Holcoglossum kimballianum

[pheli]

Compared with Holcoglossum amesianum, this species does well in subtropical area.
It is from highlands, so in real cuitivation in our growing areas, avoiding direct sun in summer is needed.

[orchideric]

Do not try Holcoglossum kimballianum in hot conditions. It is a high elevation species and prefers cool to cold conditions. It will grow under intermediate conditions and growers in Homestead, Florida, used to import and establish thousands of them. But maybe something like 5% of their plants would bloom in a given year. This species wants bright light and cool to cold conditions - think Denver or San Francisco.

So to Swamper in Miami, try Paraphalaenopsis rather than Holcoglossum. You and they will be happier.

Eric

[dgenovese1]

Originally Posted by Swamper

Looks like a terete type vanda which would love full sun, I wonder how it would do in a subtropical area. If I were a betting man I'd bet it would do ok.

Swamper,

I just asked Dr. Motes about this guy today, and was told that he hasn't even tried it recently because they are such poor performers in our area. So there you have it. Sorry that it wasn't the answer you were probably looking for...you're not alone...it wasn't the right answer for me either.

[wonderlen3000]

Holcoglossum kimballiana is easy to grow, but hard to flower species. I heard Hol. wangii is a lot more forgiving in terms of temperature and can tolerate intermediate condition.

[Swamper]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info.

[AboutOrchids]

Originally Posted by orchideric

Do not try Holcoglossum kimballianum in hot conditions. It is a high elevation species and prefers cool to cold conditions. It will grow under intermediate conditions and growers in Homestead, Florida, used to import and establish thousands of them. But maybe something like 5% of their plants would bloom in a given year. This species wants bright light and cool to cold conditions - think Denver or San Francisco.

Eric

Thanks! I just came from the San Francisco orchid show with Hlcgl. kimballianum in hand, and I'm finding all sorts of conflicting care info. But I'm going to take your advice and put it outside. It has variegated foliage with purple spots on the leaves, too.