Saturday, August 30, 2014

Prosthechea cochleata

This is a robust growing Prosthechea cochleata orginally from H&R. Since I purchased it last year,  it has had root die back from too much water, been desiccated by too little water, and been attacked by mites. And it is still going strong! A member of my local orchid society grows his damp in sphagnum moss. When I tried that method, the roots started to die. Next I tried to grow it dry  as a few forums suggested.  The pseudobulbs shriveled miserably. Finally, I landed on a bark based mix with a little sponge rock, charcoal, and sphagnum moss. I think the key is to have a mix the retains some moisture but dry in about 3 days. Between my mix and the clay pot it is in, this plant is completely dry in 3-4 days. I start to see pseudobulb shriveling in about that time so I water every other day.

One of the great thing about this orchid is that it will be in bloom for months. The buds keep on coming and the spike keeps getting longer. So if you have one remember not to cut the spike until it is brown. Also give plenty of water in an airy mix and provide with bright light and good air circulation.

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