Cyprypediums in S/H ?

[Royal]

Anybody out there ever try a Cypripedium in semi-hydro? Seems to me that it would suit them well but I'm not that brave!

[kavanaru]

I have no clue, but that's an information I would love to have...

[Royal]

Originally Posted by kavanaru

I have no clue, but that's an information I would love to have...

Kavanuru, I knew I liked you for a reason.

[kavanaru]

well... Cypripedium calceolum is the only orchid my partner would like to have... and if I could find a way to grow it in a pott...

[shakkai]

Ramón, My Cyp. calceolus is growing in a pot - over time, I just might (hopefully!) need a very big pot.

As far as growing in S/H, I don't see why it wouldn't work - as long as there is always fresh water and the water never gets stagnant. From what I was told, they like fresh, clean water running over their roots frequently, but they will not tolerate soggy or stagnant media. You would probably also need to keep a close eye out for salt build up, as they seem to be quite sensitive. You would also have to cater for the winter dormant period - very cool and relatively dry.

That said, I am no expert with these! My only plant started to bud, but then aborted. So, I've not been ultra successful yet. At least the plant is still alive.

[kavanaru]

Shakkai, under which conditions you keep your Cyp? (medium, light, temp, etc...)

I have found a vendor here who sells different Cyp. species and hybrids, but they are a bit expensive (I would say ) Therefore I would like to be very sure I could provide itthe right conditions, before buying one...

[Pseudo-Scientist]

I don't know....technically, any orchid should be able to grow in SH.

It might be tough to keep it either wet/dry enough, especially in dealing with nutes, but give it a shot.

It might even be easier to over-winter in a fridge, but I don't think you could leave the pot out over winter. What kind of mix would you go with?

Since cyps are soooo expensive, all of mine are in the garden. I tried some cyp acaule in SH when I first got them, and either the mix wasn't acidic enough (they need like a 5-6) or I couldn't get the water right....but they just languished and died.

Good Luck!!!

[shakkai]

Ramón, This is exactly why I have only the one. I need to prove to myself that I can grow this one before laying out the cash for more....

It is planted in a special mix bought from Ratcliffe Orchids (they are most famous for their Paphs, but they also do hardy orchids, and this mix is what they grow all of their Cyps in...). It is very nice light mixture of seramis, perlite and some organic material, possibly small bark, but the bits are only as big as the bits of perlite.

It gets bright light, but no direct sun. And I was told to water it once a month over the winter dormant period and increase slowly until it was being kept pretty evenly moist through the summer. I think I was a bit too slow in increasing the watering, and this is what caused by flower to abort. Next Spring, I will increase watering sooner, and maybe a bit faster once I see the new growth start in the Spring.

I have it growing in a pot in an unheated greenhouse during the winter. We had some crazy weather here - late snow and frost - so I haven't put it outside yet. I will put it outside in a shady place for the summer.

[kavanaru]

hhhmmm.... maybe I'll give it a try next year too

[John D.]

I started with some small Cyps last year in a medium similar to the one described from Ratcliff but no organic material. Mine is 2 parts Turface (similar to seramis) and 1 part perlite. I keep the pots in trays of rainwater deep enough that the water can be wicked up through the medium. Since the plants were very small (one year seedlings) I misted the surface if it dryed to make sure that the roots didn't dry out. Pots went into plastic bags and the fridge for the winter. I repotted last weekend when they came out the fridge and found that the roots have grown well extending down towards the water level. I fertilized from the top and changed the tray water along with flushing the pots with rain to prevent salt build up. Except for the smaller particle size of the medium compared to most leca or hydroton it is like SH. Every one I started with made it and are sprouting this spring after the repotting. The pots come indoors when the temps get to about 75 degrees, the air conditioning keeps the roots cool through the summer.