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Barkeria There are fifteen species of Barkeria which are mainly native to Mexico and Guatamala. Some can be found in Costa Rica and Panama. They have cane-like pseudobulbs and most are deciduous. The flowers are variable in colour but are mostly lilac. They have showy flowers that last a reasonable time. They belong to the Cattleya alliance but I have found that the flowers have lasted at least twice as long as one would expect from a Cattleya. These seem most rewarding orchids to grow. Water: They need plenty of water during active growth and need only moderate shade. During winter they need to be kept almost dry, cool and light. It is at this time that the Barkerias normally shed their leaves.
Feed: All year except winter
These plants have a habit of trying to push themselves up out of the pot and form new roots well above the potting medium. When repotting in the spring, these roots can be covered. There will be a new growth with more roots further up on the pseudobulb and some of these roots too can be covered when repotting but care must be taken to keep the new growth itself above the potting medium to avoid rotting. As with all arial roots it is beneficial to spray them regularly. Barkerias have a large wandering root system and are often grown on a slab although some experts advocate the use of small pots or pans. I feel that these unusual plants with their eye-catching flowers are well worth a place in any orchidist's collection. |