Paphiopedilum... In their natural habitat, some species grow in the cracks of limestone rocks in warm, windy locations, while others can be found thriving on humus on the forest floor or on branches of trees.
They survive the rainy season because the drainage is good... "During the hot months of summer they shrivel, but after raining once or twice they become lush once again,"...
To grow Lady's Slippers successfully, dry is better than wet...
they do not like heat... To ensure good drainage, use crushed limestone rock or brick mixed with chopped coconut husk and/or granulated Styrofoam as planting media."
If you are using chopped coconut husk, make sure to remove the dust first. Some orchid growers use charcoal, but Yen advised against this, as charcoal may be good at first but tends to absorb fungi in the long run. Styrofoam, either in beads or packaging cut into small pieces, brings better results, the orchid breeder said.
...
"Lime... is very helpful in preventing the roots from rotting during the rainy season. If it is raining continuously for three or four days, water Lady's Slippers with a strong concentration of lime solution," he advised. "If leaves begin to rot, check the roots and cut off any rotten part and repot."
Use 16-21-27 (NPK, or nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in that order) fertiliser in the rainy season, but during the cold season use 15-15-15. For better results, use slow-releasing Osmocot...
When using fungicide, drench the plant down to the roots...
Orchid growers must be observant of their plants. They perform better if you look at them every day, Yen said...
The Royal Horticultural Society of Thailand and The Cattleya Orchid Society of Thailand are holding orchid exhibitions for members and the public... every month at the Bangkok Flower Centre in Nong Khaem"
source / complete news item : http://www.bangkokpost.com/en/Outlook/25Dec2005_out55.php
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Regards,
VB
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