Barkeria whartoniana

[RobS]

Barkeria whartoniana seedling bought from a trader as Barkeria melanocaulon. Is flowering with two inflorences with one flower each. Should be able to do better when it matures.

[Zoi2]

Joann

[jrodpad]

Wow, that's really something. I love the shape of the flower. I wonder if the pollinator is some type of bee? That head-on picture really looks like there's a bee in there.

Thanks for sharing.

-J

[VictorB]

great pictures. I purchased one recently. Any tips on on caring for it are appreciated.

[RobS]

Intermediate temperatures
Fairly dry. Barkeria's are decedious and in winter mine receive water once per week (or less) but are in the living room. If grown in a greenhouse with better humidity this could be even less. During active growth regular watering but let the roots dry between watering.

[VictorB]

Great. Thanks for the fast reply.

[Lars Kurth]

The watering regime dependson on whether your Barkeria is potted or mounted. I grow mine in a warm/intermediate greenhouse hanging close to the glass and it gets a splash of water every 3-4 days in winter and every day or other day in summer. But it tends to dry out within a day even in winter.

Anyway, B melanocaulon is one of the easiest Barkerias to grow. It should flower regularly and long. When it has finished flowering don't cut off the flower stalk. Often, it will get a second flush of flowers. Barkerias don't like changes in conditions (can result in flower spikes/growth aborting), although melanocaulon seems to be more tolerant to this than others. So whatever you do: choose a spot and keep it there.

[VictorB]

Thanks very much Lars.

[RobS]

Forgot two things when I said winter I meant when the leaves have dropped from the plant. This is when watering should be most reduced. Also I grow mine mounted on cork.

[Birdwoman]

I've just bought some seedlings of this species. Can anyone give me advice on growing conditions please?