love this little guy... but what is it..?

[AnonYMouse]

Originally Posted by gngrhill

I would just like to hijack this thread for a moment (apologies to gumbii) and say I read all those links and I am a little confused as to the different recommendations for light . SBO talks about Cattleya light, and the Aussie sites mention shade. I'm sure the different species require different light, but if you have a hybrid and you don't know the species in the background, how do you figure out the light ?

Start in the lowest recommended light then move to brighter or longer duration after a month. It's hard to determine a physical distance or duration without knowing the grow space, perhaps 6 inches or an hour.

[Fairorchids]

We have Sarc specialist in our OS.

Interm to Cool.
Catt light is too high, more like Paphs.
Deeper shade if it is very hot.
Do not let go dry, and provide good air circulation.

And yes, def a Sarc hybrid.

[gngrhill]

Thanks,

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by gngrhill

I would just like to hijack this thread for a moment (apologies to gumbii) and say I read all those links and I am a little confused as to the different recommendations for light . SBO talks about Cattleya light, and the Aussie sites mention shade. I'm sure the different species require different light, but if you have a hybrid and you don't know the species in the background, how do you figure out the light ?

I grow mine outside (coastal southern California) somewhat shady (I'd call it "bright shade" back in the days of film photography, f8 1/100 sec would be about right) They don't like direct sun. They can take temperatures down to freezing in the winter,especially if they're kept fairly dry. (They bloom better if they get reduced water in winter anyway... not bone dry, but less water than when it is warmer) I use small to medium bark (depending on size of the plant) It needs to be well drained. (After all, these are Vandaceous) When they get larger (they tend to generate new basal keikis) I just up-pot using shallow pots (bulb pans) because I don't want a lot of soggy media. This one looks like one of the new Australian hybrids - they're breeding for intense color, and being quite successful at it.

These are very forgiving plants, will adapt to a wide range of conditions so you don't need to be over-cautious.

[gumbii]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I grow mine outside (coastal southern California) somewhat shady (I'd call it "bright shade" back in the days of film photography, f8 1/100 sec would be about right) They don't like direct sun. They can take temperatures down to freezing in the winter,especially if they're kept fairly dry. (They bloom better if they get reduced water in winter anyway... not bone dry, but less water than when it is warmer) I use small to medium bark (depending on size of the plant) It needs to be well drained. (After all, these are Vandaceous) When they get larger (they tend to generate new basal keikis) I just up-pot using shallow pots (bulb pans) because I don't want a lot of soggy media. This one looks like one of the new Australian hybrids - they're breeding for intense color, and being quite successful at it.

These are very forgiving plants, will adapt to a wide range of conditions so you don't need to be over-cautious.

exactly what i wanted to hear... thanks so much...

i live in los angeles, north of long beach.. i plan to grow them outside in semi hydroponic setups...

so bright shade would be under another tree..? i was going to put them under my car port... but i also have a shaded area that's covered by shade cloth at 70%... that's where i have most of my orchids.. since you said bright shade, i'll throw them with the others in the shade cloth...

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by gumbii

exactly what i wanted to hear... thanks so much...

i live in los angeles, north of long beach.. i plan to grow them outside in semi hydroponic setups...

so bright shade would be under another tree..? i was going to put them under my car port... but i also have a shaded area that's covered by shade cloth at 70%... that's where i have most of my orchids.. since you said bright shade, i'll throw them with the others in the shade cloth...

Your shade area sounds fine. Mine is 60% aluminet, gets a few hours of fairly direct low early morning sun, then the shade cloth kicks in. I'm in Costa Mesa. They really aren't picky at all.