neostylis & ascp peaches watering

[Parrot Parent]

Hi -

New and already have questions. I am a very avid gardener but have recently become orchid-obessed. I have about 15 plants, many of which I have no experience growing. Two new plants - Neostylis Lou Sneary and Acsp. (I think that's the right abb.) Peaches are planted in spaghnum per my local orchid shop. But it seems to dry out so fast - I thought is was suppsoed to retain moisture. Is it possible I should water these every day. They are very small plants.
Incidentally I grow under 8 T8 lights and I've been told I will have a hard time getting these and a number of others I have to bloom. But I'm going to try.

Thanks. Enjoying the forum!

[Sandy4453]

Hi Parrot Parent. I'll respond here to the sphag. question. Depending on how it's used, will determine how much and for how long it retains moisture. When you're potting orchids using sphag., clay or plastic will both keep the plant moist but plastic will obviously keep it moister longer. When mounting plants using sphag., or using it without a pot (i.e., vanda baskets) will dry out much quicker. All of my mounted orchids get a heavy, daily mist to re-moisten the sphag. and sometimes, twice a day. The sphag is great on mounts and encourages lots of root growth but it's always treated according to it's environment.

[Parrot Parent]

Thanks SRF! The two are in vanda baskets, so I'll try the misting method. Appreciate the help.

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[Tindomul]

Welcome to the Orchid Board. I'm sure you will do well with your new aquisitions. Orchids aren't really that hard to take care of.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by Parrot Parent

Hi -

New and already have questions. I am a very avid gardener but have recently become orchid-obessed. I have about 15 plants, many of which I have no experience growing. Two new plants - Neostylis Lou Sneary and Acsp. (I think that's the right abb.) Peaches are planted in spaghnum per my local orchid shop. But it seems to dry out so fast - I thought is was suppsoed to retain moisture. Is it possible I should water these every day. They are very small plants.
Incidentally I grow under 8 T8 lights and I've been told I will have a hard time getting these and a number of others I have to bloom. But I'm going to try.

Thanks. Enjoying the forum!

Hello Welcome to Orchidboard

I think the plant you have is Ascofinetia Peaches (Neofinetia falcata x Ascocentrum curvifolium)...the abbreviation would be Ascf We've all had tags that had the incorrect info or spelling on them.

I don't grow under lights so my advice may not help you but these plants are in the Vanda family and shouldn't have sphagnum moss. They'd much rather be in baskets with nothing or maybe some large chunks of charcoal for stability.

Being part of the vanda family, they need to be soaked every day.

I don't know if things are done differently under lights but out in the open, sphag wouldn't be used on a vanda.

Hopefully, somebody who knows what they're talking about will chime in with the right information for you

If you need help with anything, please don't hesitate to ask. We'd love to see some pics