What do I do with my Restrepias? - Orchid Board

Tikva · #1 08-11-2006, 01:40 PM

I got 5 today in cheapo plastic pots (longing for nice ones but that's for another day). They are in light totally dry spagh.
Now what? I read they are epiphytic - would they like to be mounted? If potted, what sort of mix should I use?
What do I do first off?
I know cool and not lots of light and quite damp right?

Oh neat... so they are actually secured in the loose spagh with a bobby pin contraption. One looks like it may have a keiki. One looks to me like it has a flower bud....
I know nothing about these orchids at all. I've never seen them or read about them. They look wild collected too - in rough shape...
I hope to discover some new things about orchids with these. I wonder if with years of nice care, I can make them look prettier??

Phantasm · #2 08-11-2006, 05:42 PM

Regarding restrepias......
If the moss is dry, get it wet...
These grow easily in masdevallia conditions, C-I.
Indoors, water daily, and misting might help.
They will look rough for a while until you get additional growths, and they can also grow keikis.
Restrepias are very interesting and can vary quite a bit even within each species concept.

Wogga · #3 08-11-2006, 10:03 PM

I second phantasm's statements regarding moisture. Keep them cool, tik. if you keep them nice and cool though, you dont have to worry so much about the low light. as long as theyre cool, and dotn burn, they can handle a good bit of light. when you fertilize, i would give about a 1/8th strength nitrogen strong mix, once every 1-2 weeks (but im not a heavy fertilizer). temperature drops down to the 50's at night are good for bloom induction (just like many other high elevation pleurothallids, most notably masdevallias), and try not to get over 70 degrees f during the day. keep the humidity atleast above 60%.

enjoy!