Trichopilia suavis

[katrina]

I grow a number of Trichopilia and have for several years. Some, like tortilis, are very fussy and once they go into decline...it's very hard to bring them back. I've killed 2 and am working on killing a 3rd.

Most are actually kind of fussy about root disturbance and even dividing them can set them back quite a bit.

I find the hybrids to be somewhat more robust and hardy than most of the species. Also, recent imports can take a few years to acclimate to my space...and that's if I don't lose them first. I might have an easier time w/them if I used rain or R/O water...this is just a guess but probably a pretty good one.

Over the years I have experimented w/many set ups and I have found my best roots are on those that are growing in straight sphag in clay or plastic pots. They need to be kept pretty wet. I grow in straight sphag and I have them sitting in shallow saucers of water. If they dry out too much, they seem to go into decline...more so if the temps are high. One very frustrating thing I've noticed is that even w/my healthiest and strongest plants...I will lose one new growth to black for every 2 or 3 that grow and mature. I've lessened the black loss by doing most of my watering from underneath rather than soaking the foliage...but it still happens. I've yet to really figure this out and what causes it but I'm guessing it's mostly just a situation of less than perfect conditions. If the plant is a recent import and/or has had any root issues...I can lose more new growths than I get to actually mature. I got a laxa from Ecuagenera almost 3 years ago...it was very small...no roots when I got it...and I've lost more new growths to the black than w/any other I've ever had. It's in a small slotted 3" pot and it's definitely struggling. I might one day see flowers on this one but I'm not holding by breath.


They can be quite frustrating but when you get one to grow and bloom...it's very much worth all the hassles.

Almost forgot. I have a suavis and it was super healthy when I got it a few years ago. It was a small plant but it was very healthy. Bloomed beautifully and grew well. Then, I let it dry out too much last winter and it went into decline. I'm still trying to pull it out of that decline. Finger crossed.