Laelia anceps (Project 10 int. - Spring 2010)

[Becca]

I think the sphagnum moss are what the roots are adapted to if that is what the seller has been growing it in. One seller on ebay grows in sphagnum as well, and the plants look very healthy....and go for a lot of money!

[Izzie]

I agree with Becca, sphag is what that plant is obviously happy in, so I wouldn't mess with it.

And that net pot will dry out just fine.
And yes, they like drying out between waterings. (never for more than a day though, and certainly not bone bone bone dry.)

[Call_Me_Bob]

I have them outside now the temps are the same. But they are now facing east and vet full sun untill around two thirty. Is that ok?

[Izzie]

Watch for sunburn with that full sun- they may not be used to it, but they'll love it after they adjust.
If you can, maybe have them in dappled or indirect sun for a while, or a lesser length of full sun each day for a couple weeks so they get their "orchid sunscreen on"- that red pigment.

[Call_Me_Bob]

okay, ill put them in the shade right near they are now. how do i tell when they have sunscreen on?

[Izzie]

I'd gradually increase the hours of full sun they get over a couple weeks, to harden them.
Tossing a plant that's been in a greenhouse or indoors out in the full sun is like a pale person at the beach without sunscreen.
Once they get more sun, you might see that they get a red tint to the leaves or bulbs- this is the orchid equivalent of a "tan"- and is a good sign that they are getting enough light.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Well all I have available is a spot with splotchy light and the one With fl sun part of the day. I had it in the full sun spot but when I read your earlier suntan post I put it in the splotchy spot

[Izzie]

Splotchy spot is perfect.

[Call_Me_Bob]

Okay it looks so happy. I watered it today. Outside gets. Better air movement so it drys nicely. Do the spikes come from where the leaf meets the pseudobulb? Because I see a teeny tiny growth there

[Call_Me_Bob]

Ust got an email from Reid over at kawomoto. He says not to go full sun at all. Just brigt filtered. Like my splotchy spot