Restrepia Culture

“My Way”

At 66 years old, and having been an ‘Orchid freak’ for more than 40 years. I guess you could say, that I’m pretty set in my ways.

I have no fancy gadgets, no special equipment, but I do think that the years have given me a good feel for what is a sound environment for my plants. At the time of writing this, I have over 350 Restrepia plants under cultivation.

My greenhouse is 16 feet x 14 feet, with a homemade division centrally. My Restrepias occupy one half, the other for more general orchids. Heating is with a 3 Kw. electric fan heater, with a propane gas heater as back up. I have no extra fans, but rely on good fresh air, whenever temperatures allow (via a netted doorway).

Humidity is maintained by an overhead sprinkler system, which is controlled by a computerised valve. The majority of my Restrepias are in 2.5-3.00 inch square pots, and are potted in New Zealand sphagnum moss. Which is changed annually.

Some 60-70 plants are mounted on an assortment of mounts as an experiment. From driftwood to tree fern/cork bark, and on wood logs. I have yet to really see much difference between the various types.

Plants are foliar fed with ‘Dyna-grow’ to the manufacturer’s specification, and pests are controlled (hopefully) with ‘Provado’ plus ‘Slug Clear’ My main pest is a minute flat snail, which loves to make pinholes in new leaves. I would love to know were it comes from (Sphagnum moss?)

Thursday, 18 September 2003