Acriopsis indica help!

[SilverShaded]

This is the second ne of these plants weve tried, the first having died, the lower pseudobulbs seem to be rotting but we cant understand why, its hanging in the greenhouse, sprayed in the morning. Worried the dying pseudobulbs will spread higher up the plant.

Has anyone had any success with this one and how?

[Cym Ladye]

Perhaps this thread should be moved to another discussion group as it's culture is quite different from that of Cymbidiums?

[SilverShaded]

Where do you suggest? I put it here because it's in the subtribe Cymbidieae

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

The thread's fine where it is.

I've grown this species before. I also currently grow Acriopsis javanica (aka Acriopsis lillifolia). Both grow pretty much the same way, with Acriopsis indica being the easier one to grow, imo.

It likes it intermediate to warm. The warmer the better. I'd say no cooler than 60 F at any given point in the year for a night temperature.

They are a bit touchy. I'm not quite sure why Acriopsis are like this, but they are. They like quite a bit of air circulation, but they also like lots of water during their growing season. I find that they don't like wet feet. The roots have got to be able to dry out completely between waterings. In the wild, they are found high up on trees on exposed branches.

Moderately bright indirect light.

Moderate to high humidity (60% - 90%).

Do not water heavily during the cooler months or they will rot. Reduce watering drastically for the months of Nov - January and slowly ramp back up from February onwards.

Do not keep cool or the leaves will drop and they'll start rotting out.

Old leaves will drop on the older mature pseudobulbs.

Btw, try watering every other day instead of everyday. If every other day is still too much, then drop it down to watering every 3 days.

[SilverShaded]

Thanks Phillip! What you say makes a lot if sense, we'll give it a go. If this one dies I think we will just have to give up with this species.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

If the plant still looks like what you've posted, it'll bounce right back, considering that it is summer in the northern hemisphere, and it is actively growing. It is actually not a terribly slow grower. This is actually a very fast growing orchid when it is actively growing. What makes this orchid seem like a slower grower than what it actually is, is the winter dormancy. You will see what I mean when you really hold fort and take the time to learn about this orchid.

Don't give up on this species just yet, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Really give what I say a shot. I've grown and currently grow Acriopsis, and I have to say that even if the individual flowers are tiny and insignificant, the gestalt is what makes this orchid a joy to have in the collection.

Do your best, especially now that you have real advice from an actual grower of Acriopsis.

Yes, "Cym Ladye" is right, this genus does not grow like any Cymbidium you know of, but I'll vouch for this genus of orchid every time someone mentions "Acriopsis".

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Forgot to mention - Acriopsis only grows new roots from new shoots. Old pseudobulbs don't put out new roots.

[Cym Ladye]

Thank you Philip. I hoped you would chime in on this as you have proven to have a wealth of knowledge on the less popular-grown genera. I just knew it was not "Cym culture compatible" but really had no idea where else the thread could go.