Brassavola cucullata - compotting from flask

[Tindomul]

I agree, don't be afraid to write an article. this is a great experience thread though. Thanks for sharing your experience with this!

[tcmeyers]

IdahoOrchid,

Thanks for the good description. Like Shadow, I think it would be wise to use less moisture. The sphagnum should not be at all wet, hardly moist at the surface, just enough to still be soft if you are growing in plastic containers. If you are growing in peat pots then wetter than that would be OK because of the more rapid drying.

I feel that excess moisture, either the sphagnum being too moist, or high humidity from "tenting" the plants can easily lead to rot problems. In our greenhouse the humidity is about 65% and we never tent seedlings, and always place them where there is very brisk air movement to avoid such problems. The ones that we grow in plastic pots with sphagnum are watered very, very lightly, literally only a couple of tablespoons per pot when the sphagnum is starting to stiffen at the surface.

Take a look at our potting recommendations:
http://troymeyers.com/direct/?0215
...be sure to read the watering part near the top.

[Shadow]

I see a new member here!

Hello, Troy!
Please post a thread in Break the Ice forum and tell us what you grow. I'm particularly interested in that coryanthes you use as avatar. Is it yours? How is it called? Will be waiting for your answers in an introduction forum.

[IdahoOrchid]

Originally Posted by tcmeyers

IdahoOrchid,

Thanks for the good description. Like Shadow, I think it would be wise to use less moisture. The sphagnum should not be at all wet, hardly moist at the surface, just enough to still be soft if you are growing in plastic containers. If you are growing in peat pots then wetter than that would be OK because of the more rapid drying.

I feel that excess moisture, either the sphagnum being too moist, or high humidity from "tenting" the plants can easily lead to rot problems. In our greenhouse the humidity is about 65% and we never tent seedlings, and always place them where there is very brisk air movement to avoid such problems. The ones that we grow in plastic pots with sphagnum are watered very, very lightly, literally only a couple of tablespoons per pot when the sphagnum is starting to stiffen at the surface.

Take a look at our potting recommendations:
http://troymeyers.com/direct/?0215
...be sure to read the watering part near the top.

Thanks for your comments, Troy.

I have taken shadow's (and now your) advice to heart. I am trying to keep the sphag just barely wet. Some of the plants that were a bit saggy while potting up are now standing taller and reaching for the light it seems.

I have removed the cover from the other container. It was still quite wet after 24 hours and that bothered me.

I have given each container a light misting of Phytan 27 to knock down anything creeping around as well.

[IdahoOrchid]

Here is an updated picture of the large compots taken a couple of days ago.

[gmdiaz]

Gosh, your thread was just like being there!

Thanks so much!

[Phallgirl]

Great write up and pictures. I felt like I was there. Lots of work with all those babies !!!