To Chunky Media for Stanhopea?

[daddydoall]

Being a habitual over-waterer, I planted my Stan in a mesh basket filled with lava and coarse bark. It seems mature and healthy but has not bloomed. Could the media be too hard and obstructive for the bloom spikes to break through?

[WhiteRabbit]

I only have one Stan, so I'm far from the expert - but, I think they like quite moist media while they are growing; some like a fairly dry winter and won't bloom without it.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by daddydoall

Being a habitual over-waterer, I planted my Stan in a mesh basket filled with lava and coarse bark. It seems mature and healthy but has not bloomed. Could the media be too hard and obstructive for the bloom spikes to break through?

Its possible. Do you water every day? What species? Any pics?

[daddydoall]

Actually plant is super healthy, lots of roots and new growths. I think the buds are trapped by lava rock, even though it is in a net pot. probably going to have to repot it to a more open mesh or cut larger openings and line the pot with moss to create a soft space for the buds to push through.

[rbarata]

I'm really interested in this... is it possible for you to post pics or, at least, tell us the specie?
Thank you

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by daddydoall

Actually plant is super healthy, lots of roots and new growths. I think the buds are trapped by lava rock, even though it is in a net pot. probably going to have to repot it to a more open mesh or cut larger openings and line the pot with moss to create a soft space for the buds to push through.

Larger mesh won't help the buds getting blocked by lava rock.

[DeaC]

I only have 3 and got my first some 3 yrs ago and rewarding me with 2 spikes,one with 2 large,egg-shaped buds just starting to pop(Assidensis x Ronsard). All are potted in moss in wire baskets that have large openings to allow shoots to develop downward. I needed to line the baskets with coconut fiber first. They've been hanging under a tree all summer but I bring them into the house most of the yr and place them as close to the growlights or windows as possible. Gets challenging as leaves can be massive. The other 2 are oculata and jenishiana,the latter one needing a drier winter rest. I'm pleased with my limited success!