This Orchid (Myr. grandiflora) is getting too big-OR- He's not fat, just big boned!!

[WaterWitchin]

That’s truth. Every now and then I will see the beginning of scale, and think WTH? I just checked that. Then realize, yeah, you sure did... six months ago.

[smweaver]

That's a great-looking myrmecophila. This is a genus that I find really captivating. The flowers are spectacular, and the growth habit of the plants is intriguing (plus, I like ants, so I can't help but being drawn to that name). Unfortunately, it's also a genus that I wouldn't dare attempt to try and grow one or more of the species, as keeping it warm enough in the winter would be something of a challenge for me. But I do envy those of you who live in climates that allow you to grow species of this genus so admirably well. Congratulations on your beauty of a plant--and the flowers aren't bad either. :-)

Steve

[DirtyCoconuts]

Thanks Steve.

I credit this genus for my passion for orchids. I’ve always had a casual relationship with them from rescuing the phals my mom would almost kill and then keeping them but it was that from age 15-29 then I saw a Schomburgkia on a tree on a walk on a lunch break at work and I had to know more and that kind of led me here

There are some hybrids that stay sort of small. Perhaps you could have one after all?

[smweaver]

I can accommodate larger-sized orchids. It's the all-year-heat requirement (preference?) that presents an obstacle to growing species like Myrmecophila christinae, exaltata (my two current favorites), etc. I actually could provide the necessary warmth during the winter, but that would mean everything else that prefers a cool winter rest would suffer. For now I'll just enjoy photos that other growers post of these fascinating plants.

[DirtyCoconuts]

I am happy to report that Steve was exactly correct and I moved her gradually to full sun and the next growth was about half the size. I also made a rack to move the others and am slowly moving them all there too

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

I am happy to report that Steve was exactly correct and I moved her gradually to full sun and the next growth was about half the size. I also made a rack to move the others and am slowly moving them all there too

Awesome! Glad to help get this one back under control! lol

[DirtyCoconuts]

she is much happier in the FULL SUN

great advice, steve- as always, thank you


Untitled by J Solo, on Flickr

[isurus79]

Wow!! Very cool! Looks great and I can't wait to see those blooms!

[Steve83]

Burn that thing lol

I also noticed a reduction in leaf size on mine when subjected to greater amounts of light.

4x4.jpg - Google Drive