New Gongora - Orchid Board

TeresaE · #1 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 01:41 AM

So I got this new Gongora flaveola a month or two ago and am just wondering if anyone else has one? I supposed I need to snoop around the net to find the culture for it, but I thought I would ask everyone here first. Does it need higher light and what about watering? I seem to remember that it needs to be watered more often and not to let it really dry out. As well it seems the tips of the leaves are getting brown and crisp. Do they normally do that? Does it need higher humidity?

TeresaE · #2 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 03:11 PM

Um...hello?

Anyone out there?

Ross · #3 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 03:28 PM

Maybe not a lot of Gongora growers on web right now? Did you check IOSPE PHOTOS . Good place to start for info on native conditions.

Gin · #4 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 04:21 PM

Hi I have a couple of Gongoras not the same one you have . Mine is in a slat basket most of the slats are removed just 2 left to hold the plant, it is in Spag. in the green house moist but not wringing wet . The leaf burn could be from Fertiliser or heat . Mine did have some when I first got it . Here is a link to a post I did about it . Gin

Gongora

Frdemetr · #5 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 04:37 PM

Teresa,
I'm a "Stanhopea grower" (or I intend to be one...) and I have some Gongoras. In fact Gongoras have thinier leaves than Stans and need more water and more atmosferic humidity. Both are under 50% of full sun and OK. Gongoras are more prone to be infested with spider mites and mainly with Tenthecoris bicolor, a red and black bug that feeds on the underside of leaves (mainly the new ones) resulting in irregular spots and great demage. In my conditions browning of leaves are caused mainly by low humidity and/or T. bicolor . Fertilization: "bokashi" every 2-3 months in the pot and Peter's 20-20-20 0,5/1,0g per liter in the leaves, biweekly.

dave b · #6 (**permalink**) 06-11-2007, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TeresaE

So I got this new Gongora flaveola a month or two ago and am just wondering if anyone else has one? I supposed I need to snoop around the net to find the culture for it, but I thought I would ask everyone here first. Does it need higher light and what about watering? I seem to remember that it needs to be watered more often and not to let it really dry out. As well it seems the tips of the leaves are getting brown and crisp. Do they normally do that? Does it need higher humidity?

Browning of the leaf tips is a common side affect of low humidity and not enough watering with Gongoras and Stans. They dont like to dry out. Gongoras can grow quite quickly during the warm growth periods, and like healthy doses of water and fert.

TeresaE · #7 (**permalink**) 06-12-2007, 06:35 PM

Ah, so maybe that's it. I have been feeling the media every day and watering when it seems dry. Unfortunately I can only get around 20-30% humidity and that's it. I have a humidifier and trays filled with water already and I just can't get it any higher. I guess all I can do is keep it watered. It does have new growth so that's a plus. It did flower from the top of the media rather than out the bottom. It's in a pot...

Mike Davis · #8 (**permalink**) 07-06-2007, 11:58 AM

I have several gongoras and i have them growing in slat baskets. I have noticed that when i consistently water them daily and fertilize weekly i get them to stay in constant bloom, but when i got the plants they had browned leaf tips. i havent gotten the tips to turn green again, but i havent had an issue with new growth browning. I have a 650 gallon tank that i have 4 96 watt power compact flourescent lights on and i maintain about 75% humidity, that seems to be the best for them. I do have 1 outside the tank and i water it heavy everyday(sphag dries out fast in low humidity environs) and it still seems to be doing well, as i have 4 humididty trays surrounding it.

Don Perusse · #9 (**permalink**) 07-07-2007, 09:32 PM

I recently won a "Gongora Nigrita" in a raffle. Was told they are tricky to bloom unless......they like humidity, cool side, don't let them dry out, but not soggy and withhold water for about 6-8 weeks in the fall. From October-November. Hope this helps. Good luck

TeresaE · #10 (**permalink**) 07-09-2007, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Don Perusse

I recently won a "Gongora Nigrita" in a raffle. Was told they are tricky to bloom unless......they like humidity, cool side, don't let them dry out, but not soggy and withhold water for about 6-8 weeks in the fall. From October-November. Hope this helps. Good luck

So do they loose their leaves during this time when you withhold watering? I hope I can rebloom it!!