Mexipedium xerophyticum

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by JMLand

Have you thought about keeping the stone in shallow water? The limestone should wik up allot of the water.

I hadn't thought of that. I guess I should put the limestone in a bucket of water and see how far the water goes up.

[JMLand]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I hadn't thought of that. I guess I should put the limestone in a bucket of water and see how far the water goes up.

Let me know how it turns out. I might give it a try myself when I'm ready to make divisions.

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by JMLand

Let me know how it turns out. I might give it a try myself when I'm ready to make divisions.

I'll definitely post pics! I think I'll wait until the new growths bloom (and they're not spiking yet), so it might a while.

[Island Girl]

That's a beautiful flower! It's got such wonderful, delicate color! Probably one of the best I've seen!

..I wish I could find some limestone to use for mounts.. Is it always a grayish color? (down the east coast) I always thought it was tannish gray.. (I actually used to collect rocks as a child, knew a good deal about them, but at this point, I'm not sure I could identify limestone ) I'd love to find some to use for a couple mounted species.

Steve, that's what I would've suggested for you do as well (–setting the rock in a shallow pan of water).. I look forward to seeing what you do with yours!

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

..I wish I could find some limestone to use for mounts.. Is it always a grayish color? (down the east coast) I always thought it was tannish gray.. (I actually used to collect rocks as a child, knew a good deal about them, but at this point, I'm not sure I could identify limestone ) I'd love to find some to use for a couple mounted species.

It comes in many colors (like you described) but is actually pretty white here in central Texas. It really depends on the material that is mixed in with it.

[Bolero]

I have one and it's very hard to keep growing at any pace. I have it in high airmovement and try not to keep it too moist. It's in a 2 inch pot, a flowered growth plus one stolon. The new growth at the end of the stolen is taking an eternity to grow. Maybe I need more light but it looks ok so far.

I don't get it!

[JMLand]

Originally Posted by Island Girl

That's a beautiful flower! It's got such wonderful, delicate color! Probably one of the best I've seen!

..I wish I could find some limestone to use for mounts.. Is it always a grayish color? (down the east coast) I always thought it was tannish gray.. (I actually used to collect rocks as a child, knew a good deal about them, but at this point, I'm not sure I could identify limestone ) I'd love to find some to use for a couple mounted species.

Steve, that's what I would've suggested for you do as well (–setting the rock in a shallow pan of water).. I look forward to seeing what you do with yours!

You can always try the ol drop of vinegar test. If it bubbles there is calcium present. But its pretty easy to spot without vinegar. Limestone is pretty soft and easy to break. Also it feels like chalk.

[Paul]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I have one of the keiki tied to a piece of limestone and I've gotten a slab of limestone for a mount. I'm not quite sure how I'm going to mimic the constant moisture of the seep though...

Originally Posted by JMLand

Have you thought about keeping the stone in shallow water? The limestone should wik up allot of the water.

Another possible option -- depending if you have the space to do so -- would require a plastic drink bottle w/ cap (from water, milk, or pop for example), a thin nail, some sturdy wire, perhaps a hook, and possibly a tray.

The tray will go under the mount to catch water drippings, unless you don't mind water dripping to the ground.

Thoroughly wash/rinse the bottle. Using the nail, poke a small hole near the base or in the base of the bottle. For your particular space/set-up determine how to best use the wire (and hook) to secure/suspend the bottle over the mount. Fill the bottle with water (yes you will likely need to use a handy finger to plug the hole in the base) and once filled screw on the cap tightly. After placing the bottle in its "station", just barely loosen the cap so water drips drop by drop onto the mount just above where the plant is located. You will be able exert some control over the drip rate by tightening or loosing the cap.

The bigger the bottle used, the longer between refills. Also, if the mount is sitting the tray, then you may also get some wicking action taking place. The main concern I would have with relying on wicking in the long term would be mineral build up on the mount.

[boltoncs]

opps already answered my locations. Will try to find some limestone.