Cool Pots?

I have had some experience with the 'cool pots' from Orchid Gallery. They are still in the experimental phase but they seem to do their job. Living in Memphis the temps in late summer are not too forgiving. So my greenhouse stays in the upper 80's, too warm for these guys so at present most look haggard. I would recommend them but only with a few. Not sure where you are but temps are important. Best of luck.

 

Neighbor! How many Masda. do you own? And what others do you grow?

 

I gave up on them a while back due to temps but my boss (has a large GH) has several. All stressed due to this hot Summer. Hopefully they will recover soon.

 

As for as Pluerothallis they seem to be a bit easier. There are a few in the GH that are thriving. I have yet to try them. I do have a Lepanthopsis astrophora that is in its 3rd flowering at home.

 

Paul, I'm going to say that you most likely had some sorta "bad" bacteria in your potting medium. I have several cool growing Masd. and have no problem with heat in the 90's... even in the 100's with 20% humidity. Most can take the heat if you take per cations. I have mine in 4" net pots growing in moss. I put them in deep shade near the ground. Watered daily. I use a product called SubCulture B to introduce "good" bacteria. Does it work?.... Thats the million dollar ?. I'll just say that I have had only one case of rot on a Catt.(that had not been treated) and only lost 4ish seedlings(not due to rot(check that, I lost a whole flask)) out of 20 or so flasks. I think the biggest thing is to have air movement throw the media while keeping it damp. Damp media and stall air movement = growth of bad bacteria.

Andy once told me.... If your coccinea starts to drop leaves, Dump 3% H2O2 in the pot and let it dry out. Wish I would of know that before I lost my first one the day after I got it home.

 

FWIW, folks growing cold growers have had some success with a semi-hydroponics variant: Use a clay pot of LECA, standing in a tray of water (i.e., external reservoir).

The combination of the evaporative cooling effects from the LECA and the pot wall push the root zone temperature down considerably.

 

Hi! Once I started using distilled water, these pots were a great success for Pleurothallids and other cool-loving orchids-- and I live in Central Florida! But, alas! The Orchid Gallery has discontinued making them: not because they didn't work, but because they weren't remunerative enough. So-- if anyone has some they'd like to sell...I sure as heck would like to buy some more!