| In their habitat Summer days average 24C, nights 14-15C with a diurnal range of 9-10C. Winter days average 15-19C, nights 4-7C with a diurnal range of 10-12C. According to Baker some growers indicate that winter nights at least as Cool as 10C are necessary to initiate blooms and that plants tolerate lows to 2C. In cultivation, water should be greatly reduced from midautumn until growth resumes in spring. Plants should be allowed to dry out between waterings, but they should not remain dry for prolonged periods. Australian growers recommend just enough water in winter so the pseudobulbous stems do not become shriveled. Fertilizer should be reduced or eliminated when water is reduced. Growers indicate that distinct seasonal variation is essential for plant health..
Elsewhere I read that they must have a dormant period of at least 100 days. REST Nov-Mar. Summer+spring water 1x week, in winter reduced to 1x every 2 weeks or when bark is dry(I do not grow mine in bark).
This is information that I have collected, and not my own experience as I have only had my own kingianum for 1 year(it bloomed after keeping it cooler over the winter). Hope this helps.
Last edited by linda_shel; 11-18-2007 at 06:03 PM.
|