Hello from SW FLorida!

[anamilena]

Hi Mike,
We propagate the seeds on 2" to 3" thick cypress mulch beds after the trays have been seasoned outside for a few weeks. This gives the mulch a chance to settle before we introduce the seeds.
When we´re ready to transplant we use a 50 % organic mix ( ground up juniper and cypress mulch) and a little clay and some common potting soil. Then we put a layer of mulch on top to keep the weeds down and the ph low. We try to keep the ph below 7 at all times with all the orchids that we grow.
The water schedule is twice a week regardless if it rains. We only use rainwater that we collect in 55 gallon drums. Soil needs to be damp , not wet. These orchids will burn in the sun, so they can´t be exposed to direct sun. Though too much shade will give you a very dark leaf and pattern. We use vinyl dark netting to filter the sun and we have a huge bougainvillaea, with the bottom trimmed out, on one side of the house that keeps shade on a large quantity of maculatas.
We grow e. gramineas. They require direct sun. Almost identical propagation method short of the shade requirements.
We´ve easily got 300 of these little beauties growing with bulbs ranging in size from 1/2" to over 3" in diameter. Right now is blooming season and we´ll have a healthy seed crop this year.
The storm missed us. Sunny all day today , little rain and no wind , yet the Atlantic side of the state is being flooded. Crazy huh? Anything else you´d like to know Mike, just ask..Ana