[QUOTE=Hawaiian Sunshine I water every 3-4 days so the Sphagnum does not completely dry out. This and other plants that I got from H&R Nurseries seem to do well in this media. It is different than how catwalker808 grows his walkerianas and violaceas (either in coarse bark or diatomite). For some reason, I cannot grow my plants as well as he does in the media he uses. His plants are very robust with outstanding root systems. I think he uses some kind of magic water. [/QUOTE]
We don't use any magic water. But the magic is in the watering.
Hawaiian Sunshine is a very patient & attentive hobbyist grower. His plants in sphagnum must be growing in a covered area, so that the only water the sphagnum pots receive are what he applies. Although covered, the sides of his growing area are of shade cloth which allows good ventilation which keeps his sphagnum pots from becoming soggy. His disciplined 3-4 day watering regimen provides sufficient water so as not to allow excessive drying.
The reason I prefer a coarse well-drained mix is that we have a much larger growing range to look after, with many different watering requirements. Basically, we can apply additional water in the summer, but we prefer not having to worry about excessive retention of water in pots during less ideal weather during our rainy "winter" season.
C violacea is generally a very active grower & bloomer under warm bright light conditions. Under our conditions, plants can easily produce multiple new pbulbs and bloom 3 ... often 4 times a year. When plants are that active, they require lots of water & feed. With my very well-drained potting mixes, I water heavily daily during the heat of summer & every other day or every third day during the cooler times of year. Unlike some cats, C. violacea plants produce lots of good roots & they drink thirstily ... otherwise plants can become dessicated. This schedule seems to work well.
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