| Q I purchased a Psychopsis Kalihi in May 2000. Since then, the orchid has
attempted to produce two new growths, but when they reached 2 to 21/2 inches, the new growths turned brown and
rotted out. Currently, new growth is emerging and hopefully I can get the growth to fully
mature this time. How do I grow this orchid? A The new growths of plants like Psychopsis papilio and Psychopsis kramerianum (formerly known as Oncidium) and the hybrid between them, Psychopsis Kalihi, have a well-known tendency to rot. I have found underpotting, in clay pots, will help prevent this prob lem. It is also imperative that the immature growths are kept dry and remain dry after nightfall. A littler higher night temperature or a move to a warmer area when the growths are emerging could also help. —Andy Easton, Director of Education, American Orchid Society (e-mail aeaston@aos.org). |
Reprinted, with permission, from "Orchids" - The Magazine of the American Orchid Society, March 2001.