Cochleanthes Marginata and Pescatorea cerina

[Libo]

Hi! I have a question about the cultural conditions for these two species. Based on where they came from and their plant structure, I figured they should be quite suitable for S/H cultures. However, something weird happened when I bought one each of them and grow them in S/H. The roots were perfectly good and kept growing but the leaves are slowly browning from the tip and die back to the base. First I thought it was over-fertilizing problem, so I totally cut down fertilizer and only use filtered water, but the browning continues; then I think maybe the temperature is too high for them, around 88F, so I moved them to an air-conditioned room, still not helping. I also figured maybe too much light, a darker spot still does not help...So the only thing that's left must be the potting media. What kind of media has been used to have success on these species? Anybody who can share their success stories?

FYI, it's not that I can't keep any species from these genera at all. I have a Cochleanthes amazonica and flabelliformis that are doing very well in S/H and another hybrid as well. Thanks very much for your help in advance!

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Warczewiczella (Cochleanthes) marginata is touchier than Cochleanthes flabelliformis or Warczewiczella (Cochleanthes) amazonica.

It is either a nutrient deficiency/toxicity related issue, or it can be a result of root damage.

I see this problem prominently associated with root damage in this group of orchids. The cause of the root damage can be numerous. It is unfortunately very difficult to remedy.

I would start by providing them with less water.

[Libo]

Thanks for your insight, Philip What kind of potting mix do you use for these?

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Some of them are in bark. Some are in coconut fiber.

I grow them drier during the winters.