Try growing it in bark and see if it makes a difference.
I'm thinking it may have something to do with the moss being too acidic, but I'm not sure. Never really seen the effects of acid damage on roots for plants that don't grow in acidic situations in great detail.
This is a slightly separate thing I'm talking about, but you don't have to worry about too much Ca in the water with this one. It may be accustomed to a good level of Ca in the water.
---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:26 AM ----------
Forgot...
Make sure winters get cold. Nights can go down to 36 F, no problems. Days should be around 70 F - 75 F.
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Philip
Last edited by King_of_orchid_growing:); 08-14-2013 at 03:28 PM..
Sederea japonica - at least the one I have- likes its roots in free flowing air. I have mine mounted on a natural piece of wood which has a deep groove in it. It holds just enough moisture, leting water drain freely. I keep a few pieces of living moss, (not sphagnum), on top of a few of the roots.
It takes temperatures from 35 degrees - yes the power went out one time yikes- to up over 90F while summering in the shade.
I blossoms most every year. When it sets spikes, you must keep it a little damper. During winter, though it is quite a balance because keeping it too wet in very cold temperatures may initiate rot. The key is the free flowing air around the roots. It does not seem to enjoy the sphag-ball method as Neofinetia does.
Good luck!
Maryanne in WMass
Good to know. I'm actually transitioning my minmarus in to semi hydro. I have one other in sh and its quite happy. I could be way off here but I think the evap cooling effect is enjoyed by this plant.