Please help with dracula problem

It is Dracula chimaera.



New growth becomes ruffled after some time and then it breaks off the plant. This is third new growth that came out this way. Why?
Could it be the humidity problem? or some type of pest?
I used insecticide couple month ago.
I let the moss to dry out completely before watering again, should I keep it wet all the time?

Any ideas are welcomed.
Thanks a lot.

[Paul Mc]

That's a sign of need more water and humidity. Don't let these completely dry out. They tend to like 80% and above humidity, being kept cool and moist, while avoiding too much sunlight. Thank of a dark, dank and wet crypt, just like Dracula, lol...

[RosieC]

I get this problem with Masdies if I let them get too dry.

With the Masdies I can let them sit between 40% and 80% in my greenhouse as long as I ensure they never dry out. I use a little porous clay tray with a mound in the middle. The porous pot sits on the mound, water sits in the tray. The water is not in direct contact with the pot but keeps the clay of the tray damp and that soaks up so the clay of the pot does not dry either.

I did it for cooling, but it really helps stop them drying out.

[Paul Mc]

Rosie, I'd love to see some pictures of your set up if you wouldn't mind! I need to probably change my current set up and would love to see what you have done!

[RosieC]

I'll try and get some pictures next time I'm in the greenhouse. I don't think I have any as I usually move them before getting flower shots.

[Kevinator]

Great looking Dracula! My Drac. Polyphemus 'Angel' has the same problem. Sadly though, it will be my second orchid fatality....

[Paul Mc]

I'm new to this area of orchids myself. I tend to keep them too dry or wet, and then have issues with temperature ranges, lol... Sorry to hear yours may be going to orchid heaven, but rest assured that our Dracula will have TONS of friends from my repeated attempts, lol... On a side note, I feel like I'm finally getting the hang of them, but still have a long ways to go before getting their culture down!

[Kevinator]

Yeah, the Draculas sure are hard to care for. I , not really me, already killed my Drac. vampira. Orchideya, where are you growing it?

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. I searched the web too and I think you all are right -low humidity and drying out are the causes of pleating on the new leaves.
I grow mine in the basement, there is a bit coolder than the rest of the house.
Now, to increase humidity around the plant I took large cyllindrical glass vase, put some wet chc at the bottom and placed my pot with dracula inside, arranging wet chc around the pot.
I think it looks nice, will see if it works though.

[Kevinator]

Your setup will probably work. We'll just have to see what happens next.