Root problems with Christensonella nardoides

[kcpi3141]

Hello all,

I got a little plug of this plant (essentially a very small Maxillaria) over the summer and placed it in my intermediate-warm terrarium under high humidity. Since I couldn't find any information on the culture of this species or genus, I separated the plant into a couple sizeable pieces and placed it in different micro-environments in the terrarium that range from completely dry after watering to constantly moist. No matter what I do, the roots will grow only a tiny bit and abort once they come out of the sheath like a normal Maxillaria.

Would anyone have any advice on how to grow these? I am at my wit's end and really don't want to lose these guys. They are still trying to grow new bulbs and roots but are clearly struggling. Thank you!

[Lil Duck]

They should be kept moist at all times and should only really dry slightly if at all. I know that others will suggest a soak with kelpak but as I have never used this I cannot recommend it myself. Other than that the only thing you need to do is wait, growing orchids is all about patience.

Edit : I forgot to add that this is now classified as a Maxillaria and as such should be expected to act like other Maxillaria's

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Lil Duck

Edit : I forgot to add that this is now classified as a Maxillaria and as such should be expected to act like other Maxillaria's

I'm afraid that I have to disagree that lumping genera necessarily says anything about culture, actually tends to really muddy the water. (Call a Sophronitis a Cattleya and it still grows quite differently than a big, floofy Catt. Or rename Hygrochilus parishii to Phalaenopsis hygrochila and it still grows like a cool-growing Vanda tolerating temps down to about 35 deg F/2 deg C, not like a Phal)

However.. this one does (from the IOSPE photo) look like a Maxillaria and likely grows like one. According to IOSPE it comes from relatively low elevations (400-900 m) in Peru and Ecuador, in wet montaine rainforests. So it likely needs warm/intermediate temperatures, high humidity, and relatively low light. Probably best mounted.

[Lil Duck]

Originally Posted by Roberta

I'm afraid that I have to disagree that lumping genera necessarily says anything about culture, actually tends to really muddies the water. (Call a Sophronitis a Cattleya and it still grows quite differently than a big, floofy Catt. Or rename Hygrochilus parishii to Phalaenopsis hygrochila and it still grows like a cool-growing Vanda tolerating temps down to about 35 deg F/2 deg C, not like a Phal)

By acting like a Maxillaria I meant as in growing their roots inside of sheaths not in culture. Sorry for the confusion.

[kcpi3141]

Thank you for these tips, I may have not kept them wet enough. Will update if anything happens!