Richard Sharp recently asked about the rest period for Barkeria shoemakeri. This species is from western Mexico in the states of Michoacan, Guerrero, and Oaxaca at elevations near 2000 ft. (610 m).
In the habitat, rainfall is moderate to heavy for four to five months in summer and early autumn. The remainder of the year is very dry with only small amounts of rain recorded each month. Conditions are so dry in late winter and spring with humidity so low that even moisture from dew may be uncommon. Cultivated plants should be watered heavily while actively growing, but they must dry rapidly after watering. Water should be greatly reduced after new growths mature in autumn. During the dry season, rainfall is very low, averaging 0.5 in. (12 mm) or less each month for six to seven months from autumn into spring, but the very large range in day to night temperature often results in some additional moisture from early-morning dew. Therefore, cultivated plants should remain rather dry during this period, but they should be given occasional early morning mistings, especially on clear, sunny mornings. I hope this helps answer your question. Suggested cultural requirements for many species, including the Barkeria species, that is based on climatological data from their habitats may be obtained from our web site http://www.orchidculture.com Charlie Baker _______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
