Cattleya eldorado var. concolor punctata 'Iara'

[natasha]

Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR

Steve, Kim, in my experience yes, I believe C. eldorado can be grown in intermediate (to warm side) conditions. It is true that in its original habitat, the neighborhood of Manaus, Brazil, this species is subject to a year round warm to hot condition, but it is also true that it can be grown under the same conditions we provide for Cattleyas like intermedia, bicolor, mossiae, trianae, warsceweczii, gaskelliana, labiata etc. I have found that the best in order to maximize the possibilities is to start with an intermediate sized seedling, say 5" tall, to give the plant the opportunity to adapt itself to the new conditions you offer. With this size, the seedling is strong enough to not easily die and flexible enough to quickly adapt.

does this means that generally it is better to buy seedling than mature plant to acclimatise easily? my home is generally hotter than average malaysian temp since i live in industrial area (need to do some about that too later). i plant to shop for more chids next july and appreciate your advice

[Rosim_in_BR]

Originally Posted by natasha

does this means that generally it is better to buy seedling than mature plant to acclimatise easily? my home is generally hotter than average malaysian temp since i live in industrial area (need to do some about that too later). i plant to shop for more chids next july and appreciate your advice

In my experience, yes, it is a pratice that most of times shows good results, as long as the seedling is not too small. Of course, this is not a rule, because each species has its own range of adaptation and if things like temperature, luminosity etc are out of the species tolerable range, the plant won't adapt, seedling or not.

[natasha]

thanks.... i didn't plan to buy too small seedling. if i do that, i will have to wait years to wait for the flowers maybe bigger seedlings will do...

i try not to buy chids that i know will not survive my place. in fact, most that i have, will live outside in the porch or out the sun. so cool growers no need to apply!