Psychopsis Flower Spike

[gixrj18]

Originally Posted by kinknstein

Hi gixrj18
Thanks for your reply. Did you say UP the light? I was quite curious about the light levels, on the AOS website they advise 2400 - 3600fc, which seems high compared to some info I have read on the board here, with most ppl saying 2000fc for Catt's and such, which I thought would need higher light than a Psychopsis. I have it at about 2400 and I am concerned I might burn the foliage. No signs yet, been four days at that light level, leaves were quite a bit stiffer before placing under the light, but now they seem to be quite soft and pliable. Could this just be from the higher temps closer to the light?
Definitely hear you on the micronutrients though,I have been looking for some better more balanced fertilizers, I have some Schultz Orchid Fert 19-31-17 and another general fert 1-2-1. Neither og them seem to mention much in the way of micro's though, so I will have to keep my eyes peeled in the greenhouses. I have used Epsom Salts before on house plants, but have never used for Orchids, have you? You mention them so I was quite curious. Used to use in my houseplant collection, and it seemed to help produce very robust growth, but was too nervous to try with my chids.

I use Epsom salts, Cal-mag plus, and vitamin b complex in every feeding. Most butterfly orchids will bloom under a wide range of light, I've had them in Phal light right on up to about 60% light.

[Orchidaddict]

I read with interest the Macronutrients that Jasen recommends. Since I would like to feed my Mandenhall Psychopsis these, I'd love the mix-ratio and how to apply these to the plant.
This is my first Psychopsis, I purchased it from an Orchid Greenhouse in November. I had two bloom shoots with one in bloom at the purchase. That bloom fell off quite soon. So from end of November until the beginning of February the plant only had empty shoots with a dried tip on both. I kept this orchid in my West exposure window, with the other orchids varieties that I own. I feed it a 20-20-20 fert. every third watering. One other thing I did was rotate the plant 1/8 to 1/4 clockwise turn each day after I misted all my orchids in the mornings. By the end of January I noticed a very nice looking emergence coming up from the base of the plant. Needless to say I was thrilled. ANY ACTIVITY IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING. Two weeks later I noticed that the bloom shoots looked different somehow. Low and behold both tips that once looked like the desert were now sporting something green in them !
I need just a little information. What is the normal resting time for the this Psychopsis? Looks to be a short 2 to 3 months.
I hope you enjoy this post as much as I had sharing.

[jim blanford]

Hi.... You could check out MSU fert, it has micronutrients witch is good for all orchids.
Label reads 13-3-15 8Ca-2Mg, might be just what you need. Jim.