Hi Everyone! I'm new to this forum and after checking things out I believe I will learn a LOT from everyone here! I'm still relatively new to orchids -- my addiction began 2 years ago and it's now out of control.
I've recently begun branching out of some the "usuals" I can find here in OH and I'm about to purchase a specimen sized Coelogyne Pandurata mounted on a 10"x12" cork slab. I'm new to this orchid and I've never worked w/a mounted orchid.
I've searched and searched and really haven't found a definitive answer to something...I'm hoping someone can help me out.
Everything I've found so far (here and elsewhere) states this orchid needs a "full resting" period from around Oct (or leaf drop) - Mar (or until new growth begins). No watering during this time. I can do the resting period no problem...however, all the other info I've found is conflicting. Some sites say humidity must be maintained at 60% or greater -- other sites say lower humidity (around 40%) during resting is OK. Some sites say coolers temps are ok during the rest and some say never below 65 degrees F. Ay Yi Yi -- what's a person to do?
This is a beautiful orchid so naturally I want it in my collection but it's not a cheapie so I'd rather go into this with a fighting chance of keeping it alive.
A little about my growing conditions.....All of my orchids spend the summer outside -- and they love it. Living in central OH and not having a greenhouse -- they come inside to their specially arranged room during the winter. The room has floor to ceiling (12ft) windows facing East and facing South. Hangers from the ceiling for those that need hanging. Shelves build for those that can be on shelves. Even a home-made orchid-arium for some of my babies and the small vandas. I mist regularly for those that need it and have fans for those than need the extra air movement. During the coldest part of the winter (typically late Dec - Early-mid Feb) temperatures are no lower than 55f at night and I kick it up to 65f during the day.
Any suggestions and/or advice you can share would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Katrina