Barkeria anyone?

[palito]

Does anyone grow Barkeria or its hybrids?

I have a Barkeria Marsh Melton ( Barkeria whartoniana x Barkeria melanocaulon ) and it is blooming profusely. However, it is losing its leaves, yet it continues to grow more flower buds. My understanding is that this is a deciduous orchid, yet it keeps blooming, so I don't know whether to force the rest period by cutting water even if it means losing the flowers or just keep it going.

Suggestions?

[arleneg]

Hi palito,

I have the same exact species hybrid, however, not named Marsh Melton. It is a decidious plant, and blooms profusely every winter (for me, that is...last 2 years I've had it). The old cane lost its leaves within the last couple months. I've watered it throughout the year...of course, less during fall and winter months. The other week, I noticed two swelling new growths!

At any rate, it's up to you if you want to totally stop watering it. Honestly, I don't think you need to stop watering. Maybe someone else who has a Barkeria could share their growing experience?

[kmarch]

Originally Posted by arleneg

I have the same exact species hybrid, however, not named Marsh Melton.

Arleneg, If I understand correctly you're sayng you have a Barkeria whartoniana x Barkeria melanocaulon that's not named Barkeria Marsh Melton?

Can you tell me exactly what is expressed on the tag? I checked the RHS registry and whartoniana x melanocaulon is registered as Marsk Melton.

I'm a little confused by your term "species hybrid." It's an oxymoron as species and hybrids are completely different things but hopefully I correctly read between the lines.

[arleneg]

Kevin,

On the name tag, it has Barkeria whartonianum x Barkeria melanocaulon. That's it. If it's the same, then I'll change the name tag to Barkeria Marsk Melton with the above in parenthesis.

I meant species outcross (or is it cross?). Sometimes I'm thinking about something else and somehow the word "hybrid" was typed. I've done some weird typing before (e.g. typing a whole word backwards). I'm dislexic or something.

[palito]

thanks Arleneg. Il'll play safe and just reduce watering, but not stop completely until I see evidence of new growth.