Subject: Understanding Coryanthes.
Hello there.
I have some 20 plants and, furthermore, have read
the monograph of the genus by Dr. Gerlach.
I am trying to contribute to the subject as follows.
------------- Coryanthes need warmth -------------
(a) In nature Coryanthes grow symbiotic with ants, lots
.....of ants, which ants maintain their root system.
(b) In cultivation you and me should make sure that
.....the compost is ...
(c) acidic (PH4), loose, moist and fertile at all times;
.....hence it appears a good idea to use best-quality
.....Sphagnum (mixed with 'Perlite' for looseness).
This compost must not be PRESSED into the plant's
pot or basket -to get in as much as possible, as it
were- because "looseness" is what the plant needs.
>>>Renew this compost every 1 year (!) - because
.... decomposed Sphagnum is neither acidic nor loose,
.....and the plant will shed it's leaves and die slowly ...
(d) Keep the compost moist at all times, not WET, and
.....fertilise with 140 ppm every day, using mineral salts,
.....something like PETER's - but nothing organic (BAD).
(e) I have read on these pages that people add things
.....like Lemmon Juice, Epsom Salts, Dish Soap, when
.....watering : >>> "PLEASE DO NOT" ...
(f) Light: as much as the plant can stand, but adapt
....the plant to higher light levels over several weeks;
....target: direct morning sun until 10 a.m. is good ...
....Fertilise in the morning when there is plenty of light.
(g) Leaves gone yellow: change compost, give water
.... but do not fertilise until a new leaf shoot shows.
Regards, MANFRED.
PS: Flowers of Coryanthes, Catasetum, Stanhopea,
......are wonders of Plant Evolution ...
To admire Coryanthes Flowers, you might go to
Botanical Garden Munich - Research - The Genus Coryanthes