Problem with C. Walkeriana...........

[tucker85]

I have two C. walkeriana, one lavender and one semi-alba. They are growing outdoors in south Florida. They are in hanging wooden baskets. Both have grown very well and look healthy. The problem is that they've had buds three times over the last eighteen months and the buds never mature. They get about a half inch long, they turn yellow and die. Is there some special requirement for C. walkeriana that I don't know about? What is your experience with this species?

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

I never had luck with them in Fl.They like cooler temps but if your getting buds try treating for thrips.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by tucker85

I have two C. walkeriana, one lavender and one semi-alba. They are growing outdoors in south Florida. They are in hanging wooden baskets. Both have grown very well and look healthy. The problem is that they've had buds three times over the last eighteen months and the buds never mature. They get about a half inch long, they turn yellow and die. Is there some special requirement for C. walkeriana that I don't know about? What is your experience with this species?

I had the same thing happen to one of my growths when I brought it inside for the winter. I just chalked it up to the plant not being happy with new conditions. Do you move your plant around a lot? What are your watering habits like?

Originally Posted by Arenalbotanicalgarden

I never had luck with them in Fl.They like cooler temps but if your getting buds try treating for thrips.

I don't know about cooler temps, as my big walkeriana grew like wildfire this summer when day time temps were over 100 degrees for several months straight.

[silken]

I don't have one but OrchidWiz says they won't bloom unless they get a lot of sun. they also get a somewhat cooler dry rest for 4 months or so, but not totally dry.

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I had the same thing happen to one of my growths when I brought it inside for the winter. I just chalked it up to the plant not being happy with new conditions. Do you move your plant around a lot? What are your watering habits like?



I don't know about cooler temps, as my big walkeriana grew like wildfire this summer when day time temps were over 100 degrees for several months straight.

I find that interesting. The few I bought to grow here do well and the ones I've seen in the wild down outside Brasilia are all at 2500 feet ? or so.That was 40 years ago.

[tucker85]

Thanks for all the interesting comments. It's warm and wet this year in south Florida. I'll see if they decide to bloom after some cool weather.

[Otis226]

I'd gotten a very healthy specimen from Odom's last June and proceed to try and drown it! I eventually woke up and repotted it in a small metal mesh basket with stalite, lava rock and charcoal,and it has been slowly making a comeback. I wasn't aware of the real high light need. I do know they like to dry out even more so than most Catts before another drink. Good luck
Tony

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by tucker85

Thanks for all the interesting comments. It's warm and wet this year in south Florida. I'll see if they decide to bloom after some cool weather.

During the cool months, definitely keep it pretty dry. A little p-bulb desiccation is ok and means that your watering schedule is good. Keep the light high too.