Potting rupicolous Laelia sanguiloba - advice PLEASE

[Orchid killer]

I have just purchased my first true rupicolous laelia - Laelia sanguiloba. I was expecting to receive the plants bare rooted or in an inorganix mix.
Instead it has been potted in a bark mix !!! I’m not sure what to make of this.

Anyone out there in the big wide world who can advise me my next step. I received it with a new emerging shoot, however should I take it out of it bark mix? Or leave as is for the time being?
Because of the new shoot, I was planning to pot it up into an inorganic mix of rock, charcoal and crushed macidamia nut shells. Is this a good idea?
And the pot – can I use plastic pots or is clay recommended?
Lava rock and rock wool is not available for me, so will substitute it with macadamia nut shells which is very hard and take years to break down.

All commends and advice most welcome.

[MattWoelfsen]

Laelia sanguiloba comes from the state of Bahia, Brasil. Bahia is closer to the equator than Zimbabwe. Rupiculous Laelia live in hard, rocky places putting roots down into crevices and capturing nutrients and moisture from rain and wind.

Because these plants live in warmer places than some of the other Rupiculous Laelia, the advice I was given by my Laelia Rupiculous vendor is "it likes to be grown on the bright side, and grows year around. Provide good water, very dilute fertilizer, and lots of air movement."

I have learned to avoid disturbing its root system by repotting it. Hence the recommendation to plant in inorganic material like stones or sponge rock, etc, such that they stay in the same pot for two to three years--or longer.

Therefore, I recommend that you keep your plant as it has arrived. Keep vigilant that the bark remain whole and not breaking down into compost. Water it early in the day so that it is not wet but damp. Give it high humid, moving air. Perhaps a year from now, you can re-pot it in rock, or pebbles. I would leave out macadamia nut shells.

I have started using grow stones--which is made of glass and through a heating process has caused the glass to become porous and absorbent. I used this to re-pot a couple of my Rupiculous Laelia earlier this Summer, and these two plants have grown strong roots. So when I get around to re-potting my other Laelia, I'll mix in this media.

[Orchid killer]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

Laelia sanguiloba comes from the state of Bahia, Brasil. Bahia is closer to the equator than Zimbabwe. Rupiculous Laelia live in hard, rocky places putting roots down into crevices and capturing nutrients and moisture from rain and wind.

Because these plants live in warmer places than some of the other Rupiculous Laelia, the advice I was given by my Laelia Rupiculous vendor is "it likes to be grown on the bright side, and grows year around. Provide good water, very dilute fertilizer, and lots of air movement."

I have learned to avoid disturbing its root system by repotting it. Hence the recommendation to plant in inorganic material like stones or sponge rock, etc, such that they stay in the same pot for two to three years--or longer.

Therefore, I recommend that you keep your plant as it has arrived. Keep vigilant that the bark remain whole and not breaking down into compost. Water it early in the day so that it is not wet but damp. Give it high humid, moving air. Perhaps a year from now, you can re-pot it in rock, or pebbles. I would leave out macadamia nut shells.

I have started using grow stones--which is made of glass and through a heating process has caused the glass to become porous and absorbent. I used this to re-pot a couple of my Rupiculous Laelia earlier this Summer, and these two plants have grown strong roots. So when I get around to re-potting my other Laelia, I'll mix in this media.

Many thanks Matt - your points noted.
When I get around to potting up, do you recommend plastic or clay pots?
What do you grow your rupiculous plant in?

Macadamia shells are a hellava hard and take years to break down but I will take your advice and stick to stone and pebbles.

Do you use charcoal in your rupiculous mix?
Thanks
Owen

[MattWoelfsen]

Hello Owen! I use plastic pots. In fact, I use square, Rand Aircone pots. It has extra slits on the bottom and a little protusion into the root mass. If you want to see what these look like, go to Orchid Plants, Orchid Supplies, Orchid Info, Hydroponics, and More! - First Rays Orchids

I put a small layer of charcoal on the bottom of the pot, and then the rest of the potting media surrounding the roots.

Macadaemia nut shells are probably okay. But I have no experience using this material. Since this is organic, it would eventually start decaying? It is important though to grow your plants as you are capable, so I am reluctant to tell you what to do in this regard.

I hope you keep updating your thread as you nurture your plant. I would be interested in seeing how you do with this plant.

[Orchid killer]

Originally Posted by MattWoelfsen

Hello Owen! I use plastic pots. In fact, I use square, Rand Aircone pots. It has extra slits on the bottom and a little protusion into the root mass. If you want to see what these look like, go to Orchid Plants, Orchid Supplies, Orchid Info, Hydroponics, and More! - First Rays Orchids

I put a small layer of charcoal on the bottom of the pot, and then the rest of the potting media surrounding the roots.

Macadaemia nut shells are probably okay. But I have no experience using this material. Since this is organic, it would eventually start decaying? It is important though to grow your plants as you are capable, so I am reluctant to tell you what to do in this regard.

I hope you keep updating your thread as you nurture your plant. I would be interested in seeing how you do with this plant.

Thanks Matt, I'll let you know how it get on or whether I kill it !!!.
Owen