Just reserved a flask of Cattleya purpurata var. carnea, what do I do now?..

[peeweelovesbooks]

what do I need to buy now?

Pot size?
Medium?
fungicide(s)?
fertilizer?

I don't know whether I will be getting one, but I want to be prepared in case I do. So, any specific pot size? medium, fungicide? etc.. that I may need?

What would be the special light conditions? Also, I've seen in a gardening catalog a system that has a plastic cover that supposedly keeps the humidity high, and there is a water reservoir underneath? should I purchase this?

I'm kind of nervous (haven't even gotten the plants yet ) but I want to be prepared! thanks for your suggestions/advice.

[rogerman]

It's actually quite easy. I'll get back to you as soon as i've finished watering my plants, but theres also a lot of other people around to help too.

[rogerman]

Ok i'm back now. Depending how big the flask is depends on how many pots you need (Of course).

I myself use three inch pots.

When the plants have grown to a reasonable size, (heaps of roots and agar depleated) I break open the flask and clean the plants. I hang them in a basket for a day then i pot them.

Here in Thailand we can buy three inch round blocks of coconut, which i split open and sandwich the plant in the split,then place the block in the pot. Thats easy. The main trick, is to not over water them, or they'll rot and die.

You'd have to get some advice from where you are as to what mix you use if you can't get the coconut blocks. Light and heat is also something you'd have to find out about, as i don't have that problem. All i do is put them in my shade house.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks Rogerman,

do you think something like this would be beneficial?:

Deep Root Seedstarting Kit buy from Gardener's Supply

[rogerman]

It's not a bad idea, although, I myself would tend to put it the growing pot.
The only drawback to that is, there's not really a lot of available air/wind. That's only my opinion as i'm growing under totally different conditions.

[tuvoc]

Pewee, what you ordered is probably 'Laelia' purpurata, not Cattleya. I would check to make sure. The treatment should be pretty much the same in any case. To me, Laelia purpurata is one of the most magnificent flowers around, and the carnea form is very desirable. Let us know, and good luck!

Kim

[peeweelovesbooks]

Oops! Yes, it's the laelia.

I hope I get the flask, although I'm a little intimidated by the whole procedure. I think it's time for me to try out growing these from babies.

Thanks for the good wishes. Any advice is welcome.