Hi All,
I am curious if anyone out there has ever grown (or knows about) ascocentrum curvifolium
http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/117812/
In particular,
1. How difficult might it be to make this one happy indoors? I have a reasonably large wardian case (roughly 16" x 16" x 24"), great southern exposure and can add t5 lights and/or heat mats if needed.
2. How big does this get at maturity (width too). Plantfiles lists it as under 12", but it'd be nice to have a bit more specific info. I am working on setting up this wardian case and would love to incorporate a number of orchids and if possible, episcias, so space is a consideration.
Any other info/suggestions be appreciated!
Thanks,
Jan
Ascocentrum curvifolium?
Great plant Jan, hope you'll get the advice you need. Seems to be uncommon or rare tough. Good luck!
Hi Maria --
Thanks... looks like it might be. But it was worth a shot -- I've been amazed at the things people around here know about particular plants at times. And sellers will often tell you a plant is easy when it's "a bit" more particular than that. But, I'll probably just give it a try anyhow -- it's fairly inexpensive and at worst I learn what not to try next time, right?
Hope you are staying warm over there!
Jan
I was lucky today -- we've got some sunshine!
I tried to look up your plant info, well ... not much besides 'keep evenly moist' and size 15-25 cm. Flowers are pretty though:
http://www.orchidspecies.com/ascocurvifolium.htm
I have it, Jan. Actually, a double in one basket. I don't think it's a good candidate for a case. It likes pretty strong sun year around and only blooms once a year, in late Spring to summer. They like frequent watering, like daily, but then the roots need to dry out quickly. Here is mine blooming last May...
And in '09, the year I got it.
I peeked down the leaves of mine just the other day and see a spike forming on the taller plant. Hope the smaller one spikes too. Here is a close up of the flowers. Love the blue centers against the red.
Apparently these pollinate very easily because I had to keep picking off seed capsules so the plant wouldn't waste energy growing seeds.
Hi Laurel & Maria,
Thanks so much for the info and advice.
Beautiful flower. And I didn't even see the blue in other shots -- really nice. But .. it sounds like this is something for when I set up a greenhouse (and move south 500 miles). The former is probably just a matter of time; the latter, I doubt unless I suddenly stop hating humid weather. I've always said that Arizona is the only warm area I can imagine living in, and I'd bet there aren't too many "happy vandas" out there. A short lived and ill-fated love affair ...
Best,
Jan
Mine is spikeing!
Cool! How long does it usually take to reach bloom -- isn't this a bit early?
It will be months before it blooms. I have a clump of Ascocentrum garayi opening now. It is a true mini. I'll post it on the main thread in a few days when more flowers are open.