9/19/09 Aspasia lunata update

[patticake]

I realized that there had been 3 blooms on this guy, and I didn't realize it until there was only one left. I have been growing this one under lights in the basement, as I use the precious room near the windows for others. I've been so busy lately, that I keep them watered, but don't dream over them like I would love to do. Here's a pic of the one bloom left. I think they like it where it's a little warmer. Last year they were upstairs, and the blooms were much better. (My kingdom for a greenhouse!) (..and a Tin Lizzie longarm quilting machine!)

[Azure]

That is such a neat growth pattern on it! Not to mention a very nice bloom. Good growing.

[Stelios]

Nice growing! It's looking great.
Regarding the growth pattern, are you slightly rotating the pot anticlockwise with each new growth as some do with cats?

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by patticake

I think they like it where it's a little warmer.

patticake, Since you live way up north, I'm not certain what you mean. Our recently departed orchid friend, Charles Baker, shows in his culture notes that the average monthly highest/lowest for this species is 79°F high in August and 53°F low in Jan/Feb.

I have grown this species on/off for many years. I agree with the Bakers.

--Stitz--

[trinigirl]

Very pretty bloom. I have a seedling that has not bloomed yet, I hope the bloom is as pretty as yours.

[patticake]

Originally Posted by Stitz

patticake, Since you live way up north, I'm not certain what you mean. Our recently departed orchid friend, Charles Baker, shows in his culture notes that the average monthly highest/lowest for this species is 79°F high in August and 53°F low in Jan/Feb.

I have grown this species on/off for many years. I agree with the Bakers.

--Stitz--

I have just noticed that when I grew this upstairs in my south facing dining room window- the plant put out more blooms. They were held higher on the plant as well. In my basement- it's cooler, and the grow lights aren't as intense as sunlight. I have a Masdevallia herraadurae that's about to go crazy with blooms grown down there, but I think that the Aspasia lunata would like it upstairs better... I wish I had better growing conditions, but I do the best with what I have. Obviously it has grown and bloomed in both areas. It just seems to prefer the slightly warmer and lighter area of my rented dining room as opposed to my basement set up! Stitz- I really appreciate your in-put! Thank you!