Barkeria whartoniana
 

Barkeria whartoniana seedling bought from a trader as Barkeria melanocaulon. Is flowering with two inflorences with one flower each. Should be able to do better when it matures.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...onianaside.jpg

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/b...nianafront.jpg

:love::love:
Joann

Wow, that's really something. I love the shape of the flower. I wonder if the pollinator is some type of bee? That head-on picture really looks like there's a bee in there.

Thanks for sharing.

-J

great pictures. I purchased one recently. Any tips on on caring for it are appreciated.

Intermediate temperatures
Fairly dry. Barkeria's are decedious and in winter mine receive water once per week (or less) but are in the living room. If grown in a greenhouse with better humidity this could be even less. During active growth regular watering but let the roots dry between watering.

Great. Thanks for the fast reply.

The watering regime dependson on whether your Barkeria is potted or mounted. I grow mine in a warm/intermediate greenhouse hanging close to the glass and it gets a splash of water every 3-4 days in winter and every day or other day in summer. But it tends to dry out within a day even in winter.

Anyway, B melanocaulon is one of the easiest Barkerias to grow. It should flower regularly and long. When it has finished flowering don't cut off the flower stalk. Often, it will get a second flush of flowers. Barkerias don't like changes in conditions (can result in flower spikes/growth aborting), although melanocaulon seems to be more tolerant to this than others. So whatever you do: choose a spot and keep it there.

Thanks very much Lars.

Forgot two things when I said winter I meant when the leaves have dropped from the plant. This is when watering should be most reduced. Also I grow mine mounted on cork.

Barkeria whartoniana
 

I've just bought some seedlings of this species. Can anyone give me advice on growing conditions please?