Restrepia antennifera - I've done it now, have NO idea how to care for these!

[RosieC]

I've been thinking about Restrepia for a while, but really should have done some research about their care before I dived in!

Too late now... this is my new Restrepia antennifera var. Hemsleyaba

(You can click on any of my pics for a bigger version)




Since Saturday when these pics were taken the flower has closed, but the bud in the third pic has now opened. The plant seemed healthy to me but I'm not sure. There is one damaged looking leaf on the left of the last pic and there are some dark markings on the leaf on the right of the pic (are they anything to worry about?)

So... do any of you Pluro fans have any advise on how I should care for this one?

How much water?
How much light?
Is it a cool grower like my Masda?
What about humidity?

Hope you like my little guy, and hope someone can help me keep it alive to flower again in the future

[Tindomul]

I really like this one Rosie! Nice vibrant colours and cool markings. I don't have a clue how to take care of these so sorry I can't help you out.

Perhaps this link can help you get started on acquiring some nice info on keeping this genus.
Restrepia

[camille1585]

The blooms are so beautiful, I understand why you got it! Venturing into a new genus can be scary, but I tihnk you'll manage.
I dug up some info on OrchidWiz for you, I hope it gives you an idea of how to grow it.

Light: 1800-2500fc. Light should be diffused/filtered and no direct midday sun.

Temp throughout the year is about 24-26°C(day) and 11-13°C(night). Can adapt to temps 7-8°C lower than that. If an evaporative cooler is used in the growing area, these plants should thrive if placed in the cool, moist airflow near the outlet. Warmest temp that this species should be grown under is about 26°C

Humidity: About 70-75% year round, can be higher. Rainfalll is moderate to heavy most of the year, 2-3 months in winter are slightly drier. Cultivated plants should be watered often while actively growing. Roots should dry slightly between waterings, but never get completely dry.

Media: Grows well in any fine, well drained orchid potting mixture. Grows well mounted tightly with a pad of moss around the roots.

They bloom pretty much all year long, with the peak being in the fall.

[RosieC]

Thanks Tindo and Camille,

Great info Camille, I have some ideas of what I need now.

I just love these tiny flowers!

[camille1585]

I've been wanting to get a Restrepia for a while because the blooms are so very cute. The problem is that I won't be able to keep it cool enough during the summer. I never managed to get my Masdie to rebloom with anything more than 2 blooms, and it was a pretty big plant.

[RosieC]

Keeping cool is a problem for me as well.

Read something interesting here on OB in the last couple of days about keeping the rootzone cool for Masda and Restrepia by using clay pots to evaporate moisture and thus cool them. By doing that the plant can be grown warmer. Obviously not had chance to try it but it sounds interesting.

[camille1585]

I have also read somewhere about watering with very cold water to lower the temperature at root level. I'll have to look that up again.
Clay pots are a good idea though!

[RosieC]

I'll try and find the thread again, because there was a link to 'evaporation pots' that looked interesting, although not sure If we can get them in Europe.

[camille1585]

This might be a good plant for a swampstick, since the constant evaporation of water through the clay would probably keep the roots cool. The problem is that swampsticks are impossible to find in Europe. I think I may have to bring some back with me so I can do some experimenting at home.

[RosieC]

Camille, here is the other thread, talking about evaporation to cool the root zone.
http://www.orchidboard.com/community...tml#post319386