Temp regime for Dracula

[Tindomul]

Hello all,

Recent Dracula posts have gotten me so interested in this genus, that I want to try my hand. However, first I need to find out how to care for it. What is the optimal temp regime for Dracula species? Comparable to Masdevallia? If so, which ones are warmth tolerant, which are not.
I know that these guys hate drying out. Im sure I can provide them with sufficient water, but what about ambient humidity? Are they as tough as Masdies, I know "tough" is relative. Or are they more intolerant of dry conditions that Masdevallias?
Thanks in advance!

[ronaldhanko]

There are some species that are more tolerant of warm conditions, but I'll leave that for another post. My experience with Draculas is that they can be grown like Masdevallias, except for the fact that many of them send their flower spikes downward and need to be in a net pot or basket for that reason which makes it a bit more difficult to keep them moist. On the larger species especially the flowers are VERY intolerant of a lack of humidity or even of being moved. I've seen the flowers collapse within a short time of being moved to be photographed or shown at a meeting.

[bcub30]

It really depends on what species you are considering. But for the most part they require a humidity of at leat 80%. Good air movement is essential to avoid spotting and rot. Continously moist is a good term I think. They like good water with no or very little disolved salts and or minerals. Temps are another matter! All will pretty much start to sulk at temps much higher than 80 degrees or so. Optimal would be high 60's to very low 70's day time temps with a godd 10 degree night time temp drop. I have had very good results with phal type lighting. Mine seem to grow very well when i stick to the above guidlines but everyones experiences with them can vary. What may be good for mine may not be good for others when you factor in different growing conditions and your ability to modify them.

Scott

[Tindomul]

Thanks. As I see it, it could be a gamble for me. But hey, at least I can say I tried them. Maybe I can give them just enough humidity. 80% seems real high to me. I can only do that in a terrarium, and I have never succeeded in keeping a terrarium cold.