Brassavola in the vivarium

[andy83]

I got the lights and the this orchid doesn't seem to mind at all.





It looks like a root is working its way through the background panels.

[andy83]

I was wondering if anyone here has got a Brassavola to bloom in a vivarium or an orchid enclosure. Also, I think I've heard that these guys can flower several times a year. If this is true do you think that this guy will be flowering anytime soon based on what it has been through? I'm getting impatient waiting on that smell......

The new growth is getting thicker and the leaves are turning a little bit purple on top which is a good sign. I propped up the older leaves so they can get more light. I finally lowered the lighting fixture as well.

[andy83]

Here are a couple of recent pics. It is showing some nice root growth and I see another leaf start. These guys really do enjoy the light.

[dave b]

Did that Ludisia bloom ever open up? Looks like it was bumping the glass a while back.

[Dorothy]

Love those green root tips!
Excellent!

[Joost]

Hi, I'm Johan, i live in the netherlands. Sometimes i take alook on the forums. I remember buying my first brassavola.
Brassavola's need a lot of light. The leaves tend to color red sometimes when there is to much light, it's a good indication. I use to grow them in the top of my viv, and they bloomed each year. They like higher temps. Keep the roots dry and the humidity high, and a lot of air circulation. I saw brassavola's grow in Costa Rica on trees on the beach, wind, rain and warmth! They seem to like a little dry period, though.

Johan

[andy83]

Hey Johan,

I'm glad that you've had success with your Brassavola in vivariums. I just found some nice little flower spikes on this one today. Anybody know how long it will be until the flower is visible?





dave b:
Yeah, it opened up. One of the three spikes fell off before it flowered though because it ran into the top glass.

[calvin_orchidL]

Wow looks like your b. nodosa is really happy! Congratulations!

[kenr62]

Used to grow B nodosa & b cordata in teak baskets under lights - p metal halide & HPS on tracks indoors - they were both frequent bloomers & did best under the highest possible light...

[andy83]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

Wow looks like your b. nodosa is really happy! Congratulations!

Yeah it sure is and it's a cordata by the way but they do look a lot like nodosa. I wanted to start a thread to see if anybody else had these in their vivariums because I couldn't find many people that have tried them. It's nice to see other success stories.

This morning they were just bulging slightly and this evening they are really opening up. No smell yet but that will be soon to come.