Aspasia

[orchidsarefun]

does anyone have any of the species?
Research indicates that they should be given a rest period from now ( summer ).....but mine hasn't flowered and I have new growths - which are apparently pre-conditions to a rest period.
Mine is a Silvana and I keep it with my zygo's - cool to warm.

[Bud]

This is in the Oncidium alliance, so you can give it the Baker's Oncidium culture....the winter rest is mid November to mid February, but not a strict water withrawal....if you regularly water it every other day then you must water it once a week....fertilizer is weekly weakly then rest period gives it twice a month....
summer is not a rest period....warmer months are the growing period for roots and leaves....water and fertilizer must be given generously in the growth periods

[orchidsarefun]

IOSPE says

This species grows best with high air humidity, but it doesn't tolerate damp roots, they will rot if kept too wet. After flowering in the spring and early summer a short 1 to 2 month rest is beneficial, resume watering and fertilizer with the onset of new growth and flowers best if given very cramped quarters in a small pot. This plant is similar to A lunata but is 3 times larger.

Other OB posts from people in Brazil have it flowering around November, which is the Southern Hemisphere Summer.....

[Bud]

follow your grow zone....Chicago is hot and humid in the summer; better let it go in a shady part of your back garden outdoors(you still have half a year to do that)....your rest period is mid December to mid-February....but take them indoors from mid Oct to mid march....they will turn to liquid mush if you let them taste frost even overnight

[orchidsarefun]

Bud - I think we are at cross-purposes. You keep talking about a winter rest ( zone 5 ), while all the resources I have researched reference a summer rest- after blooming. They bloom in spring/summer - irrespective of Northern or Southern Hemisphere. Other OB posters - from Brazil - had photos of flowers in November - which is summer in Brazil !
If you have one and this is your experience, that is invaluable. I just need another person to confirm that as it doesn't tie into IOSPE or this site

Aspasia (orchid) - encyclopedia article - Citizendium

The flowers of A. silvana are three times larger than the ones of A. lunata.[20] Both species, like Miltonia spectabilis to which the slightly resemble, have just one flower, hardly ever two, per inflorescence. Both bloom from middle to the end of spring.

It appears to have a similar cultural requirement as Miltonia Spect, so any input from Miltonians would be appreciated !

[WhiteRabbit]

Aspasia silvana - Orchids Wiki

Plants bloom from spring to early summer with a single 8 cm wide flower.
Grow plants in cool to warm temperatures in partial shade to bright light. Water plant when mix drys. During the winter give plants a slight dryout between waterings. Water approximately once a week. Pot with medium fir bark. After flowering reduce watering for one to two months.

I see water and fertilizer are to be resumed with onset of new growth

hmmm - that's all clear as mud

I do see in Botanica's Orchids that Aspasia require abundant moisture during active growth periods, which would seem to make sense. Yours is starting new growth, I would be hesitant to reduce watering.

Hopefully someone who grows this can clear things up.

Another thought - is it possible for you to contact whomever you got this plant from to try to clarify the rest time?

Good luck!

[orchidsarefun]

its from Ecuagenera - and their website is also as clear as mud !!!!
Well , if anything, as time goes by, I will be able to relate my experience !

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by orchidsarefun

its from Ecuagenera - and their website is also as clear as mud !!!!
Well , if anything, as time goes by, I will be able to relate my experience !

oh dear

Hopefully someone with actual experience will be able to help out. I'd be hesitant to reduce water much while it's growing without a decisive command from someone who knows for sure what to do with this one.