Grammatophyllum temperature tolerances - Orchid Board

smweaver · #1 07-02-2011, 04:33 PM

I'm considering purchasing a couple of varieties of Grammatophyllum scriptum, but I've never grown this species before and would like to know if someone could provide some information regarding its temperature preferences and tolerances, especially during the winter.

Also, the crinitum variety is simply a form of the species Gram. scriptum, right, and not a separate species? Does Gram. scriptum stay smaller than Gram. speciosum? I realize that "smaller" is a relative term, especially when used in a genus that's known for containing large species?, but I'd rather avoid a plant that's going to require a forklift to move it about.

Thank you!

Steve

isurus79 · #2 07-02-2011, 10:58 PM

Hmmm, I'm not sure about the minimum winter temps Steve, but I've always thought of this one to be a warm grower. I didn't have to worry about cold temps when I grew it in Hawaii. I do know that G. scriptum stays much smaller than speciosum. Thats like comparing a palm tree to a Christmas tree though, they both take up a lot of room! G. scriptum var citrinum is indeed just a pale variety of citrinum. I do believe however, that there is a smaller growing variety of the species that is available. I had my normal sized plant in a 12" pot with about 8 bulbs and each bulb would produce two 3' spikes. It also grows very rapidly and hates to be repotted.

lambelkip · #3 07-03-2011, 12:39 AM

It has no tolerance for cold. Keep it above 50F.
citrinum is a variety of scriptum, not a separate species. Like Steve said, they get pretty big. if you can find one, you might want to try a miniature variety, like the one I had a couple years ago.

smweaver · #4 07-03-2011, 07:10 AM

Thanks, guys! Yeah, I was afraid that it wasn't going to have a lot of tolerance for cool (or, it seems, intermediate) temperatures. I'll probably pass on this one--now I just need to stop looking at pictures of the beautifully flowering plants that I keep finding online! Thank you again for your responses.

Steve

RJSquirrel · #5 07-03-2011, 07:34 AM

everything grows great online

sambac · #6 07-03-2011, 07:56 AM

Steve, you made the right decision. It is a beautiful plant. Mine is left in the ground it is rooted deeply. I could not keep up changing pot sizes, so I left it along side my roses. Takes full sun with roses and puts up with the low's of 40's Since I can't bring the plant in during our infrequent cold spells it is left to fend for itself and has done quite well for the last several years. It is a beautiful monster if you have the space. Will post a picture when in bloom