Encyclia polybulbon growth experiment

[catherinecarney]

Hi all--

Ok, some of you may remember that I bought an Encyclia polybulbon at my first orchid show in the middle of February. It was rather overgrowing the pot at time of purchase, so I knew I would be repotting in short order.

I found that it was actually 3 distinct plants when I took it out of the pot, and thought, hmmm...given my inexperience (and rather poor track record with orchids when I tried them over a decade ago), why not try different potting methods with each piece. Surely I can't mess up 3 different ways....

Piece #1 (largest) was potted into an unglazed clay saucer with bark similar in size to the original media. It has been residing above the fish tanks with humidity approx 45% and temps in the mid to upper 60's under moderate light. Bark is watered as it approaches dryness.

Piece #2 (middle) was placed onto the background of a paludarium where there is constant moisture available but the roots are not immersed--the hope is that it will grow along the wood tree branch overhanging the water. Temps in the 70's, bright light, and high humidity.

Piece #3 (little) was placed onto the cork background of another paludarium where the only moisture it receives is drips from the condensation on the glass canopy and general humidity in the air. Lower light conditions than #2, but still fairly bright.

After 2 weeks, here's what's going on:

Piece #1: No noticeable growth, pseudobulbs OK but not hugely plump (not shriveled, but....). No signs of fungus or rot.

Piece #2: New leads showing, pseudobulbs consistently plump and roots showing growth. Even with the high moisture and humidity and relatively stagnant air there are no signs of fungus or rot.

Piece #3: No noticeable plant growth, pseudobulbs consistently plummp and roots showing growth. No signs of fungus or rot.

If people are interested, I will continue to document what I see develop with these 3 little plants.

BTW, anyone else running a similar sort of growth comparison, perhaps with other species?

Catherine