Coryanthes Vasquezii in S/H??

[cirillonb]

I purchased a [I]Coryanthes vasquezeii [I] about 6 weeks ago by mailorder and it has been generally droopy. There are a few black spots but these have not spread or proliferated. Has anyone experience in growing this genus in S/H or even members of the Family? I'm experimenting with S/H but I did not find it or relatives on the list that was compiled here a while back.
Thanks
Nick Cirillo, Fairfax VA

[isurus79]

While Ive never personally used S/H, I dont think you can grow Coryanthes this way because the blooms grow down, instead of up. Therefore, you need to have these guys potted in something that allows the blooms to come out the bottom of whatever they are planted in (usually a basket). I believe S/H growers have a reservoir of water at the bottom of their pots, therefore, growing Coryanthes this way is probably not practical.

[cirillonb]

Thanks Steve, I guess I should know something about a genus/species before I get it. Found it very difficult to find out anything about this orchid but appreciate your input.
Nick

[gmdiaz]

Sure is a great looking orchid! Really cool blooms.

It requires low to medium light. . .if you go too high, you'll get freckle spots on the leaves. It's not bad like black spots due to rot but it's not super pretty either.

I think I would try a mixture of tree fern fiber and chopped sphagnum for the growing medium in a basket.

[Ray]

Stanhopeas definitely send their inflorescences down through the medium, but I thought coryanthes shot them out to the side where they become pendant.

This particular species likes it hot and moist, so if you do go with S/H culture, be sure to keep the thermostat up in winter to compensate for the evaporative cooling at the roots.

[cirillonb]

Ray,
Appreciate your additional comments. I still can't find anything definitive about this plant except for its unusual symbiotic behavior with ants and bees. Perhaps I should ask a different question on another forum.
Nick

[Royal]

You are getting some good tips. Hot and moist is good for these guys. Ray is right about the inflorescence being pendant, but not like Stanhopea, growing strait down. I think they are supposed to come out of the side then hang down.

S/H might help you perk this guy up, grow some good roots, and nurse it to blooming size. I would go with the basket and media that Gwen suggested once it has a chance of putting out flowers. Good luck,

[isurus79]

Originally Posted by Ray

Stanhopeas definitely send their inflorescences down through the medium, but I thought coryanthes shot them out to the side where they become pendant.

This particular species likes it hot and moist, so if you do go with S/H culture, be sure to keep the thermostat up in winter to compensate for the evaporative cooling at the roots.

I had Stans on my brain when I wrote that Corys have through the media spikes. They are more pendant (rather than straight down) than Stans, but you will have to allow for flowers that hang well below the pot. Here are some info sources on Corys for you to get started: Botanical Garden Munich - Research - Dr. Gerlach - The Genus Coryanthes

and

IOSPE PHOTOS

and post of what you do with your new plant!

[cirillonb]

Thanks to everyone. The saga continues...
Since I had everything ready for the s/h transition I proceeded with that. When I unpotted the plant it was in a bark in fair conditions. There were very few roots with about 30% rot. As I cleaned the root ball the plant separated into 4 divisions.(where is the camera when you want it, and with wet hand no less) The largest I proceeded to put in the s/h container with medium primagra (sp?) The next one I put in a small pot with a fine bark/diatomite mix. The two smallest had almost no roots so I put them in a sphag/bag (lacking sphagnum moss I substitutes a damp paper towel) I have been forced into more modes of potting than I had anticipated by this adventure. I am anxious to see how it all turns out especially since I have two almost similar sized divisions in different media.When all is said and done if they thrive I will need to give them away since I have no facility for hanging a basket.
Nick Cirillo

[Gin]

Hi , I have several Corys. all are in slat baskets in Spag. the spike comes straight out from the base of the bulb then down .I had to take the baskets apart until there were just 2 slats ,the plants had settled and the spikes would of been trapped . Mine are in the warmer part of the greenhouse bright but not direct sun , moist , if they dry out to much the leaves will pleat . I don't know about s/h for them the roots are thin and might dry out to much near the surface . Just my gin