Cattleya elongata

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by stitz

Hi Mauro,

Medium? Mine doesn't really need any. The rhizome is growing vertically. I anchored it into a pot w/chopped tree fern at the base. Ideally, I think that I should grow it on a tree fern pole.

I purchased mine from Alvim Seidel in 2007. Last year, I hope that it acclimated to North America. I expect to see flowering this year. It's a very robust plant.

In 2008, I noted that this species produces more than the "usual" number of new leads. I vaguely remember reading somewhere that this is a unique trait to this species of the Cattleya genus.

--Stitz--

In the wild this species is rupicolous. The rocky mountains where it grows have sparse vegetation. When I was visiting Chapada Diamantina, most of the plants were associated with tall grass bushes, but I could see several plants growing on bare rocks, absolutely no organic material around the roots, exposed to full sun all the time (have to say that the nights are very fresh, almost cold, and humid). So, with the proper care I am sure you can grow it very well without any medium, Stitz.

Originally Posted by cb977

I have one of these and although it looks fine, it hasn't really done much Maybe I'll make some adjustments

What lighting do you guys have it in?

Bright light, Susanne, very bright light.

Originally Posted by dr_dmd

Mario - thanks for sharing your pics both here and on Flickr - you are an excellent photographer! I particularly enjoyed the photos where you show both a close up and the whole plant in the background. Cool effect and gives a better idea what the plant is like. Thanks again!

Don in CA

Thank you, Don. My pleasure to share my plants!

[isurus79]

Mauro,
This is a very interesting plant. It looks like C. bicolor with a long stem (hence elongata?) and wavy petals. Why do you think it is that this rupiculous Catt and the rupiculous Laelias have such looooong stems?

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Jan Pahl

Sao Paulo is a very humid place Mauro?... I ask this becuse I see that with bifoliates you use "moss" even if the environment is allready moist.

From November until April, yes it is very humid because of the summer rains (January and February it rains almost every afternoon). From mid-April on the air humidity begins to fall down. In July and August the relative air humidity keeps around 40% with frequent falls to 20-15%, which is almost desert-like humidity. Wild fires are frequent because of these low levels.
My personal choice for the moss is because it is an excellent support and allows me good water control, even during the humid months. I use it mixed with Styrofoam peanuts (20-30% volume) to facilitate the drainage and enhance water control.

[cb977]

Thanks Mauro

I have another problem...I looked around the whole room today and I can't find this one!

She must be hiding

[Roly0217]

Mauro that's another beautiful species right there. Congratulations on its bloom and hopefully next blooming season will bring you clusters. Enjoy it !!!!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by Roly0217

Mauro that's another beautiful species right there. Congratulations on its bloom and hopefully next blooming season will bring you clusters. Enjoy it !!!!

I'm crossing fingers, Rolando!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by cb977

Thanks Mauro

I have another problem...I looked around the whole room today and I can't find this one!

She must be hiding

Is yours some special kind of elongata with legs, perhaps?

[SP2340]

Mauro, do you use bark for any of your plants or do you always use the sphagnum moss w/ 20-30% peanuts?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR

Is yours some special kind of elongata with legs, perhaps?

Either that or I've finally lost my mind!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by SP2340

Mauro, do you use bark for any of your plants or do you always use the sphagnum moss w/ 20-30% peanuts?

I sometimes add a little of fine grade bark (not more than 5%) to the mix. But I am doing this because I have left this bark and don't want to trash it. I use to add it mainly for L. purpuratas, which accept bark well.