Dracula woes

[dougbraz]

I live in a tropical country so maybe the care is slightly different to that in the US, but when I bough my dracula chestertoni, I was told to "keep it moist and way from light" - which I did. I was told that the leaves curling and darkening, was an indication of excessive light. Here is an image (a sad one to be sure)...
Any hints on what I am doing wrong?



Thanks
Doug

[AGibson001]

I have never owned a Dracula but that plant looks like its in serious trouble! From what I have read, humidity above 70% is necessary for many in the genus (which grows in cloud forest habitats in nature) Also, water quality is very important for this genus. Unless you are sure you have very pure 'well' water, I would find a source for some RO water. Based on the appearance of the leaves as well, I would say that your plant may be suffering from low humidity and/or poor water quality.

Heres a culture sheet for the Genus:
http://culturesheet.org/orchidaceae:dracula

Heres a link I found on the species: North Jersey Orchid Society This author grows it in sphagnum in a mesh pot.

[dougbraz]

Wow- thanks for the feedback. I agree that water quality may be an issue (but at least I am using filtered drinking water rather than straight tap water!). Humidity I don't think is a problem as the normal room humidity is around 60% here all the time. Maybe too hot during the day and not cool enough at night.
Oh well, I will see if it can be saved..

[31drew31]

I just looked at the temperatures in your part of the world, and my guess would be too hot. Temperatures under 75F are an absolute, preferably around 70F and nights into the 50's, again lower 50's are preferred to maintain them long term (except for a few, D. lotax being one). Draculas will grow in lower humidity but will not produce successful flowers unless the humidity is maintained above 75% all the time im my experiences.

Not sure about this particular species, but most flower "down" and need net pots to let the spikes out. I use 100% sphagnum moss with my Draculas.

[isurus79]

I agree with Drew. It looks like heat damage to me. I had a Dracula in Hawaii that I won at a raffle and I was curious to see how long it would live. Well it died in few months and looked just like yours. You need to give it very cool temps!

[dougbraz]

[QUOTE=31drew31;539549]I just looked at the temperatures in your part of the world, and my guess would be too hot.

I think you may well be right.. That pic I took yesterday and tonight the leaves had all simply dropped off, totally dried up - despite the moist sphagnum in the pot.

Noted - for the future - that they flower "down" but will doubtfully buy another one - we are in summer right now and it's 25 celsius plus every day and not too much cooler at night - so am actually surprised that the flower was even on sale here!

Thanks for the feedback. We live and learn.

Cheers
Doug

[isurus79]

You might try Dracula lotax. It does much better in warm conditions.

[31drew31]

D. lotax as mentioned handles warmer temperature better than others. There is a sticky in the Miniatures section on warm growing Pleuros if you're interested. Here is the direct link: warm growing Pleurothallids?

[dougbraz]

Tks Isurus and Drew - maybe I'll venture out with a dracula lotax in the new year.
Cheers
Doug

[keithrs]

Couple of things that may help are..... They need lots of air movement being that they like it moist(but not wet). Water quality is a huge factor. Spring water is just as bad as tap or well water. You need to use distilled, rain, or RO water. You may be better off using a free draining mix like CHC or med sized bark. If you can water it daily then mounting with live moss is the way to go.

Again, air movement is the biggest key the keep rot away.

It's also important to give it cool night temps.


With some practice and a little luck you'll be an expert with them!