How I grow Lycastes

[terrestrial_man]

When I worked for Paul Gripp years ago I discovered Lycastes. These plants clicked for me more so than most of the other genera. From what I learned from growing them at SBOE, I have kept to the rule that "good growth is rewarded by successively larger pseudobulbs as the years go by." While trying to grow a few plants of Lycaste in a small crammed full greenhouse
proved completely untenable, I put the two plants I had left outside as I recall that some were being kept outside in Santa Barbara. I have been surprised by the fact that they have survived the cooler nights though I do bring them in when the temps fall into the 40s F and below. Only this one has flowered before and hopefully will be putting out new growths as Spring approaches.

[smweaver]

So the plant never receives a rest from the incandescent light during the winter? Does the continuous light not interfere with blooming? Just curious.

[terrestrial_man]

Originally Posted by smweaver

So the plant never receives a rest from the incandescent light during the winter? Does the continuous light not interfere with blooming? Just curious.

have no idea. will find out in a few months.

[smweaver]

I'll be interested to find out what you learn from that much continuous light. I remember from college botany class that the dark period of the day is just as important to a plant as the light it receives; in fact, continuous light is rather stressful to plants. Please keep us posted on your plant's progress.

[terrestrial_man]

Originally Posted by smweaver

I'll be interested to find out what you learn from that much continuous light. I remember from college botany class that the dark period of the day is just as important to a plant as the light it receives; in fact, continuous light is rather stressful to plants. Please keep us posted on your plant's progress.

Photoperiodism may not be that much of an issue with plants that occur near the equator as much as temperature ranges and periods of drought are. Days would tend to be longer there and so nights would tend to be shorter.
Keep in mind this plant goes outside in late April when temps start to approach 50s F, or maybe May. So the light conditions only apply when the winter nights are too cold.
Also note that unlike most of the lycastes I have had experience in growing, this one has not shed its leaves as is usually the case.
I am just interested in seeing if any new growths arise as the L. macrophylla I have is putting out a new growth under the same conditions. I have no idea just to what extent that hybridization impacts normal growth cycles.
Will probably post up a journal when new growths and any flowers arise.