Doritis pulcherima var. coerula repotting and care

[sewagner86]

I got a doritis Doritis pulcherima var. coerula a few weeks ago. I have never had a phal potted like this little plant is (in a basket with minimal medium) and am wondering if maybe there is a better way for me to keep it? I will not be home a few days a week so I am just trying to figure out how to keep this plant moist enough it won't die while I am gone. It's hard finding stuff online about this type of orchid and am wondering if someone might have some good care tips? From my understanding they aren't much different than phals in their care.

[estación seca]

It was transferred to the genus Phalaenopsis. It can be treated like any other Phal, except they tolerate a lot more light and can tolerate much cooler winter temperatures. I would repot into whatever you use for your other Phals.

[tmoney]

hey there,

well, we wish we had some tips for you. all i would offer is that i disagree that they are like most phals. we are able to grow pretty much most phal species and hybrids with absolutely no problems, but all of the pulcherimas and their hybrids we have owned have died on us. it is the one phal species we now avoid. so, wish you the best of luck and keep the board posted with its progress and culture tips! thanks!!

[Roberta]

I grow the species in bark. This one, I'd just drop into a larger pot, fill in with bark. Then you won't risk damaging roots. In general, I have found that my species Phals like to grow more like mounted plants - baskets, or with large bark.

[Paphluvr]

I agree with ES that these need more light than other Phals. Mine aren't var. cereula, just normal pulcherrima, but I grow them brighter and drier than other Phals. They're in pots potted in general purpose bark mix. Night time temperatures this time of year are in the low 60's, only about 8-10 degrees higher in the daytime. Four plants currently in spike or bloom, one spike still blooming from last season. Unless your conditions are very dry (i.e., humidity) not watering for a few days shouldn't be a problem. Under my conditions I only water mine every 5-6 days.