget to water it....oopsie...out of sight out of mind......

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by kindrag23

Awesome. I will figure where to stick it in my grow room! And have to remember to not forget to water it....oopsie...out of sight out of mind......

Yeah I don't think it appreciates long dry period, I always water whenever it dries out, only when the cold front passes I let it dry longer.

[kindrag23]

Yeah I'm going to have to set a reminder to check it since it will be hanging away from my other plants or else it may starve. But I will do my best because I REALLY want to get this thing to bloom! The pictures of it on line are freaking amazing.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

One of my posts from last year Kindra!
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...macrantha.html

[kindrag23]

That's so cool! I found a video on YouTube of one opening in slow motion it's really cool.
This is the picture they have on Seattle orchids website. I have to say I am a sucker for funky colors and spots.

[Kevinator]

Sorry to hijack your post kindrag, but I also need some help. I have a macrantha but it only grew one growth this year and it was half the size of the others. It also dropped all but one of the leaves from the old growths. Surprisingly, it even tried to bloom this year but the flower spike broke after hitting the tag. How do you grow yours? Although it has tons of healthy bulbs, I think mine's a goner.