Psychopsis Mariposa

[smartie2000]

I water it probably every 5 days. I know it is in coconut husks originally and I added some bark when I planted it into the bonsai pot. It is very well drained, being in a bonsai pot. I didn't disurb the roots during my replanting because I originally read that they don't like to be disturbed, however this might not be the case since it grows many new roots quickly. For sure the medium dried before each watering b/c of how shallow the pot is. I also keep it on a sunny western window, give it as much light as possible (I think this applies to nearly all orchids now). It doesn't seem to be a heavy feeder since I fertilize every now and then. It sits permanently on my windowsill and I usually forget to fertilize these windowsill plants compared to the rest of my collection underlights. Don't plant the pseudobulbs deep under the medium, I have seen the consequences of rotted new growths of another grower.

I have 4 spikes going on it now, I am quite happy It has formed a mound of new pesudobulbs on top of each other, so it stays compact for me. Although the plant is bigger now, it still fits in the same pot as before. I haven't repotted yet but I think it is happy the way it is.

[Grandma M]

I have a small Psychopsis which I planted in S/H when I got it. It needed repotting so I just placed the whole mass into a larger pot with more lecia. I did that about two weeks ago and I already see new roots. It didn't miss a beat with repotting. I just odered 2 more, different varieties, to be picked up at a show. I'm think of repotting them, when they arrive, in S/H ,regular method Do you think that is wise?

How do you keep yours standing so upright? I have a larger plant in bloom but I have a difficult time keeping the long stem from bending over.

I have been bitten by the "Butterfly Bug".

Marilyn

[Tmai]

How do you keep yours standing so upright? I have a larger plant in bloom but I have a difficult time keeping the long stem from bending over.

I have been bitten by the "Butterfly Bug".

Marilyn

Must be hidden wires! That is spectacular, Fren. Marilyn, let us know how your new arrivals do.

Tami

[smartie2000]

yup hidden wires! I have trouble keeping them upright because they bend towards the window as they grow. I think greenhouse growers don't have so much trouble

I think it is ok to repot right away, I think they grow roots quite fast actually. I haven't tried S/H on these yet though.

Me too I got bitten! I bought a psychopsis papilio var. aurea recently at a society fundraiser auction recently. I hope it turns out as yellow as the name suggests. The leaves are pigmented so it isn't papilio var. alba for sure

[Piper]

My Mariposa has only ever bloomed on two spikes, but at one point it got so excited it sent up two more spikes. They only ever grew to half height and then the plant thought better of blooming on them.

Nice photo of the entire plant, Fren!

McJulie

[Omar]

Thanks smartie2000. hmmm. i've always wanted one but i'm on a budget in the middle of nowhere tucson,az. its expensive to get things shipped here plus how expensive phycs are. sigh.

[Becky15349]

very pretty!! Great growing!!
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[elissamiranda]

OMG its beautiful! Hope I can find it in Puerto Rico. =)

[smwboxer]

I find that the secret to these is to repot them only when new root/plant growth has started. I only use osmunda fiber on them also to make sure they don't have to be disturbed for several years at a time. They seem to really like the stuff.

[sadie]

That is beautiful! I've always thought they looked like tribal dancers--the big three "feather" headress, crazy costume with flowing sleeves and skirt. Lovely.