I bought this assuming it will be years to bloom like my Speciosum, it also looked nothing like it so was a bit confused if it actually was a Gram. I've now discovered a dwarf variety exists and looks a lot like what I bought.
I'm looking for some advice on the culture specifically on humidity requirement and growing outdoors in full/partial sun.
The plant has gone south over the cool Winter and is down to one bulb and leaf, I've rotted the new growths and other bulbs somehow - something I'm going to be mindful of so would like to grow it outdoors away from misting systems etc.
I'm pretty sure my enthusiasm to provide humidity caused the rot so thought I'd ask if anyone (not in Florida) can grow this ok outside in the heat without tropical conditions, or if this is a rainforest greenhouse only species, I'm taking the outdoor approach for my Vanda's and interested in adding this with them. Thanks.
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It doesn't mind temperatures over 40C but it requires high humidity at such temperatures. You likely lost the growths through inadequate water or humidity. Also they're highly susceptible to spider mites. It doesn't do well with cool winters.
What are your temperatures and humidity?
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My temps will likely stay around 35c max as I'll take action when it exceeds this or hose it down.
I do think Spider mites started its decline as noticed tiny rust spots soon after acquiring that led to subsequent infections, I'm going to spray my whole collection with a miticide today with Spring now here.
The growths then browned off and dislodged and I removed a 'soft' brown bulb yesterday. After seeing this my logic is growing outside may provide dry airy conditions enough to prevent rots as I see it not surviving in the greenhouse being this susceptible to water lodging in its leaves, when it gets very hot outside I'd try and shade or put a water tray below. Incidentally the plant was sold to be as G speciosum so that's what I've been growing it as, but the bulbs don't rot on my other Gram - as there aren't any, just a big fan.
Don't give it dry airy conditions. This plant is not the least like a Cattleya. Give it hot, wet, humid conditions.Pseudobulbs die normally by turning brown and mushy. This is not rot.
__________________ May the bridges I've burned light my way.