Growing Instructions - Lycaste/Angulocaste
Large showy, triangular flowers that are waxy and long lasting. The genus Lycaste includes 45 species, 12 recognized subspecies and 6 natural hybrids. They range from all over Latin America, from sea level to 8000 ft. and are epiphytic or lithophytic in nature. Anguloa is a genus of eight species from Andean South America. Their habitat is mainly terrestrial in scrub forests at 1200 to 2350 feet. Angulocaste are hybrids between Lycaste and Anguloas.
The evergreen types prefer less light, 60-80% shade (1500-2500 foot candles). The deciduous types prefer light conditions of 50-70% shade (2000-4000 foot candles).
Temperature
Lycastes are considered
cool growers and therfore are happiest with night temperatures from 40-58F
and days of 65-80F. The deciduous types can tolerate a wider range
in temperature from just near freezing up to 95F.
Water
Good quality water is important to
healthy growth. The growing medium should never dry out completely,
which generally means more watering in summer and backing off during
colder, damper winter months. Deciduous types are often enhanced by
a 4-6 week dry period in March. Let the plants themselves be your
guide to watering. If in doubt, don't water.
Fertilizer
Any well balanced fertilizer is
fine given in mild doses, We are on a constant feed, fertilizing
every watering with a mild (1/2 strength) feeding. We recommend
Dyna-Gro 7-9-5 or a similar balanced fertilizer which contains trace
minerals.
Humidity
The preferred humidity would be between 40 and 70
percent. Deciduous types need less humidity.
Air
Movement
Air movement in all greenhouses is
a critical part of strong plant culture and disease prevention.
Dividing and
Repotting
We recommend repotting
every 2-3 years, usually in the spring when growth is new. Most
mixes are suitable, such as combinations of fir bark, sponge rock,
charcoal, moss, rock wool, or ground coconut fibre. Moisture
retention seems to swell the bulbs. Dividing is similar to other
orchids, with 2-3 bulb divisions being best. Pot size should allow
for a couple of years growth. If plants become top heavy, simply set
the plant (pot and all) inside a larger or heavier empty
pot.
SANTA BARBARA ORCHID ESTATE
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1-805-967-1284 +++
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