Mtssa. Charles M. Fitch dilemma

[Dallasgarden]

Okay, I have this plant from my BC period. That's (before choosing) the right plants for my climate. It was given to me by a neighbor from a big box purchase. I now buy only orchids that I'm sure like the heat of Dallas and the warm temperatures of our summers because I want everything outdoors in the summer. Well, the first year I had this plant I kept it in a hanging basket with moss. Although I kept seeing that wrinkled new growth which is supposed to mean underwatering. Quite a bloom display followed by a rapid decline. I decided that I maybe I was overwatering it, so I changed it to a pot filled with lava that I watered daily in the summer. (Same treatment as my Cattleyas) The bulbs stayed firm and showed some growth outside this summer and believe it or not, I currently have two blooms! But it's love/hate again. It's now indoors under my lights and the new growth is once again deformed and wrinkled. I need to hear from my Texas friends; are brassias just a bad choice for our climate? Should I use another medium. Give up on it?

[Dallasgarden]

A photo is worth a thousand words. Notice the shriveled new growth in the bottom left. Yet, summer growth is solid.

[ischel1]

I'm no expert on Brassias, but from what I understand, they like bright light but no direct sun and to be kept moist. That's what I do with mine anyway.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Okay, I *think* you should pot these up in a bark mix and water as the medium drys out (at least once a week). In Clarksville, Arkansas we have about the same temps as you in Dallas. We get colder in the winter, but just as hot in the summer. That Miltassia looks potted in lava rock? Get that in a bark mix. Be sure to leave some of the lava rock in the bottom of the container so that the roots get air and water drains well. The bark will hold the water longer and the plant should not wrinkle up like that on the new growth.
Cheers,
BD

[Dallasgarden]

BD,
I hear ya. Learning the ins and outs of different orchids is a terrible challenge. My Cattleyas do well with the lava rock and even my Sherry Baby Oncidium, but these guys must like more moisture...

[Brutal_Dreamer]

BD,
I hear ya. Learning the ins and outs of different orchids is a terrible challenge. My Cattleyas do well with the lava rock and even my Sherry Baby Oncidium, but these guys must like more moisture...

They will love it, Dallas. Be sure to let them dry out between waterings. They will not appreciate constant wetness. The roots need air.

Cheers,
BD

[Dallasgarden]

That's why I tend to go with Lava Rock. I tend toward too much attention (and water). Maybe if I use really large chunky bark.

[Brutal_Dreamer]

That's why I tend to go with Lava Rock. I tend toward too much attention (and water). Maybe if I use really large chunky bark.

I think that would be a good place to start. Maybe large chunk bark with a bit of sphag or maybe some medium coconut husk (washed really well to remove the salts). That would hold a bit of moisture, but still dry out in about a week.

Also, keep a fan going so that the orchids get plenty of air movement. They like to actually move around a bit in the breeze.

Cheers,
BD

(BTW - nice to see you in your AV!)

[Dallasgarden]

Yeah, the biggest challenge is learning to buy the right orchids, getting the inside scoop from the right growers and then understanding how to adjust your conditions to your growing personality. (Try as I might, I just water the heck out of them.) I'll try transplanting after the blooms fade. I have another brassia cross that I'll transfer over as well. And, yes, I just had some pictures taken for my company website and figured out how to upload the AV pic. Thanks for noticing.

[Newbiegreenthumb]

Hi! I too have a Miltassia of the same species. I'm rather a neophyte at the whole orchid thing and was wondering if I could get a few tips. Could you perchance substanciate some knowledge to my plant growing arsenal by giving me info about this orchid? I live in Eastern Oregon and have this plant inside. I know that it needs to be repotted because there are roots growing from the bottom of its current pot and I haven't seen any new growth on it. However, like I said, I'm a newbie so I really don't have a clue about any of it If I could get a link for a webpage that has some information about this perticular plant that would be helpful.