Arpophyllum Giganteum culture tips needed

[dlemerson1]

I am looking for tips on growing an Arpo. Gig. It would be great to get to flower. Purchased with 15 pseudobulbs and one bloom last spring. Has grown a lot this summer and is still producing new growths. Nearly fills 6 inch plastic pot.
I want it to bloom next spring.

[Jerry Delaney]

I was looking thru some of the old threads and noticed that no one had replied to your question. While I do not grow giganteum I have grown spicatum for a number of years. I certainly do not profess to be any kind of expert (someone you call in at the last minute to help share the blame) on Arpophyllum culture. There really isn't that much difference in the culture between the two. Basically, both will bloom and thrive with usual Cattleya conditions. So, if you are growing Cattleyas I would just pot it in the same mix you use for them and set in your growing area with your Catts. I do believe that the spicatum likes perhaps a little more light than the Catts but it grows at a much higher altitude than giganteum so it will also grow well from intermediate/warm conditions to cool. I would keep the giganteum out of the cool and grow it intermediate to warm. Water and fertilize as you would your Catts. Your giganteum will bloom from winter thru spring while spicatum flowers only in the spring. Good luck!
Jerry

[dlemerson1]

Thank you for the info. I am growing it in as much light as I have in a sunroom. The new growths are numerous and exceeding the height of the one stalk that was blooming when I purchased it last year. The night temps are a little irregular and may drop to 45 or so on cold nights here in Delaware. I just started growing catts as well so I don't have a place I know they love.
My question is:
I can put it in a bedroom window where the temp is warmer. or leave it in the sunroom with more light but cooler nights.
Thanks
Dave

[Jerry Delaney]

Gee Dave, I really don't know and hate to advise on either alternative. I do know that spicatum will grow well in either intermediate or cool conditions but neither is a strict cool grower. We had a cold snap (a real winter warm-up to you guys out in the Northeast) here last winter and my greenhouse got down into the 40's. It only damaged some of the Phals. The spicatum did just fine and had a number of inflorescences this spring. If your plant has been taking the 45 temps OK for a while it may do just fine. I would worry about the amount of light at a window. Perhaps someone with more experience with your species will comment. By the way Dave, these can make really impressive specimen plants. I saw an Arpophyllum a few years ago in a 14" pot. It looked like a small lilac bush! Good luck.

[dlemerson1]

This is my first year so I'm going to give it as much light as I can. Hoping for the infloresence.
Dave

[Fredmax]

Old thread I know, but is anyone aware of the difference between A. spicatum and giganteum, they look identical and my spicatum is certainly gigantic.