Dinema polybolbon culture question
 

First I apologize if this doesn’t belong in this section. I’m still going to claim “I’m new” so I’m innocent. I was wondering if someone with experience growing Dinema (Encyclia) polybolbon could maybe give me some cultural advice or tips for keeping this plant happy. I recently purchased two small-medium sized plants to mount as they ramble everywhere. Thanks so much. You’re awesome!!

Mount them and let them ramble... Mine grows outside (winter nights typically in low 40's F, occasionally as low as low 30's F for a few hours) Not picky...

mounted orchids tend to die from neglect in my house... i prefer to pot my plants. my dinema polybulbon is currently in a small (pretty shallow) pot with decently drained sphagnum moss. i keep the moss damp at all times, so if you mount your plants, make sure the mounts never ever dry out. my plant originally came on a mount and due to my infrequent watering, the main lead died, forcing several side leads to start growing :). the plant enjoys bright light, but i have noticed that younger leaves are easily damaged under direct light (turn light yellowish green) , so bright shade works best.

also, a question: i have read that this plant is supposed to be a fast grower, but mine seems to be growing pretty slowly (my plant is on the small side though), despite the fact that there are currently multiple active leads. is this normal?

The OP lives in Florida, so mounting and putting it outside should be all that is needed. Water when it doesn't rain, but rain is pretty frequent. Neophyte, where do you live? To be fast-growing, the plant needs to be happy... harder to achieve in a pot, I think. Maybe a basket? This one really is a strong epiphyte, wanting to ramble but doesn't put down much of a root system, and wants to dry out between waterings.

I live in norcal, so outside is probably not an option but i will definitely switch to a basket. you are absolutely right that the plant is naturally epiphytic. i would just like to know why the plant isn't growing as fast in a pot rather than a basket or mount. :)

I think that those fine little roots really want to grab something. A thought... what about mounting on the the outside of a terracotta pot, and put sphagnum moss inside the pot - it would stay moist longer than a "normal" mount would, but the plant might be able to do what comes naturally, which is to wander. I haven't tried it, but something like that might be a compromise between what it wants and what you can provide.

I have one . I mounted it without any moss.
Not picky. I can water it everyday. Or I can water it one a week. It still alive and flowers.

Terra cotta pots wrapped in burlap are showing good results for people growing Florida Ghost Orchids, Dendrophylax lindenii, but under typical outdoor conditions. Putting sphagnum in the pot to maintain moisture could help in household conditions.

Hello Folks:
D. polybulbon is popular with the folks in my orchid society. One of our distinguished (late) members, grew it on sheets of tree fern, high near the top of his g'house. It was nearly 3 feet square at one point!
I have two much smaller versions, also on tree fern. I like it but don't need a half acre of it! Mine is grown in full sun half the day and afternoon shade, in my cool g'house. It dries out and hangs on until it's warm enough to water it in winter, then outside for summer. Yes, it does bloom - mid to late winter. I find it pretty easy to deal with. I have never tried it on any mount other than tree fern, tho.
Sending encouragement,
Maryanne