Glad you like it, Dea!
Helpia was changed to Trichopilia so no more Helpia (technically, anyway). Many vendors still use the Helpia name though. Same or similar culture so it's an easy transition.
I have some in total sphag and some with chunky bits in the lower portion of the pots w/a decent layer of sphag on top. It's a bit of a fussy group and I'm still trying to find what works best for some of the species. The hybrids seem to be less fussy but I can't stop buying the species when I find them.
Becky has leca in the lower 2/3 of that cool pot and then sphag tucked into the upper 1/3. And, I did tuck it pretty tight. When I unpotted this one the last time, the roots had all grown into the sphag layer with nothing venturing into the lower parts of the pot so I gave it a thicker layer of sphag. If I see the same sort of growth next time, then it'll be straight sphag after that.
This group likes a lot of moisture but I find some of them rot off new growths rather easily (like I said, fussy little B******s!) so it's kind of balancing act w/the watering. For those that are super bad about rotting off growths...I set those in saucers and let them soak it up from below. It hasn't eliminated it entirely, but it helps w/the worst of the worst.
Which plant do you have? Some of the species and more of the hybrids are far easier growers and give me fewer problems. However, I have a couple of more recent imports that look like they are on death's door but I keep hoping they'll snap out of it. And, of course, I couldn't resist ordering a couple more from Ecuagenera (glutton for punishment here!) in advance of their speaking at our meeting this month.
Some are med-low-ish light and some are higher light. Many of what I grow are more intermediate in temps but I also have a few cooler growers. The only real common thread seems to be that most prefer a lot of moisture. If they don't get enough then I see pleating of the leaves. Too much water at the wrong time and it seems to cause more growths to rot off. Like I said...a bit of a balancing act and definitely some trial and error is needed. Keep in mind, my space is very dry during the colder months so if you're growing in an environment that is more humid...you might not have the same pleating issue I see from time to time.
Oh, and I've yet to grow one that is completely free of spots or marks on the leaves...they are very prone to ugly leaves. Some more than others. I might have less problems if I used rain water only, but I'm not sure.
It's a gorgeous group w/many that are highly fragrant but they can be a bit challenging at times. So, yea, that was me rambling all over the place and probably not helping a whole heck of a lot.
Which one do you have?
FWIW - some do seem to sit for long periods doing nothing.
Trichopilia Becky Unruh
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