(no subject)

Oliver T Massey CFS (massey@hal.fmhi.usf.edu)
Thu, 19 May 1994 09:38:59 -0400

> Could anyone help me out with the following questions. They may appear very
> basic since I'm new at growing these. I will be growing them at 70-80%
> relative humidity and 68-78 F.
>
> 1) It was recommended that I pot the plants in live sphagnum moss, however a
> 50/50 peat/silica sand mix is also recommended. Would fibrous (not live)
> phagnum mixed with silica sand (or perlite) do? Where can I purchase silica
> sand and live sphagnum moss?

I used dried sphagnum with perlite (2/1 or so) for several years
successfully. In my experience the main issue is to repot every 12-18 months
or so to avoid breakdown of the medium. Live sphagnum sometimes gives up on
you, but barring that, repotting is not required so often.

> 2) Is pot size important as not to overpot the plants? I am thinking of using
> 4" plastic pots.

Sarr.'s have long roots and easily become rootbound. Grown in standing water
mine regularly grow out of the pot.

> 3) I intend to keep the plants in a cool closet in my basement over the
> dormant period. The temperature varies between 40-50 F from December-February
> depending on the temperature outside the house. Would a small refridgerator
be
> better?

My experience with indoor Sarr.'s is that less water and less light are
important, they would still need light in any frig. 40-50 degrees sounds
consstent with my experience if water levels are kept lower.

> Thanks in advance
>
> Robert St-Jean
>
>