Dendrophylax fawcettii (how it survives in my environment)

[Bud]

Denphx. fawcettii is endemic to the Caribbean Sea, with the genus comprising about 17 species. But this particular plant is now on the endangered list in the Cayman Islands. The report notes that the ghost orchid (Dendrophylax fawcettii) is found in this last "remaining fragment of old-growth forest" on Grand Cayman and is surrounded by urban development. The forest extends just 46 acres and the orchids are confined to an area of only six of those acres. At least they are wise to conserve than construct more beach resorts. Orchid | caymannature
This orchid is endemic to three Greater Antillean islands - Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica, and the United States in south Florida.
The plant consists of a greatly reduced stem and the leaves have been reduced to scales, the roots are used for moisture absorption and their chloroplasts for photosynthesis. The outer layer, the velamen, takes care of acquiring the nutrients and the water uptake. It also protects the inner layers. The longest root of my plant is 14 inches (growing upwards).
I give this a culture of moderate light, warm temperatures with high humidity. I inherited this blooming sized plant a couple of years ago from Peter Lin of CA in a plastic hanging basket of moss; after it got used to my environment I mounted this on a large thick hickory bark that I got online. I water regularly during growing season in summer and reduce watering during the winter to every 3 days with no fertilizer starting December 15 to Valentine’s Day. In winter this is provided with an electric humidifier with an oscillating fan. I read that this bring forth fragrant flowers late spring. Notice on my close-up picture that I was able to let this spike but it blasted when we had the early heat wave in Manhattan. The old roots have shriveled but its still alive and turns deep green when watered; the thick robust new ones got so used to my environment that it is thriving well and happy.
This plant tends to keiki and can be twisted off its mother if it reaches roots of about 5 inches then it can live on its own.









* I do not like to post threads without blooms, but some members want to know my culture for this orchid.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

I love these root orchids, and must say it is a huge piece of cork! Hope you will get it bloom so we can see pictures!

[Bud]

Thank You, Tommy for the visit and your encouraging words....

* its not cork its hickory

---------- Post added at 10:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 PM ----------

hickory bark: Also known as Bow Wood for the use in making archery bows. The tough, yet flexible character of the wood makes it ideal for making snowshoes, the water absorption will make you glide in the ice. I chose this kind so it will not decay fast and can absorb water longer.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Originally Posted by Bud

Thank You, Tommy for the visit and your encouraging words....

* its not cork its hickory

---------- Post added at 10:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:47 PM ----------

hickory bark: Also known as Bow Wood for the use in making archery bows. The tough, yet flexible character of the wood makes it ideal for making snowshoes, the water absorption will make you glide in the ice. I chose this kind so it will not decay fast and can absorb water longer.

Sorry my bad, I guess even I read it I just wrote cork:-) It looks also very interesting, I like that bark. Have not seen any at my supplier, they carry only cork ones or drift woods:-)

[Bud]

google it, you can order it online

[TOMMYMIAMI]

Already in the process, wanna some smaller pieces if I can find some, I have some 20 pieces on the way and they will be bare root so I would use some for sure:-) Thanks again for tip, I always learn so much new stuff here, every day, it is like orchid university - home online courses. I hope I can successfully graduate at least in some 5 years and be such an expert as you and others here

[Bud]

just pay it forward, Tommy....I was once a newbie who was freaking and needed help when I started here in fact I was running away from bullies from another forum and Orchid Board became my sanctuary....always make it a point to help someone if you know that you can.

[TOMMYMIAMI]

I'm already trying, where I can give one I do, when I can share I do, send some free pieces from my collection or share pieces of huge orders I do not need:-) It is fun and people here are in general awesome and so nice, so I am very happy I decided to register some 2 months ago:-)

[naoki]

Another great info, Bud! Thank you very much. When you say "moderate" light, do you mean slight less than typical Cattleya?

"blooming" is overrated in my opinion. Your post of healthy plants with great info is more useful than other post with photos of flowers without any info.

[Mokeck]

Very cool! I agree, flowers are great but just one part of the plant's growth cycle. Posts like this, rich in information, are wonderful.