Helcia sanguinolenta problems

[kinknstein]

Hi Everyone
I was just wondering if any one else out there is growing Helcia sanguinolenta? I have had one for about 8 or 9 months now, it was in bloom when I bought it. The blooms died off back in mid march or so and she has been trying to put some new pseudobulbs but they have not been successful. She has attempted to put out about 5 - 6 pbulbs, but all but one seem to have slowly turned brown and then stopped growing. I will try and post some pics later, but am at work right now. The older pbulbs still have a very nice light green apple colour. Is this species deciduous? I have read that they need a dry period after blooming which I do not think I observed properly. I grow it under T5 HO lights at about 800 - 1000fc, my humidity ranges from 40% up to 70%, 40% is in the winter, and I have Intermediate temps, although the last month or so the temp has climbed as high as 85 degrees, could the heat be the issue? It is potted in med grade bark in a 3" pot.
What types of light do you grow yours in? How often do you water it in the summer time? Any other tips?

Thanks in advance everyone!!

[tenman]

I find it to be a robust grower and reliable bloomer. I grow it cool and never let it dry out completely; it's growing underbench with the rest of my trichopilias and getting about paph light. Trichopilias (and helcias are now again included in Trichopilia based on DNA studies) can sometimes have problems with new growth rot like Lycastes if water sits in them; water carefully early in the day. That said, your conditions sound too warm and too dry (mine are in a water-retentive chc based mix).

You can see pics of my trichopilias including all three former helcias - sanguinolenta, brevis, and callichroma - Helcia callichroma 'Orchid Court' CBR/AOS, - on my page at:
The Orchid Court
Good luck!

[kinknstein]

Thanks for the tips! I will have to try and keep it both moister and and coller. Thanks again!