Ascocentrum and Ascocendas

[plantfanatic]

I have a question for all you vanda experts. I grow almost all my orchids in a self-watering semihydroponic system. I has done well (so far) with neos, renanantheras and some others, (as well as tons of non-vandaceous types) but it does not work in my conditions for Vandas or the two names in the title above. All my plants are on a system where I check them every 3 days, and I don't want to have to water anything every day. I have little interest in the big vandas because they are too ungainly for my setup. But I would like to be able to grow the smaller types listed above. Is there a medium that will work to grow these and stay moist enough to allow me to water only once every 3 days or less without rotting the roots? I live in a climate that is very hot and humid in summer. In winter they are indoors and much cooler.

[estación seca]

Is your problem with this method mainly during the cooler winter season?

Member Fairorchids here has links in his own Web page to culture sheets. He describes growing Vandas and Ascocentrums the way you want to grow them. At the top of the page in the maroon menu click on Members. We are displayed alphabetically.