Trichopilia suavis full of flowers

[Lagoon]

Awesome blossoms

[Rosim_in_BR]

I've been growing this Tricho in transparent plastic pots for many years. I tried black plastic pots before for a while, but didn't like the results. The plant got specimen size around 2002 and then I could not find any transparent, ready-to-use pots that fit to the plant, so I had to improvise. I cut the top off of a 5 liters (1.3 gallon) mineral water container, made some lateral holes as well as some at the bottom and that's what can be seen in the picture. I have been growing it in tree fern fiber ever since I got it.
First of all, for you to have an idea of the general condition on temps and light in my region, I'd like to say that I am exactly "under" the tropic of Capricorn imaginary line. So, the general climate can be said subtropical, with the four seasons well defined. Summer is hot and rainy. It rains almost every day, especially in the afternoons, keeping the air humidity almost always around, or above 80%. Temps can reach 85-95ºF during the day. Light intensity is huge when the sun shines freely, but clouds covering the skies are common in this time of the year, reducing the intensity a little. Winter is the dry, cold, windy season. Air humidity often drops to the level of 20%, or the desert-like level of 12% sometimes. Temps, during the day, vary from 60 to 75ºF, but the region is under the influence of cold waves coming from the South Pole that make the temps drop as low as 40-45ºF at night, especially in the dawn. The day shortens (the night falls at 5 p.m.), the sun inclines deeply, thus reducing the luminosity, but the skies are always blue, with no trace of clouds. The spring and the autumn are transitional between these two.
My shade house is entirely covered with a shade cloth that cuts 50% of the luminosity, the roof being also permanently covered with transparent plastic film, keeping the light reduction around 55%, or so. During the cold period (May-Sept) I also provide lateral protection against cold winds closing the sides with transparent plastic film (during this period it works like a true greenhouse and during summer an open, shade house).
The period that goes from October until April is characterized by extremely high luminosity obliging me to provide some extra protection at the roof to cut 70% of the light intensity.
During the period of intense light (Oct-Apr) this Trichopilia plant is kept hanging in a low position, 2 feet from the ground. In May I move it to a higher position, four feet from the roof, to benefit of the higher luminosity and warmer temps. It is grown along with Cattleyas receiving the same general care.
To that I'd add that the nights are always fresher than the days, even during the summer, the average gap between day and night being around 18ºF (10ºC).
Sorry for the long post. If any additional info is needed just let me know.

[Toddybear]

Incredible display! Could win a CCM with that one!

[cupcake]

What a show! Good growing!

[Tricho]

Hi

Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR

Sorry for the long post.

the long post is Ok I just had to have the time to digest it Great info, thanks!

What about the water? Do you think they are very sensitive to salts?

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Rosim_in_BR

Thank you guys! Since 2002, when it became a large plant, 18 flowers each season is the minimum it gives. So, it is always a joy when I see the buds coming. It has been awarded the best plant in every show it participates. Unfortunately, two years ago the plant disappeared during a show in Sao Paulo and was only found when the police was about to come. Since then I avoid sending it to shows. What a shame, because its flowers deserved to be appreciated!

Somebody STOLE this plant! That is just SO wrong!!!
I'm glad you got it back

...and your long post was great! We are always ready to absorb good growing information and I know from seeing your pictures for quite some time that you know what you're doing!

Thanks for sharing some of your knowledge with us

[Tindomul]

Wow thats gorgeous!!

[Rosim_in_BR]

Thank you again for all the kind words!

Yes, Tricho, I think this plant's thin roots are sensitive to salt concentration. This is one of the reasons I use tree fern fiber; tree fern is a fabulous long-term nutrient releaser and allows low use of chemical fertilizers. Besides that, at least once a month all my plants are submitted to a heavy wash in order to lixiviate eventual salt formations. As you know, this also helps renewing the gases around the roots.

[Tricho]

Ok Mauro, Thanks!

[Plodde]

do you give ur plant a winter rest?