Care of LYCASTE ORCHIDS

G&B ORCHID Laboratory & Nursery, Inc. 2426 Cherimoya Dr., Vista, CA 92084 -- Fax: (760) 727-0017 Ph: (760) 727-2611 or (760) 727-9466 -- Toll Free: (888) 727-2760

POTTING: Use a potting medium that gives excellent drainage, yet retains some moisture; fine fir bark, or fir bark used in combination with perlite is good; a commercially prepared cymbidium mix is also fine. To maintain good drainage, repot in fresh medium every 2-3 years, in spring right after blooming. When repotting, pot size should be just large enough to accomodate 2 years more growth; no larger.

WATERING: Keep plants well watered during warm weather, in periods of active growth; potting medium should never be allowed to completely dry out, but do not keep the plants constantly wet, either. Gradually reduce water in fall as temperatures decrease; when the lowest night temperatures reach about 50 degrees F., water only enough to keep bulbs from shriveling, about 2 or 3 times per month; then, as lowest night temperatures go down to about 40 degrees F., keep plants nearly dry. As temperatures rise again in spring, resume more frequent watering. Lycastes will drop their leaves prior to flowering.

FERTILIZING: Fertilize with a 20-10-20 fertilizer with occasional use of an organic fertilizer during periods of new green growth - Spring through early August. You may cease fertilization when leaves have dropped prior to new leaves emerging.

	LIGHT & LOCATION: Good light is necessary for good flower production. Grow in good morning light, perhaps under the light shade of a tree in the garden to protect the plants from the hot afternoon sun inland. Lycastes may also be grown in the greenhouse, although they prefer intermediate conditions.
	COPYRIGHT © Barry Cohen     Copies for individual use is permitted. For other use please obtain permission from G&B; ORCHID