Haraella retrocalla question

[Guido]

This is my experience with the 2 Haraella retrocalla I have. I bought them 2 on stick from Andy's. The thing is this grower has an automated misting system in his greenhouse. Walking into his place is like being in a tropical jungle. I do not have those resources so my Haraella's were kind of mad at me (flowers fell off, new leaves were smaller than previous ones, new buds will fall off without opening) due to the environment I provided them (very dry - San Diego, CA) and it was very hard to keep them humid but not totally wet. **SOLUTION: I moved them to a bigger stick (5.5" long x 1.4" thick/diameter) Made a small hole at the top & introduced a wire to make 2 legs to support the stick then I tied the plant with long strands of sphagnum moss to the stick making sure the lowest root tip was 1" from the bottom of the stick. Next I got me a Folger's coffee can big enough to put the stick inside and added water until the level was 1/2 an inch from the bottom of the stick. Closed the lid very tight and placed it in a very bright area but not direct sun light. RESULT: They went crazy. it has been bloom after bloom and I do not have to worry about watering or change of temperature. Drawbacks: You have to open the can to smell the aroma, but it is concentrated in the can. The can will get foggy inside at night making it difficult to see the orchid. Finally, you need to clean up the inside of the tropical-condo every 2 months and do some clipping to the moss that will be growing with your lady orchid. Since I do not loose any water I do not have to water it. Do not skimp on the size of the can because the plants will grow fast and bloom continuously. Hope I was of help.

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[estación seca]

Thanks for the detailed explanation. You posted photos in another thread. I'll post the link, so other people can find them:

Haraella retrocalla bloom

[vlhart]

Question--how long do your blooms last? I've had one for a few months that has flowered twice but the blooms lasted for approximately 2-3 days. Any tips to keep 'em blooming longer?

[u bada]

One of my favorites... just a few tips to reiterate thins if anything...

really doesn't like too hate, can handle up to 80's but hotter than that and it declines pretty rapidly... and doesn't like cold either. Fortunately doesn't need much of a temp drop though to bloom! That's a plus in my book

I woudn't sit it water but lots of water and if it's dry for even a day I've noticed leaves yellowing and flower spikes wilting.

always did better mounted for me and in a case where conditions can be very consistent, but I suppose potted at least the roots would be consistent if you're good dealing with sphag

much better in low light, even just more than that and it will yellow.

other than all that pretty easy breezy and blooms all the frikkin time, truly a gem in the mini orchid world

[Guido]

You need high humidity.